Three huge acts for upcoming concert at Kilkenny's newest venue

The iconic punk band Public Image Ltd - better known as PiL -  fronted by the inimitable John Lydon, will take to the stage in Kilkenny on Friday, July 17 for the inaugural 'Live at Castle Mills', a brand new tented concert event at Castle Mills, beneath the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. 

Fans can expect a night filled with the band’s legendary post-punk sound, showcasing tracks from their extensive catalogue – from 1978’s debut First Issue through to 2023’s End of World.

PiL will be joined by special guests, acclaimed Northern Irish band 'Therapy?' and Kilkenny’s own 'Kerbdog' for a must see night for music lovers and punk fans alike.

After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed post-punk originators Public Image Ltd in 1978.

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Widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time, PiL have amassed 5 UK Top 20 Singles and 5 UK Top 20 Albums across a catalogue that continues to inspire generations of artists.

With a shifting line-up and unique sound - fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub - Lydon guided the band from their debut album First Issue through to 1992's That What Is Not, before a 17-year hiatus.

Reactivated in 2009, the band have toured relentlessly and released three critically acclaimed albums: This Is PiL (2012), What The World Needs Now… (2015) and End of World (2023).

Following the devastating loss of his wife, Nora, and his friend and manager, John Rambo Stevens, in 2023, Lydon had hinted that PiL might stop touring. But the love and support shown by fans during his 2024 spoken word tour changed his mind. 

As Lydon put it: "So many of the amazing people who came to those shows told me exactly what PiL means to them, so I couldn't just stay on my sofa and not tour."

This Is Not The Last Tour has since taken PiL across Europe, and now fans have a unique opportunity to experience them live at Castle Mills in Kilkenny.

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Acclaimed Northern Irish rockers Therapy? have been an enduring fixture across four decades. The trio retain a strong and powerful connection with their dedicated fanbase around the world, having well-earned a reputation as a fierce live band.

An extremely prolific band, from early mini-albums Babyteeth and Pleasure Death through the band 's 16th studio album Hard Cold Death (2023), Therapy? have cut a path crossing noise-rock and genre-defying mainstream success with Gold-Certified albums Troublegum and Infernal Love giving them an enduring cult-hero status with music fans.

Hailing from Kilkenny, Kerbdog rapidly rose to fame in the mid-90s, set to rock the world with their eardrum battering melodies which are a clash of indie and metal.

From their eponymous debut album (1993), follow up On The Turn (1995) the band built up a loyal fanbase and great acclaim across the critical landscape. After initially splitting in 1998 the band reunited as new listeners discovered the On The Turn and the wider catalogue.

The band have since released 2014 live album Congregation, sold out shows across the UK and Ireland and in 2025 shared stages with the likes of Kaiser Chiefs and Reef to name a few.

PiL with special guests Therapy? and Kerbdog is the second night to be announced for the series, following the announcement last week of Matt Berninger with special guests Lisa O’Neill and Engine Alley. 

“We are so excited about the calibre of artist we’re bringing to Kilkenny with the inaugural Live at Castle Mills series,” say organisers Willie Byrne and Darragh Butler, both Kilkenny natives. 

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“To have artists of the international standing of PiL, Matt Berninger, Therapy? and Lisa O’Neill sharing a stage by our very own Kilkenny success stories Kerbdog and Engine Alley feels really special too.” 

They continue: “This is exactly what we wanted to do with Live at Castle Mills: bring world-class artists to Kilkenny in a beautiful space under canvas by the river - while also being right in the heart of the city. It allows us to create an experience that feels both elevated and uniquely Kilkenny."

The event is being launched in partnership with the Kilkenny Nighttime Economy initiative, taking the opportunity to show Kilkenny’s vibrant, diverse and unique evening and late night cultural scene.

The venue is within easy walking distance of Kilkenny City centre, so attendees are encouraged to walk or use public transport where possible. For those travelling by car, city centre parking is available. Please note there is no parking on site.

Tickets on sale Wednesday, April 1, at 10am local time from castlemills.ie and ticketmaster.ie, with general admission tickets costing €59.50 + fees.

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