Paradise Conspiracy Crowned Winners Of Tipperary Battle Of The Bands
By The Final Showdown
Last night saw the final of the Tipperary Battle of the Bands, sold out for over a week, every inch of space inside the rapidly rising live hub that is Hickeys Bar was wall-to-wall with eager music fans.
From the very beginning, Paradise Conspiracy had been marked out as ones to watch — but in a final where the margins felt razor-thin and every act came out swinging, they still found a way to edge ahead, emerging as worthy winners of this year’s Tipperary Battle of the Bands after fierce competition from The Grapevine Band and Peadar Bradshaw Band.
With six acts battling it out in the final, Anglesea Band were first to hit the stage — a band whose stock has quietly risen with every round of the competition. Opening the night with a set brimming with confidence, they tore through originals like Reminiscing, Starry Night and Cowboy, underlining just how much they’ve evolved over the course of the tournament. What may once have felt rough around the edges now lands with real conviction — and on this showing, they’re a band well worth keeping an eye on.
Next up Peadar Bradshaw Band — one of the standout acts from the very first round and a performer who always looked destined to go far in the competition. With effortless stage presence and a clear knack for song writing, Bradshaw delivered yet another assured performance, proving why he’s been considered one of the strongest contenders throughout.
His set balanced ambition with confidence, taking in a punchy cover of Money for Nothing by Dire Straits alongside original tracks Gatsby Blues, Slow Dance With a Kiss and Unfinished Business.
It was another hugely impressive showing from a songwriter who already feels a step beyond the local circuit — and on this evidence, it’s hard to imagine this being the last time we’ll be hearing the name Peadar Bradshaw.
KYB were another of the night’s younger acts to leave a serious impression, kicking things off with a snarling take on Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo before shifting gears with their own original, Whispers of Home. Closing out with crowd-pleasing blasts through Teenage Dirtbag and Mr. Brightside, the band showed both confidence and plenty of raw promise.
There’s still room for the songwriting to grow, but the potential here feels undeniable — and once KYB build up a stronger catalogue of originals, they could really take off.
By the halfway point of the night, The Grapevine Band took to the stage and instantly shifted the mood, bringing a blast of polished, feel-good Motown energy into Hickeys. Leaning fully into the classics, the band stormed through crowd favourites like Want You Back – Jackson five, Say a Little Prayer- Aretha Franklin, Be My Baby – the Ronettes and Do You Love Me – The Contours.
Unsurprisingly, they were a massive hit with the crowd. More than just a covers band, Grapevine have the chemistry, musicianship and charisma of a group capable of going far beyond the local scene.
Metal band Basilisk had already raised a few eyebrows on their debut, and here they doubled down in typically chaotic fashion, wasting no time in making serious noise as they thundered through a set built on pure intent and volume.
Running through tracks like Fibonacci, Wasting Love, Condemned and Night After Communism, they pushed hard into intensity over polish — all jagged edges, momentum and distortion. Notably, much of the set was delivered without a bass player, which only added to the raw, slightly unhinged power of the performance.
It’s still early days, but there’s something compellingly unpredictable about Basilisk. Keep an eye out for them at Féile Beag.
Last but not least, the winners Paradise Conspiracy stepped up and did what they’ve done all competition long — let the music do the talking. A set packed entirely with originals; it felt less like a performance and more like a statement of intent.
Over the past year, this is a band that’s steadily sharpened its identity, and this competition has only accelerated that trajectory — pushing them to write harder, dig deeper, and lock in their sound. On the night, it all came together when it mattered most.
Blasting through Go With The Flow, Take My Life, Burden and the blistering Evil Eyes, Paradise Conspiracy closed the night with real intent and zero hesitation.
In a final packed with genuine quality from start to finish, they still found a way to stand out when it mattered most. Tight, assured and fully in control, they delivered a performance that showed a level of maturity far beyond their years.
The Charcoal Greys
While the judges counted the votes, rising indie outfit The Charcoal Greys kept the energy levels up, soundtracking the tense wait with a set that showed exactly why they’re one of the names to watch on the circuit right now. With an EP due towards the end of the year, the Greys offered a glimpse of what’s coming next, rolling through Muddy Shoes, Blisters, Pandora’s Box, Loyalty, Deny Your Alibi, Just Because, Sober and SALG
The Charcoal Greys are truly special right now — original sound driven by serious vocal firepower from Emily O’Keeffe. Catch them live when you can.
https://charcoalgreys.com
As competitions go this has been a showcase for up-and-coming talent where winning is only a small part of it.
Everyone who took part are already winners, gaining experience, networking and most of all having fun with likeminded people.
Big shoutout for Stephen McGrath and all the people involved in this amazing event.