Road Runner comes to town

He may feel that he’s just coming to grips with the recording medium, however the records that Massachusetts born Jonathan Richman has made over the past 30 years have long held a special place in the hearts of his fans.And he has been long recognised as an influence on such diverse bands as the Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Joan Jett and Simple Minds Richman began playing guitar at the age of 15, and in the early 1970s formed the Modern Lovers, whose raw, minimalist sound and emotionally forthright songs helped to lay the groundwork for punk rock.But by the time the group’s landmark debut album (which included the much covered Road Runner, a Top Five single in Europe) was released in 1976, Jonathan had already moved on to a quieter sound and a gentler lyrical focus.Since then, he has continued to record and tour prolifically, first with a series of Modern Lovers’ line-ups, later on his own, and eventually as a duo with drummer Tommy Larkins. Over the years, Jonathan’s music has absorbed a multitude of influences, from doo-wop to country to a variety of international styles, without sacrificing the artist’s effervescent personality. Tickets are now on sale for his show in the Róisín on May 12, costing €18/16 members. It may seem a while away but his loyal following means this could sell out soon.