This Friday just past, 27th February at The Academy in Dublin, a show entitled 'Inspirations' featured a host of top acts performing songs by their musical heroes. In aid of Barretstown founded by the late actor Paul Newman as part of his Hole in the Wall Gang Camps for sick children, acts included Sinead O'Connor, Republic of Loose, Fun Lovin Criminals, Shane MacGowan, The Walls, The Blizzards, Engine Alley, Ham Sandwich, The Kinetiks and Dublin Gospel Choir, all MC'd by Ray D'Arcy. Acts played songs by a range of artists who influenced them including David Bowie, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and U2, as well as one or two of their own pieces.

It was a quite a joy to hear highly-tipped Dublin band 'Ham Sandwich' launch into a fine version of The Smiths' There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, in homage to what they claimed was one of their main sources of inspiration.

Some of their own songs are here: http://www.myspace.com/eathamsandwich