Paul McLoone, Irish singer, former radio producer, radio presenter, and voice actor

Paul McLoone: A Multifaceted Irish Media Icon and Champion of Music

Paul Martin McLoone, born on 11 February 1967, is a highly distinguished and versatile figure in Irish media, hailing from Derry, Northern Ireland. His impressive career tapestry weaves through roles as a celebrated musician, an astute radio producer, a compelling voice actor, a sought-after voice-over artist, and a captivating radio presenter. This diverse background has cemented his status as a prominent and influential personality across various entertainment and broadcasting spheres in Ireland, making him a household name for his contributions to comedy, music, and radio.

Comedic Genius: Co-Creator of Gift Grub

Among his many accomplishments, McLoone is perhaps most widely recognized for his pivotal role as the co-creator and co-writer of the iconic Irish comedy sketch series, Gift Grub. Launched in 1999 on the national independent radio station Today FM, Gift Grub quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Co-created with comedian Mario Rosenstock, the show became synonymous with sharp political satire and hilarious celebrity impersonations, capturing the national consciousness and offering a unique comedic lens on Irish society and public figures. Its immediate and enduring popularity underscored McLoone's significant contribution to Irish comedy and his keen understanding of popular culture.

Musical Prowess: The Undertones' Enduring Frontman

Beyond his comedic and broadcasting ventures, Paul McLoone is a respected musician, currently serving as the dynamic lead vocalist and frontman for The Undertones. This legendary Northern Irish pop-punk and new-wave band, celebrated for their catchy melodies and energetic performances, found a new lease on life when they reunited for a series of live appearances in November 1999. McLoone permanently stepped into the shoes of the band's distinctive original singer, Feargal Sharkey, a challenging role he embraced with critical acclaim. He has since been instrumental in sustaining The Undertones' electrifying live presence and preserving the legacy of their iconic sound, which includes seminal tracks like "Teenage Kicks" – famously lauded by legendary BBC DJ John Peel as his favourite song. McLoone's powerful vocal delivery and stage charisma have ensured the band continues to captivate audiences worldwide, touring extensively and releasing new material that upholds their rich musical heritage.

A Champion of New Music: The Paul McLoone Show on Today FM

McLoone's passion for music discovery shines brightest as the host of "The Paul McLoone Show" on Today FM, one of Ireland's leading national independent radio stations. Broadcasting live from Dublin every Monday to Thursday from 10:00 pm to midnight, this acclaimed programme has become a crucial platform for alternative and indie rock enthusiasts. The show meticulously curates a playlist that highlights both lesser-known Irish solo singers and bands, alongside international artists popular within the vibrant alternative and indie rock scenes who are yet to achieve mainstream recognition. It serves as a vital conduit for listeners to discover groundbreaking new music, offering a refreshing counterpoint to commercial radio and underscoring McLoone's dedication to supporting emerging talent and showcasing diverse musical genres that might otherwise go unheard on national airwaves.

Curating Musical Narratives: "Another Side" on TXFM

Prior to his current nightly slot, McLoone also hosted "Another Side" on TXFM, a Dublin-centric alternative and indie rock sister station to Today FM (formerly known as Phantom FM). Airing from 17 January 2015 to 2 July 2016, this hour-long programme, broadcast on Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Sunday night repeat at 10:00 pm, offered a unique deep dive into the career of a single major musician or band. "Another Side" went beyond their chart hits, exploring their entire artistic journey by playing various songs associated with their career, including valuable album tracks and B-sides that had not been released as singles. This in-depth approach provided listeners with a comprehensive and nuanced profile, enriching their understanding of an artist's discography and influences. The Sunday repeat of this critically acclaimed programme was co-hosted with fellow radio presenter John Caddell, further enhancing its appeal.

Honouring Irish Music Excellence: The Choice Music Prize

From March 2012 to March 2016, Paul McLoone held the distinguished position as the main presenter for the annual Choice Music Prize awards ceremony. Established in 2005, the Choice Music Prize is one of Ireland's most prestigious annual music awards, presented in Dublin. It celebrates an album by an Irish band or musician that is deemed "Irish Album of the Year" based on its artistic merit, as judged by an impartial panel comprising diverse figures from all facets of Irish media and the music industry, including journalists, broadcasters, and music critics. McLoone's involvement with the awards predated his presenting role; he was initially instrumental in the background running and organization of the event, showcasing his commitment to supporting Irish musical talent. His transition to master of ceremonies (M.C.) for the 2011 prize ceremony marked a significant step, a role he flawlessly executed for five consecutive years. This period showcased his profound understanding of the Irish music landscape and his ability to host a major national event with grace and insight. Following his tenure, the Choice Music Prize began broadcasting on RTÉ 2FM from 2017 onwards, further expanding its reach across the national airwaves and cementing its status as a cornerstone of the Irish music calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul McLoone

Who is Paul McLoone?
Paul McLoone is a versatile Irish media personality from Derry, Northern Ireland, widely recognized for his multifaceted career as a musician, radio presenter, voice actor, and co-creator of the acclaimed comedy series Gift Grub.
What is Paul McLoone best known for?
He is most widely known for co-creating and co-writing the popular Irish comedy sketch show Gift Grub and for being the current lead vocalist of the iconic Northern Irish punk band The Undertones, a role he has held since 1999.
Does Paul McLoone host a radio show?
Yes, he hosts "The Paul McLoone Show" on Today FM, which broadcasts Monday to Thursday evenings, focusing on alternative and indie rock music, particularly highlighting new and emerging Irish and international artists.
When did Paul McLoone join The Undertones?
Paul McLoone permanently joined The Undertones as their frontman in November 1999, replacing original vocalist Feargal Sharkey, when the band reunited for a series of live appearances.
What is the Choice Music Prize?
The Choice Music Prize is an annual Irish music award established in 2005, which recognizes and celebrates the "Irish Album of the Year" based on its artistic merit, decided by a panel of media and music industry professionals. Paul McLoone served as its main presenter for five years.