RIA RUA
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Whelan’s Upstairs • Thur 26th Feb 2026
Hailing from Cavan, Ria Rua (“Red Queen” in Irish) is known for her explosive and emotional performances.
Her lyrics are pointed and personal but the themes are universal: sex, power and freedom.
Expect grungy and electronic rock anthems – a dynamic fusion of electronic pulses, grunge undertones, and alternative embellishments. Her tracks often feature mesmerizing vocals that exude attitude, layered over a blend of industrial textures and introspective melodies – music that sounds like an angry soundtrack to the looming collapse.
Some songs are guitar driven. Some sound like a helicopter crashing into a petrol station. Some have two drummers. All of them are driven my a single minded vision and urgency.
Ria’s debut album “S C A P E G.O.A.T.” was mixed by Grammy Winning engineer Ruadhri Cushnan (Ed Sheeran/The Macabees) and will be released in feb 2026.
She recently had a song featured in the Nicolas Cage movie “The Surfer,” and has been played numerous times on Deutschlandfunk, the BBC and Irish national radio.
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TICKETS
€16.50 available online from Whelan’s – 50c per ticket service charge applies.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best (€5 cover charge), plus Late Bar