John Waters and Gemma O’Doherty are to stage a public sing-in ahead of their High Court appearance next week.
The pair, who argue that the country’s Covid-19 restrictions are unconstitutional, are to lead supporters in a non-stop performance of the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest winner Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids.
The song, originally performed by Charlie McGettigan and Paul Harrington, was chosen by Waters as “representing a more innocent, idealized Ireland, that has been obliterated forever by this Covid-19 lockdown.”
“I remember ’62,” said Waters, “I wasn’t sixteen, but that’s not the point. We were the rock ‘n’ roll kids, we had good times. But now, thanks to this police state we’ll never get to rock ‘n’ roll anymore.”
“Those were better days, before the Gardai stopped us listening to those songs on the radio,” added O’Doherty.
The duo, whose case will be heard next Tuesday, will perform the song inside the court foyer from Saturday evening. O’Doherty is currently learning the chords on her, Irish made, acoustic guitar.
Up to seven supporters are expected to attend the event. Waters has encouraged them to bring lighters and scarves that can be waved “in a festival of defiance.”
“This may be the most important musical performance in the history of the state,” he concluded.