COLAPALOOZA

The Grand Social, Dublin | Friday, July 24, 2026

Doors 7:00 PM | Tickets €20

Life has a cruel way of picking the wrong targets. Recently, our dear friend Colin Howell was diagnosed with ALS.

For those who know him, Colin is a "giant" in every sense—not just in stature, but in spirit, humour, and a level of kindness that is frankly over-the-top. He’s the man who always has your back and the person who makes every room brighter. Now, he is facing the fight of his life. Tasks we all take for granted—a trip to the shops or a morning shower—are becoming increasingly difficult.

To understand why we’re doing this, you have to go back to Carrickmacross in the early 90s. While the rest of us were struggling to tune our guitars, Idle Mind (led by the indefatigable Howell brothers, Colin and Gary) was busy blowing the doors off local pubs. Watching them rip through Helmet and Therapy? covers was a religious experience.

Let’s be honest: without the influence and unending encouragement of the Howell brothers, there would be no Cousin It, and by extension, no Mike Got Spiked. Whether the world would have been a quieter, more peaceful place without our collective noise is a debate for another day—but the fact remains: Colin is the reason we play.

Music brought us together and paved the way for lifelong friendships. Now it’s the only way we know how to fight back. With the blessing of the Howell family, we are staging a massive night of music to raise the funds Colin needs for the "new normal" ahead. The lineup features:

Mike Got Spiked (Full Set)

Cousin It (Full Set)

The "Friends" Ensemble (A special set of covers and guest appearances)

Whether you crashed at his home in Carrick, shared a laugh in Dublin, or had an adventure together in Thailand, Germany, or the States—we need you. Tickets priced at €20 are on sale now.

Every penny goes directly to Colin’s care. If you can’t make it, buy a ticket anyway. If you can make it, bring someone who hasn't had the pleasure of meeting Colin yet. The man himself plans to be there to enjoy the night with us all. Let’s show this disease that while it may be "incurable," it’s got nothing on the community Colin Howell helped to build.

See you in Dublin this July.

— Mike Got Spiked, Cousin It, & Friends