Keeping Irish Rock Legends’ Legacy Alive — GVSU PRSSA – Grand Valley State University Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

This summer, I had the opportunity to work in the heart of Dublin at an Irish Rock n Roll Museum modeled next to the Temple Lane recording studio. Many rock-and-roll icons have recorded at this studio, such as Sinead O'Connor, Thin Lizzy, U2, and even Rihanna and Eminem with their song “Love the Way You Lie.” The Irish Rock n Roll Museum leverages storytelling from these accomplished artists, creating a more intimate experience and allowing their stories to be told to the generations beyond.

Looking at rock-and-roll from a PR perspective, it is crucial to look at its development. From the first electric guitar to digital music, public relations has been used to promote artists and shape the public’s perception. Despite its smaller population, Ireland has made massive waves in rock-and-roll since the 80’s, thanks to PR campaigns. In both Ireland and the US, PR strategies account for different cultural values, media landscapes, and expectations from the public.

Fostering Relationships in Public Relations

In PR, it is important to use storytelling to create authenticity and connections with the audiences you are trying to reach. Speaking with staff at the museum who have worked there since the opening, I learned that many have met famous Irish artists, such as Sinead O’Connor and Phil Lynott. Their stories were later turned into exhibits on our tours, blog posts, and social media content. For example, the museum has an entire room dedicated to Phil Lynott, decked out with his iconic leather jacket and guitars. By posting a photo of his mother and him at his statue and telling stories about his personal life, we were able to create a more unique experience for writing and events that went on to commemorate him. We also created more personalized posts for birthdays and celebrations that went on throughout the year. The special connection the museum has creates a more interpersonal PR experience, which allows the audiences to connect with the stories in front of them.

Special Events Promotions

Throughout the summer, concerts and events picked up in the area. As a team, we constantly updated the calendar with birthdays, concerts, events, and anniversaries. Staying up to date with these events allowed the community to connect with the rich history of rock and roll in Ireland, as well as with our organization. Sharing throwbacks to legendary concerts and mashups are a way to remember all the good that rock has given us.

There were a few events this summer that were showcased by our teams and projects, including Van Morrison playing in Dublin at The Iveagh Gardens. Our goal was to use social media to promote the concert on the museum's TikTok and Instagram stories. As a result, many people who enjoy his music and have an interest in the rock genre booked a tour at our museum.

Another project I worked on was creating a video compilation of iconic moments, including concerts and interviews with artists featured in the museum. This was an effective way to draw in people who came into the museum. Dublin is a high-traffic area, and being in Temple Bar, many tourists would see our building and book tours. This is also a way to generate word-of-mouth promotion.

During the summer pride celebrations, I researched members of the LGBTQ+ community who are featured in our exhibits. Profiles of their careers and life which were then posted on our social media platforms. By showcasing these figures, we promoted inclusivity and community engagement for our brand.

Why PR is Important

This experience shifted my perspective on PR and gave me a glimpse into community engagement and cultural factors. Throughout my internship, I used PR to cater to an audience and engage with them by using storytelling to keep the legacy of artists alive. I also learned about how PR can be localized to a specific demographic and saw first-hand how a company can use decades of relationship-building with those in the entertainment industry.

About Aubrey

Aubrey is a senior at Grand Valley State University Studying Advertising and Public relations with a minor in Studio art. This is her first year at GrandPR where she will be an account associate. Last year she was a part of the Outreach Committee for PRSSA. She spent her summer interning with the Irish Rock n Roll Museum. After graduation, she hopes to work at an advertising firm in Chicago.