History In The Making: The Book of Hot Press Interviews

When Hot Press was launched in 1977, we made a key decision. This was rock ’n’ roll: the expletives would not be deleted. And so when, in 1984, Charlie Haughey sat down for a confab, we applied the same principle. By the time Hot Press hit the streets with Charlie on the front cover, extracts from the interview were on the front page of every national newspaper. Controversy, argument and debate erupted. Overnight, the Hot Press Interview had become one of the most important and controversial platforms in Irish media.

Now, to kickstart the Hot Press 50 celebrations, as we count down to 2027, Hot Press editor Niall Stokes is gathering together the finest 20 interviews to have appeared in Hot Press since the magazine was launched in 1977.  It is an astonishing collection that will capture one of the most vital and compelling stories in Irish journalism.

"Charlie Haughey, Gay Byrne, Gerry Adams, Mary Robinson, Michael D. Higgins, Sinead O'Connor will all be in there,” Niall Stokes says. “But even the selection process is an epic task. We’re currently sifting through archives revisiting fantastic encounters with the likes of Bertie Ahern, Garret Fitzgerald, Bob Geldof, Gerry Ryan, Colin Farrell, Bono, Dolores O’Riordan, Roy Keane, Fr. Michael Cleary, Katie Taylor, Saoirse Ronan in her first ever major interview – and lots, lots more. One thing is guaranteed: the final selection of 20 will offer an incredible window into the recent past – and an extraordinary blaze of insights into Ireland and its people." 

Gathered together in a gorgeously produced, epic publication, readers will be witnesses afresh to History In the Making. 

• History In The Making is the third in a series of unique, historic Hot Press publications, also including the acclaimed Philip Lynott: Still In Love With You and Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book.

History In The Making: The Book of Hot Press Interviews will contain:
– 20 legendary Hot Press interviews, featuring some of Ireland’s biggest names – and the story behind the controversies they frequently inspired
– Fascinating and revealing introductions by Hot Press editor, Niall Stokes, who’s been at the heart of action throughout
– Illustrations will include original lay-outs, photos from the era, and other powerfully evocative visuals
– The famous Mad Hatter questionnaire with key players behind the interviews.

• History In The Making will be a gorgeously designed, must-have Limited Edition collectors’ item – there will only ever be one print run, so now is the time to secure your copy…

 
Key features include:
• Beautiful large-format (A3-style)
• Each book will be individually hand-numbered
• Personally signed and authenticated by Hot Press founder & editor, Niall Stokes
• Over 300 pages, gorgeously printed on specially selected premium art paper
• Hard-back cover, beautifully bound, varnished and finished
• World-class production and design
• Comes in a special presentation slip-case 

• Those who pre-order this unique collectors’ item will have their names inscribed in a list of Executive Producers, to be positioned at the front of the book (opt-out available) .

Purchasers will also receive:
• An A4 poster print of an historic cover of your choice, personally signed by Hot Press founder & editor, Niall Stokes. 

This is a pre-order - shipping expected mid Q4 2025.