Bill Graham

Bill Graham (1951 – 11 May 1996) was an Irish journalist and author. In addition to authoring several books, Graham wrote for Hot Press magazine from its founding. Hot Press editor and Graham's longtime colleague Niall Stokes described him as "a founding father of modern Irish music." Similarly, John Waters wrote that he was "the first Irish writer to write about the connection between Irish political culture and Irish rock'n'roll." He is credited with discovering U2. John Waters observed Graham's tremendous influence on the band: "It is often said that Bill 'discovered' U2. This is untrue. Bill created U2, through his enthusiasm for them. He gave them a reflection of their own possibilities and they only looked back that once."

Jim Carroll credits Graham as inspiring him to become a music writer.

He died of a heart attack at 44 on 11 May 1996, outliving his mother Eileen. He resided in Howth. His funeral drew many of biggest bands from the world of Irish music including Clannad, Altan, U2 and Hothouse Flowers, along with singers Simon Carmody and Gavin Friday.