Named for the Bell X-1 supersonic aircraft, Ireland's Bell X1 is second only to U2 in the all-time ranking of bands by airplay in their native country, and since their music has started showing up on the likes of TV's "The O.C." and "Late Night with David Letterman," they've snared a big U.S. fan base. Playing huge arenas in their home country, they still like to help set up their own equipment on stage, and their environmentally conscious activities include the purchase of carbon offsets for their tours. Bell X1's music has been compared to that of the Talking Heads, and Dave Donnelly of the All Music Guide writes that "Irish indie rock four-piece Bell X1 call to mind pre-electronic Radiohead and the more sedate side of Coldplay, crafting tight, melodic pop with introspective and witty lyrics." Bell X1 comes to Michigan with a new album, "Field Recordings," and their current North American tour consists of all acoustic music. Duke Special opens!