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Photo Taken from: Dublin Concerts
Last nights concert was the first of three in the National Concert Hall for James Vincent McMorrow and his band as part of his Post Tropical tour. He has spent the last while touring in Australia and this is his first show in his hometown and he was clearly excited to be home and playing in the National Concert Hall. An intimidating venue usually more suited to classical music or musicals but it perfectly suited the hauntingly beautiful tunes from James’ second album. The support was from a Dublin-band Slow Skies with beautiful, fragile vocals from lead singer, Karen Sheridan. The staging was pretty spectacular with pyramids changing colour to the music and bringing the post-tropical theme to life. The lighting was equally impressive and added to the atmosphere. But the star of the show were the songs, both old and new. It was definitely worth getting out of my sick bed for and facing the stormy Dublin weather. I loved every minute. He is a great musician and so are his band mates playing as he jokingly said ‘about 75 instruments each’. For the four of them, there is quite a symphony of sound.
Things we learnt about James last night:
1. He likes pyramids.
2. He doesn’t like to take off his shirt.
3. He lives near the National Concert Hall.
4. He has a small studio upstairs in the National Concert Hall.
This album is a departure from his first but still beautifully crafted. The thing I love about James is he is unique – always original, never copied. Last night was sublime.
Yesterday on another lovely sunny day in Ireland, we made our way to the Phoenix Park for the Gentlemen of the Road tour. The security was everywhere and it was harder than I’ve ever experienced to get into a gig! I guess they learned their lesson from last years’ debacle. Aerosols and food were a no-no and were confiscated and all bags were searched several times. It appeared that they had gotten a security firm from the UK.
We could hear Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros ‘Home’ echoing around the park as we made our way in and there was even a spot that you could see the stage outside the venue – perfect for those without tickets. The venue is in the middle of the park so it’s a long walk in. When we eventually got in, the place was already jammed and seemed to be a little claustrophobic. The sun was also very hot even for six o clock so we treated ourselves to some ice-cream. The Vaccines took to the stage and we watched them while sun-bathing. Ben Howard was next and I was impressed with his set. I originally thought he might be too sedate but he put on a good performance.
The sun was setting when Mumford and sons took to the stage to a very enthusiastic and happy crowd who bounced along happily singing all the words. It was a beautiful evening in Dublin and Mumford and co looked happy to be there. The atmosphere will never equal seeing them in the Olympia – one of my favourite ever gigs or even the o2. The icing on the cake was the encore and their version of Galway Girl. I couldn’t think of a nicer way to end the gig inviting all the bands who had played including Ham Sandwich on stage to play an Irish song with them. We went into the dark, warm night happy out.
We took the trip to Cork to see The National play Live at the Marquee on Friday night and boy were we happy we did. They never fail to disappoint me. We had booked into the Clarion Hotel and they had a free shuttle bus to and from the gig – happy days. It made for a stressfree gig-going experience. The Marquee is exactly what it sounds like, a giant tent located in the Docklands area. It was made even nicer by the fact that it was a lovely evening. The venue was well organised and easy to get around with friendly staff – minimum hassle getting in. There was a nice bar area, the toilets were spotless with bags of toilet roll and there was also a food area featuring Eddie Rockets. The gates opened at 6.30 and Tall Ships the support act came on around 7. The show had quite an early start with The National arriving on stage at 8ish. The place filled up quite quickly and there was a nice crowd and good atmosphere. The set list was a nice mix of the new album and previous albums – about 23 songs in total. It was noticeable that a lot of the crowd didn’t know the new album that well but that is to be expected. It was good to hear the new songs live and some really stood out like Graceless, Fireproof and Sea of Love. I’m loving the new album more and more. It is more of a grower than High Violet but just as good. I love Matt’s deep voice, the brass instruments and the lyrics. He does seem to love the Irish and talked about his first gig in Cork where they played to 20 people and thanked Joe Nicholson of Whelan’s who showed his mum a good time. The crowd were certainly loving The National – singing along and dancing. They rounded off the night with Terrible Love and an acoustic version of Vanderlyle Cry Baby where Matt dived into the crowd. We left on a high and I for one can’t wait to see them again in November in the o2 or 3 or whatever it shall be called from now on!
What a phenomenal gig last night in Vicar Street! Little Green Cars deserve their success which is sure to follow them around. They are great musicians and beautiful harmonists. Just back from a tour around the USA starting in Austin, Texas, they were happy to be home and clearly delighted to be playing to a packed Vicar Street. With their first album, Absolute Zero barely released to rave reviews, it is exciting to see them doing so well. With support by Gypsies on the Autobahn, another Dublin-based band, who were also well received. The lead singer sounds a little like he’s on helium but it’s a pleasant sound.
By the time, Little Green Cars took to the stage, they steal your heart with powerful lyrics and beautiful harmonies. Faye possesses a strong voice that captivates the audience. With a mix of some well-known songs like ‘Harper Lee’, ‘The John Wayne Song’ and ‘Love Took Me Down to the River to Silence Me’ and a few of their newer tunes, they wowed the crowd and their time touring really showed as they are comfortable on stage and very tight as a band. The set really flowed from the more acapella, slower tunes to the upbeat, louder songs, I loved every minute. The encore was a slower, more intimate affair with the band appearing off-stage at the back of Vicar Street. They ended with ‘The Consequences of Not Sleeping’ inspired by Appleby’s father who was in the audience proudly looking on.
As The John Wayne song goes “It’s easy to fall in love, it’s easy to fall in love with you”, it most definitely is easy to fall in love with this band.
One of my favourite singer-songwriters, Tom Baxter, has finally made it back to Dublin after a hiatus of five years. After postponing his comeback gig last September 2012 as the album wasn’t complete, he rescheduled for Friday March 22nd which happily coincided with my birthday – what a lovely present! I like to think that was serendipitious as I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate. I love the Academy as a music venue with the stage in the centre and the acoustics are also spot on. We braved the elements outside but it was worth it. Support for the evening was in the form of Sam Semple. All the lads joined Sam for “Forgive and Forget”. It was great to see that the Academy so full. Tom’s fans were out in force for his comeback. He kicked off his set with an oldie but a goodie and from the first song we were sold. It’s amazing the effect Tom has on an audience – he has the power to silence the room with his voice. He was joined on stage by some old faces, Oli Langford on violin and Danny Keane on piano and a new face, Sam Walker on drums. He introduced the new songs from his third album, The Uncarved Block – Part One, which are beautiful and more mature-sounding. There was the obligatory sing-along for ‘Better’. I loved hearing the old favourites like My Declaration and Skybound but it was also nice to hear the new songs too. Tom is at his best when his songs are pared back and acoustic and the new album showcases this to perfection. His new album is on sale exclusively at the gigs which Tom stayed back to sign albums after the gig and say hello to all his fans. The sign of a musician who appreciates his fans and judging from Friday night, it’s clear that is a two-way street. I’m sure he’ll be back to our shores very soon and I am already looking forward to Part Two.
“Row, row, row your boat gently up the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream!”
Last night was full of shiny, happy bouncing people at Mumford and Sons first gig at the o2 Dublin. It was completely sold out. From the minute the red curtain fell, the four lads were on fire. We caught the tail end of Dawes, an L.A. band who sounded very good. Following that came the most bizarre support act ever in the form of Piff the Magic Dragon. It was like being at a children’s birthday party. A man dressed as a dragon did magic tricks accompanied by his cute little dog, Mr. Piffles. The best bit of the act was the dog moon-walking. Thankfully it didn’t last too long and Mumford arrived on stage at 9pm.
You rarely come across a band who sounds better live than they do on their album but Mumford is one of those bands. As they say themselves “We basically consider the album like an advert for our live gigs. And I find it easier to sing songs over and over if they feel honest, if we feel passionate about them. That’s an important thing: we need to be able to feel what we sing every night, and believe it.” [From: The Guardian] The songs seem to come to life on stage. They started with Babel and ended with a cover of The Beatles classic “With A Little Help from my Friends” joined back on stage by their support acts Post War Years and Dawes as well as Piff the Magic Dragon.
A highlight was “Little Lion Man” which had everyone on their feet. It was good to hear the old favourites as well as the songs from the new album. The energy was amazing and it was one of the best gigs I’ve seen in the o2. It’s hard for a band to interact with the crowd in a large venue but that didn’t seem to faze Mumford. Also special mention for the lighting and stage design guys – the lighting was amazing and the many colours were very pretty indeed! The lads were clearly moved by the reaction of the crowd and told us that we made them feel at home. This was their penultimate gig on a long tour and their enthusiasm and energy hasn’t waned one little bit. Each time I’ve seen them it’s like it’s their first playing the music. Their love for what they do shines through. They finish up for 2012 in London in the O2 on the 18th December before a well deserved christmas break.
[Taken from: Favim]
Robbie Williams is back and still the ultimate showman. It was worth all the headache and heartbreak over the ticket fiasco because Robbie was on form and put on such an entertaining show as he said no fancy production just him and us! He didn’t disappoint. These were part of a series of intimate gigs and last nights was a special charity gig with all proceeds going to UNICEF (Ireland) and Childline (Ireland).
The last time Robbie played Dublin was at Croke Park in 2006 as part of his Close Encounters tour. After an onstage technical malfunction he promised the crowd he’d return to play a one-off concert and this year he’ll honour his promise. And never let it be said that Robbie is not a man of his word.
There was no support and Robbie was scheduled to come on stage at 8pm although we had an anxious wait as he didn’t actually come on stage till 8.30. His baby is due any moment – he said he thinks he’ll be a father this week. Our taxi driver on the way in told us he had just heard breaking news that the gig was cancelled as his wife had gone into labour. We believed him until he told us he was joking! Robbie kicked off the show with Let Me Entertain You and proceeded with some of his greatest hits including Rock DJ, She’s the One and Kids as well as some by other artists like George Michael’s Freedom. He only played two of his new songs, Candy, his new release and he ended with Losers, an acoustic ‘country and western type’ of song dueted with one of the backing singers. Of course we were treated to the one that started it all off Angels during the encore.
He shook his booty to rival both J-Lo and Beyonce. He was witty with lots of banter – telling the audience stories about his past and interacting with fans who queued since early that morning to gain a spot up front and central. He read their banners and flags. He pointed out one woman wearing unofficial merchandise and promised her two t-shirts which he delivered. He also told fans to leave a message under the YouTube Candy video and he would read them later that night. He is about to be a daddy and told us if the mobile in his pocket vibrated should he stay or should he go? following that by the Clash’s song of the same name. He told us he will daddy dance from here on in and treated us to some moves including break dancing and press ups.
Robbie Williams’ new album ‘Take the Crown’ is released Nov 5 and judging from last night, he will be back to start the new era of Robbie.
Two Door Cinema Club are back, bigger and better than ever and to celebrate the release of their second album, Beacon, they put on a mini-tour. The album has just gone number one in Ireland and they have announced a gig in the o2 in January so last Friday night in the Academy might have been the last time to see them in an intimate venue.
The Cast of Cheers were the supporting act. They are a band I try hard to like but for me the jury’s still out. As for Two Door Cinema Club, it had been a while since I had listened to their first album Tourist History and you forget how good it actually is. There are some songs that touch you deep down pulling at your emotional heartstrings and others which make you smile, lift your heart and make you want to dance. Two Door Cinema Club fall into the latter category. Both of their albums are jam-packed with poppy, uplifting tunes and sometimes that is exactly what you need. Friday night was a good mix of both old and new tunes and the crowd were clearly loving it. Two Door Cinema Club have done it again with their second album and I for one wish them every success – they will keep us dancing through 2012 and beyond.
I had a very lucky streak last week. They say these things come in threes and indeed they do – first my work lotto syndicate had a mini windfall, my winnings came to €74; next I won tickets to the Coronas secret gig in the Academy last Saturday 24th March and lastly I got invited to the Jacob’s Creek Wine & Dine experience. So all in all a very lucky week. It was lovely to see the Corona’s in such an intimate venue. The support were Roisin O. Roisin has a lovely voice and they do have a song all about tea – how Irish is that! The Coronas were excellent live and really rocked the place. Danny is a very charismatic frontman. They played all their hits and their new songs from their new album ‘Closer to You’. You can see why they are so successful in Ireland having played six sold out shows in the Olympia before Christmas. They played all my favourites including ‘Someone else’s hands’. It’s great to see another successful Irish band on the way up.
They are starting a UK and European tour and wanted to kick it all off in Dublin and also to announce they are playing the o2 in December. Tickets go on sale today on ticketmaster.
Playing to a sold out crowd at the Button Factory last night, the Delorentos performed an exciting and energetic gig showcasing their new album packed full of good tunes. Formed in 2005, Little Sparks is their third album and as they say third time lucky, with ‘Little Sparks’ they are clearly onto a winner and about time too! They spent 18 months on this album and it shows. They were clearly excited about being back on stage again. Unfortunately the only thing that took away from my enjoyment of the gig was the chatty cathy’s that stood directly behind us and decided it was the perfect time to catch up! But aside from that, last night’s gig was pretty close to perfection. They opened with ‘Little Sparks’ and the crowd clearly loved the upbeat tunes, ‘Did We Ever Really Try?’, ‘Right to Know’ and ‘Give it up now’ and sung along to the chorus. During the encore they treated us to a few of their older, more popular songs like ‘S.E.C.R.E.T’, ‘Eustace Street’, ‘STOP’ and ‘You’ll Say That You’ll Never Love Her’ which really got the crowd going. There was also a beautiful version of ‘Bullet in a Gun’. I think they won a few more fans last night with that performance as well as keeping their original fans more than happy. I really wish the Delorentos get all the success they deserve with this excellent album. At the moment, I think they may well be the best Irish band around. Last night they kicked off their tour in Dublin and have dates around Ireland in March. First Ireland and then here’s to world domination boys!
Girl from the Hills Blog 