Summer is the best season to visit concerts. I’m sure you’ve made your summer pretty interesting if you’ve been to different concerts around Ireland. And for all I know, I did enjoy my summer!
Let’s take a look back at some gigs of the Summer!
Gerry Cinnamon, Dublin
Gerry Cinnamon’s June show was without a doubt the greatest concert that I have ever attended. There are few words better suited for describing the one-man act than authentic. It’s just a man and his guitar – no band standing behind him, no cringe-inducing rehearsed speeches and most notably; no desire to hide his thick Scottish accent whilst performing.
Simply put, Cinnamon is a true musician who has an unparalleled ability to create an astonishing atmosphere. Most commonly heard in football stadiums around the globe, the term ‘No pyro, no party’ perfectly sums up the experience of attending a Cinnamon gig, with the appearance of flares, and smoke bombs only being outnumbered by the number of pints being flung from all directions.
There are not many tougher tasks for an overseas artist performing in Ireland than taking to stage after an opening act like the legendary Aslan, but the Scot miraculously rose to the occasion as he nailed his biggest hits such as ‘Belter’, ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Lullaby’. Arguably the greatest performance of the night, however, was Cinnamon’s notorious cover of ‘Discoland’. A two-minute compilation of the Glaswegian’s show can be viewed here.
Rating: 10/10
Moment of the night: Cinnamon lambasts an audience member for throwing a firework towards the stage.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dublin
On a night when all weather apps had promised certain rain, the Red Hot Chili Peppers played out a sensational gig with the backdrop of a stunning red sky and rainbow. The Irish crowd were treated to John Frusciante’s presence on the night, following the guitarist’s decision to return to the Chilis in 2019 following a decade-long hiatus. Whilst some avid fans of the group put forward the argument that the RHCP’s were not at their best on the night; the energy that they created amongst the crowd certainly offers an opposition to this view. The iconic opening riffs of both ‘Can’t Stop’ and ‘Snow (Hey Oh)’ both allowed the band to instantly send their beloved fans into a frenzy. As the Irish crowd got set to leave Marlay Park at the end of the night, they were treated to a celebratory cartwheel from Flea.
Rating: 9/10
Moment of the night: “That’s my shoe” – Following one mosh pit too many, one member of the crowd loses a shoe and faces a long journey home on one foot.
However, a few songs and a few more mosh pits later, the fan in question shouts in celebration as he spots his lost runner from a distance. The emotional recoupling is met with laughter and cheers from the surrounding crowd.
Green Day, Dublin
Green Day’s epic performance on Irish soil undeniably overshadowed the logistical issues at Marlay Park, which included massive queues prior to the gig and issues in regard to taxi availability following the show. The Californian band had the Dublin crowd in the palm of their hand before they had even taken to stage, as the crowd performed a rousing rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which was played through the speakers.
When Billie Joe Armstrong and co finally took to stage they put on an exceptional show, with ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ and ‘Welcome to Paradise’ being two of the punk bands best received tunes on a night filled with thrown drinks and chaotic mosh pits. The Californian band were preceded by performances from Weezer and Fallout Boy.
Rating: 8.5/10
Moment of the night: Armstrong exercises remarkable crowd control as he causes an ear-splitting roar from the Irish crowd as he asks; “Did Ireland just get louder than England right now?”.
Dermot Kennedy, Belfast
Dermot Kennedy enthralled his adoring fans from the first second of his Belsonic festival performance as he began his set with the intro of ‘Lost’ from backstage. Throughout the show Kennedy captivated his audience as he performed what can only be described as an exceptionally strong setlist for an artist aged only 30. The singer’s awe-inspiring voice left the crowd utterly spellbound, which may have unfortunately been a factor in the Belfast atmosphere being slightly underwhelming.
The arguably harsh rating awarded to this gig is perhaps an example of the Rathcoole native being a victim of own success.
To a first time Kennedy concertgoer, the show may have obtained a higher rating, however, my rating is admittedly biased by the fact that I did not enjoy the show to the same extent that I did when the Dublin superstar put on one of the best musical performances that I have seen to date, when he mesmerized a half-full 3 Arena in December 2021, in aid of Pieta House.
Rating: 7/10
Moment of the night: Kennedy’s poignant performance of ‘All My Friends’, with specific reference to the lines, “To all my friends, you’ll find your way, some summer night, I hope I see you again” reminds us of how lucky we are to be back at gigs following the pandemic.
Liam Gallagher, Belfast
Rating: 8/10
Moment of the night: “And you nearly f***ing won it” – As some red flares are set off in Ormeau Park and some sections of the crowd begin to sing about Liverpool FC, Manchester CIty supporter Gallagher reminds the crowd that it was his side who won last season’s Premier League title.
The Killers, Dublin
Rating: 8/10
Moment of the night: A member of the crowd, Sam Connolly, is brought on stage to drum during ‘For Reasons Unknown’.
The Script, Dublin
Rating: 7.5/10
Moment of the night: Danny O’Donoghue continues the band’s ritual of selecting one fan to call their ex on loudspeaker during ‘Nothing’.
Lewis Capaldi, Dublin
Rating: 7/10
Moment of the night: The Glaswegian entertains fans with a cover of Vanessa Carlton’s ‘A Thousand Miles’.
Black Eyed Peas, Galway
Rating: 7/10
Moment of the night: Boos are directed at will.i.am after he attempts to impress the crowd with his claim that Irish girls are the prettiest girls in the UK.
A selection of clips from the aforementioned concerts can be viewed here.
See you again next Summer!