We return to Spark Arena once again, but this time for Dermot Kennedy. Like Tash Sultana, the setup is free flow with people choosing between seats or floor. Seats proving to be the popular choice. That was definitely mine. People stopped in to grab merch before slowly making their way in, grabbing food + drinks and finding a spot for the night. The pre-show playlist was a solid Rap/Hip-Hop mix and I wonder if it was Dermot’s choosing as I know he listens to a lot of that type of music and it was definitely someone with taste. But it was also entertaining to see the crowd somewhat wonder why this type of music was playing.
Will Swinton was opening the show for Dermot tonight. He took the stage with two band members, James Mac on guitar and Harry Ingram on drums. I thought I had heard of him before but wasn’t sure. He definitely had some friends in the crowd which was so wholesome to witness as they sang along and cheered so loudly. “The amount of shows I’ve been to here is insane, so thank you Dermot for having me”. Funnily enough, Will performed a track called ‘Better Days’ and if you know Dermot’s music, he also has a track called Better Days. The track that stood out for me was ‘Wasted You’. There was just something about it I loved. Will truly has an incredible voice and I made sure I looked him on Spotify to listen to him again later. I couldn’t tell if there was a bit of backing track but I could really hear when it was his voice so either way, I really enjoyed it.
He has a new track called ‘Daydream’ coming out, as well as his own show happening next door in January at the Tuning Fork. So I will be intrigued to see him again, especially for his own show.
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The crowd had really packed-in and the seats filled quick then the floor filled out to the edges. The lights went dark and audio began to build. The band took the stage for as Dermot’s named glitched across the screen. There were 5 band members: Elize Kelman, James Bradshaw, Benjamin Lineburger, Kieran Jones & Micheal Quinn (Note: Some last names may be spelt incorrectly).
I expected the crowd to be loud and talkative as that’s just how crowds seems to be at these vocally-focused type of shows. As Dermot took the stage he seemed to stay on the centre ramp except for occasionally strolling along the front of the stage. He had a few interludes which were great and worked well with his music and show. The band had such high energy and I honestly couldn’t not watch his drummer. It is always nice to see band members enjoying themselves and be so passionate about what they are doing.
Dermot got to part of his set where he took a seat at a piano and performed a few tracks. The crowd put up their phone lights as he performed ‘Rome’ which was clearly a favourite for the crowd. There’s something that feels so special about those acoustic sing-a-long moments in such a large venue. It’s like it becomes so intimate again.
I last saw Dermot perform on his first visit to The Powerstation and it is amazing to see the growth. Even he touched on it saying he appreciates those who were there, coming to this show because it was a tough one and he had to really learn to sing. So now he can redeem himself.
One thing that you really can’t fault though, is his live vocals. Hearing that raw power he has truly elevates his tracks (if that was even possible). Dermot said people should grateful for any love they have and try to be present when you can. Performing ‘After Rain’ and having the crowd scream “You won’t go lonely” with him really just hit the feels a bit. The crowd were definitely enjoying themselves as the show had a bit of a quiet moment and the crowd broke into an “Olay Olay Olay” chant which sent Dermot and his band into fits of laughter and hyping the crowd even more to carry on. I have to admit, even I didn’t expect that.
“The fact that we can come here and have this many people, it means a lot. Thank you so much. I hope it won’t be so long again”. Wrapping things up with ‘Something to Someone’ and having the crowd sing it out until the end. What a way to end the show.
As much as I can’t stand how loud crowds can be at these shows, it truly was an incredible show! The visuals, the vocals and live band really just brought his music to life. It felt special to see the growth in the crowd and the show. I look forward to seeing him again.
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