Beneath a blue summer sky, Dublin’s elegant Marlay Park was the backdrop for one of the biggest Irish gigs of the summer. Over the next month, the venue is set to host worldwide sensation The weeknd, as well as the likes of Calvin Harris and Travis Scott at Longitude. Any one of them would be hard pressed to match Dermot Kennedy’s Friday night performance. It turned out to be a night to remember.

As the evening sun slid down the sky, the Dublin singer-songwriter poured his soul out in front of an adoring audience, playing an almost two-hour long set. Three brilliant support slots featured Limerick trio Kingfishr, singer-songwriter Nell Mescal, and American musician David Kushner. The quality of the support acts warmed-up a buzzing crowd for what promised be a special show. It was a quarter to nine when the headliner took to the stage, opening with a lovely version of ‘Blossom’.

Nell Mescal supporting Dermot Kennedy at Marlay Park on June 23rd, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

From the outset, you sensed that, by this stage, Dermot Kennedy’s live show is a well-oiled machine. With a three-piece band, two backing singers, and Kennedy immediately delivering spine tingling vocals, they settled into a steady and increasingly intense groove, the biggest hits rolling out one after the other, in an immensely impressive cascade.

Kennedy’s debut album Without Fear topped the Irish Album Charts upon its release in 2019, and his recent album, Sonder followed suit. His set featured a healthy mix from both, pleasing both his newest fans, and his most dedicated ones.

Dermot Kennedy at Marlay Park on June 23rd, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Hardly the most loquacious performer in the universe, Kennedy rattled off a further three blistering tracks – ‘Power Over Me’, ‘One Life’ and ‘An Evening I Will Not Forget’ – before addressing his buoyant audience. “How’s it going, are you good,” he asked, to rapturous cheers from the crowd, and a short rendition of ‘Ole Ole Ole’. “It’s good to be home,” Kennedy added.

Dermot Kennedy went on to produce a vocal masterclass, with superb renditions of ‘Young & Free’, ‘Any Love’, ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Moments Passed’. The latter, one of Kennedy’s first singles, offered an especially poignant moment, revelled in by Kennedy and those fans who have followed his music from the very start alike.

Dermot Kennedy at Marlay Park on June 23rd, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

‘Glory’ followed before Kennedy took to the piano, positioned front-of-stage, for a stunning rendition of ‘Rome’. In one of the most intimate and touching moments of the night, Kennedy urged listeners to bring to mind their own fondest memory, and relive it as he sang the song. It felt like every single member of the audience joined in on the chorus: Dermot Kennedy had them in the palm of his hand.

Kennedy continued a run of irresistible, heart-touching songs, with ‘Innocence And Sadness’, before he played 2019 smash hit ‘Outnumbered’, ‘After Rain’ and ‘Without Fear’. The power of his delivery felt like a well-honed expression of his extraordinary natural talent.

Dermot Kennedy at Marlay Park on June 23rd, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

He closed the show with five songs off of his 2023 album, Sonder. ‘Better Days’, 'Don't Forget Me’, ‘Homeward’, ‘Kiss Me’ and – finally – ‘Something To Someone’, which – as you might expect at half-10 on a Friday night – had the whole crowd jumping.

It may have been the first of two nights, but Dermot Kennedy’s triumphant show was one that made you feel genuinely grateful to have been there, in the moment. From start to finish, his talent as a musician, a vocalist, and a performer shone through. He also has a remarkable ability to endear himself to everyone in a packed arena. That takes a special kind of magic. Dermot Kennedy at Marlay Park was nothing less than a spectacular success...