Live Report: Aaron Rowe brings his fans to tears at Whelan's

Aaron Rowe is having a breakout year. Not only did the singer release his debut 5 song EP Exodus in September, but he also spent the past two months opening for Lewis Capaldi across the UK and Ireland. He’s not slowing down either.

This Thursday, he kicked off an emotionally charged show at Whelan's, fresh off performing the national anthem at the Aviva Stadium ahead of the World Cup qualifier match. The soulful prelude no doubt inspired the lads in green on their way to the 2-0 victory. Suck it Ronaldo.

The night starts off on a high with two fantastic support acts. Rapper Jah 1, who, like Rowe, comes from Monkstown Farm kicks things off. Writing songs since age 12, his pen is his strength. Painting pictures of his difficult upbringing, his rapping abilities shines, as he smoothly flows over the melodic riffs conjured up by his guitarist.

JAH 1 supporting Aaron Rowe at Whelan's on November 13th, 2025. Copyright Patrik Meier/ hotpress.com

JAH 1's performance is followed by Talia Rae, an R&B singer from Essex. Throughout her set, she alternates between strumming a guitar and playing the piano. Her songs mainly touch on themes of love and heartbreak, and her vocals are powerful and pristine, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse.

When Aaron Rowe finally takes the stage, Whelan's erupts. He starts the set off with 'Drawing the Line', an intimate song about letting go in a relationship, and not feeling good enough. His vocals sound incredible, loaded with passionate punch and heavy emotionality.

Aaron Rowe at Whelan's on November 13th, 2025. Copyright Patrik Meier/ hotpress.com

It is clear why Lewis Capaldi chose him as a support act. Just like Capaldi, Aaron Rowe delivers his songs with emotional vulnerability and burning passion.

Rowe's performance is backed by a fiddle player and a pianist, who do a great job accentuating his powerful vocals.

It is evident that Rowe has garnered an audience of dedicated fans. From the first song, they scream out every verse and chorus.

Midway through the show, Talia Rae joins Aaron Rowe on stage to perform a cover of Stereophonics' 2001 hit 'Handbags and Gladrags'. Their unique vocal styles blend seamlessly, intertwining with Rowe’s soft guitar chords, while delicate fiddle and piano notes add subtle accents.

Aaron Rowe at Whelan's on November 13th, 2025. Copyright Patrik Meier/ hotpress.com

Another stand out song is 'The Lane'. Its passionate lyrics encapsulate the feelings of grief with heart-wrenching accuracy. They are sung by Rowe with powerful emotion and the gentle instrumentation underlines the sombreness.

The highlight of the night comes at the end with Aaron Rowe's biggest song, 'Hey Ma', with over 1.3 million streams on Spotify. It is a heartfelt song about his mother and the guilt he feels about moving to London, with lyrics like: "I'm sending love from a street where no one knows my name / And I hope when I get back that things will be the same" He performs the song while looking up at his mother on the upper floor of the venue, and the room illuminates with the phone lights of his fans.  It feels impossible to not get emotional - and many fans are brought to tears.

After such a successful year, Aaron Rowe is clearly in full stride. His performance at a packed Whelan's suggests he's bound for the biggest stages.