Live Report: Gigi Perez has The National Stadium in tears

Gigi Perez delivered a killer performance last night at Dublin’s National Stadium, supported by Scottish artist Katie Gregson-MacLeod.

The opener kicked off her set with sad, melodic keys. Her voice hugged every chord, singing with the skill and agility reminiscent of a string instrument. She swapped over to an acoustic guitar, gearing up to perform the first single off her upcoming EP Love Me Too Well, I'll Retire Early, titled ‘Mosh Pit.’

“So, if you feel the urge any moment, I’ll give you a wink when the beat drops,” she joked. Gregson-MacLeod’s lyricism was honest and tender, with delicate instrumentals uplifting her songwriting abilities.

“Before I play my final song, I would like to thank Gigi and Gigi’s team and everyone at this venue for having me,” she said. “I’m not going to lie to you, I did stand side of stage for most of the Paris show, and I think there’s many fans who have videos of me sobbing in the background.”

The artist began playing her most popular single ‘complex,’ a track which made it big on TikTok back in 2022. The audience lifted their flashlights into the air, gently bobbing to the intimate song.

Katie Gregson-MacLeod at The National Stadium. Copyright by Curtis DeSmith.

While Gregson-MacLeod’s talent was made clear, I was not prepared for the absolute powerhouse that was Perez. She entered the fog-covered stage holding an acoustic guitar, accompanied by a bassist and a drummer. Strobing white lights flashed the audience as she began to sing the 2024 track, ‘Please Be Rude.’

Her voice shook with passion, filling the entire venue with Earth-rattling sound. It was amazing to watch that much power emanate from a single person, while at the same time maintaining a sense of control. Her vocals would delve into the deep and guttural, adding a raspy inflection to the climax of the track.

By just her second song, the audience was already lifting their flashlights into the air. I was moved by Perez’s raw lyricism and spectacular voice, and would be lying if I didn’t admit to shedding a few tears.

‘When She Smiles,’ a track off her 2023 EP How To Catch A Falling Knife, shows off more of the artist’s vocal prowess. The bridge features an incoherent display of Perez’s range, shooting high notes past her lips without a rigid set of lyrics to guide her. Just when you think she can’t go any higher, her voice sinks back down low again, without a single falter.

“How y’all doing, Dublin?” Perez exclaimed. “Thank you for having me. It’s such a gift to be able to be here with you guys, so thank you for coming out.”

Dynamic visuals danced on the screen behind her, as the musician continued with ‘Fable’– a heartfelt tribute to her sister Celene, who passed at age 22 in 2020. Despite being so personal, everyone in that venue knew the words; even the little girl beside me sang along, not much older than 10-years-old.

“Stars blink like her eyes,” Perez sang. “I dream of eternal life.”

Gigi Perez at The National Stadium. Copyright by Curtis DeSmith.

She took a moment to speak to her upcoming debut album, At The Beach, In Every Life. Out April 25, the record will include both ‘Please Be Rude’ and ‘Fable.’ She reflected on her career, and gave a shout-out to her old band back in high school, Wendy Lane.

“It’s been an interesting journey in terms of just how long I’ve been writing music,” she said. “It’s really been like 10 years now, which is weird because I feel like it’s been longer.”

“This is the debut album, and it feels like the perfect time,” she added. “I think that it’s me and the experiences I’ve lived, in musical form.”

As the night continued, the venue began heating up. Dedicated fans standing in the pit were encouraged to hydrate, though one appeared to faint mid-show. Perez stopped her set at two points, reminding the audience to drink water and look after one another.

The artist couldn't wrap up the show without performing her most popular track to date, ‘Sailor Song.’ Blowing up on TikTok in 2024, the single sent her career sky-rocketing. The lyrics explore queer love without inhibitions, paired with howling vocals and an unrelenting guitar.

“I love you guys so much,” she said near the end of the song. “Do you want to sing this with me one last time?”

The audience roared and continued singing, lingering on until the moment she disappeared from stage. With practically inhuman skill, Perez provided me with a night I will cherish close to my heart.