Live Report: Tadhg Williams introduces Waterford flair to The Workman's Cellar

In the warm red lights, across the wood panelled floor and between the patterned wallpaper sporadically lined with little black and white photos, Tadhg Williams and the Friday Night Choir breathed life into a calm Sunday night at the Workman’s Cellar.

It was the second show of the singer-songwriter's Non-League Diva Tour. The night before he and his band had played part of a triple headliner at Waterford's Theatre Royal alongside deafMONKEY and Birds of Burden.

Making up the Friday Night Choir and accompanying Tadhg across his tour is Gemma Cox, Ryan O'Neill of Blueberry Rouge, Mossy Ryans of Binmen, and Pete O'Hanlon of The Strypes.

Taking the stage at 8 o'clock sharp, Cilian Jacob opened the night with a few unrecorded singles. Early on in the night, the crowd lived on the edges of the room, soaking up the moment and  Cilian's smoothly sung lyrics reverently.

"It's nice to be up in Dublin. I haven't played in Dublin in about ten years," Cilian shared.

Cilian Jacob supporting Tadhg Williams at The Workmans Cellar, 26th of March 2023. Copyright Aaron Hofmann/hotpress.com

The incredible Dave Lofts took the stage next, stepping out from the brief intermission strumming his guitar until he had the room's attention, a strong stage presence among the audience's chatter.

Among his set, Lofts shared his own singles, 'Just a Man,' 'Poison,' and 'Drinking with the Boys.' His music added a serene note to the start of the week. People listened as they lounged across the padded seats dotting the perimeter of the Workman's Cellar's stage, softly enraptured with pints of Guinness in hand.

“Tadhg always said, 'Dave I’m going to get you in Dublin,' and he fucking did."

A magnetic person both in life and while performing, Tadhg Williams drew both of his opening acts to the Dublin stage, friends from Waterford not forgotten. With them, and Tadhg, came a deep, persisting sense of beloved community to the Workman's Cellar.

When it was finally time for the headlining act, the Friday Night Choir stepped on stage first. Like a breaking dam, the crowd took it as permission to flood the centre of the hall, vacating the edges of the room. The warm, intimate atmosphere wasn't altogether replaced, instead evolving with the audience's eagerness.

Tadhg Williams at The Workmans Cellar, 26th of March 2023. Copyright Aaron Hofmann/hotpress.com

With a hypnotic, resounding voice, the hearty show Tadhg and the Friday Night Choir delivered was enthralling. It was a hub of lively connection, community, and music appreciation unparalleled.

Midway through the show, Tadhg called for his drummer, Ryan, to stand up.

"First of all, this is Ryan. Ryan's been with me since day one. He was in the band the first time we did a couple of gigs. But I just want to point out the jersey that Ryan's wearing. It says, 'Refugees welcome' on it."

"There's been a lot of hatred and a lot of negativity in the past couple of months," Tadhg continued, "around people seeking refuge, seeking solace. So this is a song I want to dedicate to them. I want to dedicate it to every one of every creed and every nationality that wants to make Ireland their home."

"And I'll do that," Tadhg said, garnering a few laughs. "Once I finish tuning this guitar."

It wasn't the only song Tadhg had dedicated to someone that night - an earlier track on the set list went out to two gig goers that "kept happening" upon the Waterford artist's shows and recently became engaged.

After his second song, Tadhg also gave his thanks to Cilian Jacob and Dave Lofts for their longtime companionship and supporting the night's show.

Before dedicating a song to his mother, Tadhg even called for a round of applause for Adam Fenelon, "the most patient man in Ireland" and "a bloody good bloke," another good friend who had helped set up the night.

Tadhg Williams at The Workmans Cellar, 26th of March 2023. Copyright Aaron Hofmann/hotpress.com

Giving the Friday Night Choir a break, Tadhg stepped down into the audience. Micless, he called for the crowd to make a circle.

"This is for everybody in this city who can't afford the fucking rent."

Another song and a following encore of "One more tune!" brought Tadhg back on stage first for a solo and then for a final song with the band. Savouring the final moments of the night, people packed in against the stage as well as they could, singing along like, as Tadhg put it, "the midnight choir."

The next and last stop in the Non-League Diva Tour is Coughlan's in Cork next month on April 16th, where he'll be double headlining with the Cork-based BRIARS. Afterwards, the Friday Night Choir is set to join the Tadhg in the recording studio, helping the Waterford native masterfully craft his debut album.

As of right now, he's released three recorded songs online - anyone lucky enough to attend his shows will have the chance to hear some of his unreleased music early.

Find tickets to see Tadhg Williams live on Sunday, April 16th, here:

Check out Tadhg William's music, here: