Denise Chaila Joins Wyvern Lingo Onstage For Early Highlight at RHK Test Gig

Opinion
03 Jul 21

Denise Chaila performs with Wyvern Lingo at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham test gig

The music is well underway at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham – and so far it has been a feast, with an early guest appearance by Denise Chaila a highlight. The good news is that she’ll do a full set as well!

Walking into The Royal Hospital Kilmanhaim, after the delight of passing our COVID tests, the massive stage was a glorious sight to see indeed. Music! Real live music! Back!

The first sights and sounds greeting those entering were the MCs for the evening, The 2 Johnnies. The hosts of the successful Irish podcast brought their “unique” sense of humour to the stage. Thankfully, for those not initiated into their almost vaudevillian, typical Irish 'mad lad' banter, they didn’t outstay their welcome.

In what was a nice touch, they did interviews with each of the acts before they went on stage, making the whole thing feel more personal.

First up were Wyvern Lingo, and the Bray trio proved they have the lucky gene, getting to perform during the first outbreak of sun on the day. It was almost as if their brilliant harmonies had changed the weather itself. They delivered a lovely performance, including a beautiful slowed-down version of ‘Just a Girl’ by No Doubt.

The highlight of their set came with an early, surprise appearance by Denise Chaila, scheduled also to appear later on in the day. Denise sported a jumper bearing the message “Columbus was a Murderer” – to which you can only add, you know, she has a point! She joined the Wicklow band, rapping about female empowerment. To say that she whetted the appetite for her later set would be an understatement, after what was an excellent performance.

Sharon Shannon then took the stage after another interlude chaperoned by The 2 Johnnies. It’s amazing the way she can shred the accordion, like Slash with a guitar. This comparison bears fruit, when she swaps instruments for an electric guitar for ‘The Beast from the East’. And she kills it: there’s no other way to describe it. Just brilliant talent.

While the crowd reacts most enthusiastically to a fun rendition of ‘Galway Girl’, the majority of her set comprises lovely instrumental pieces, mixing trad and Irish rock 'n’ roll to create an irresistible concoction.

We await Denise Chaila and the others with bated breath!