Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy touched down at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro last night for his “The Weight Of The Woods” UK tour in celebration of his fantastic new album. Joined by the fantastic upcoming artist Jensen McRae, this promised to be a special night for all in attendance.
Jensen McRae
Jensen McRae, an American singer-songwriter, kicked off the night. Fresh off of her headline tour and having accompanied Noah Kahan on tour, I was very thrilled to see her in an arena setting after her little headline at SWG3’s Poetry Club last year.
Jensen usually performs with a band, but this time she was solo! She first stated that she was scared about performing in a large arena by herself, but she did not let it stop her performance. She was an excellent pick for the opening act.
Her set mostly consisted of unreleased tracks as well as her own music, but the surprise cover of Swedish pop icon Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” stole the show for me! This is a beautiful song, and her soft, dreamy vocals sounded heavenly in the hydro. The audience was hanging on her every word.
Dermot Kennedy
The clock struck 9 p.m., and it was time for Dermot to take the stage. But first, let’s talk about the stage setup. I was blown away! This was one of the most beautiful stage setups I’ve ever seen, and it complemented the album aesthetic wonderfully, from the concrete-looking steps in the centre to the trees, rocks, and foliage that surround it. As soon as the lights came on, it was evident how much thought had gone into this since everything looked amazing!
As soon as Dermot Kennedy took the stage, the crowd erupted with excitement. His strong presence was clear, and he instantly captured your attention, setting the tone for an emotional evening. Kicking off his set with a short intro on top of the staircase, Dermot appeared as a silhouette in the forest, performing just a short snippet of “The Weight Of The Woods (Reprise). His strong, gritty vocals filled the room instantly. He had Glasgow in the palm of his hand just 30 seconds in, it was incredible!
Dermot then marched straight down the steps and launched into the opening song of the night, “Honest,” one of my favourites from the album. Right away, his booming vocals sounded as good as the record, if not better, filling the venue with real excitement. The audience was completely fascinated, swaying along as he delivered each note with such authenticity and emotion. This was my first time seeing his show, and my expectations were immediately exceeded; the connection he made with the audience was amazing.
This was followed by “Wasted,” another guitar-driven song that showed off his incredible musical range, and one of his biggest UK singles, “Outnumbered,” which had the entire audience singing together, creating a collective moment that struck a deep chord with everyone present.
The visuals throughout the show were breathtaking, creating an enchanted environment that perfectly suited the music. Various songs were performed against a backdrop of nighttime images, complete with fluttering fireflies and dark, dramatic pictures projected on screens behind Dermot. This visual excellence not only enhanced the overall experience but also created a mystical mood that pulled the audience in. I was instantly hooked, transported to a universe where sound and sight interacted perfectly.
The entire night felt intimate, like an emotional trip for everyone present. Dermot’s voice was the standout, forceful yet sweet, mesmerising the audience. The band complemented his voice perfectly, producing a deep tone. The Hydro venue was hushed, as if everyone was holding their breath while Dermot’s incredible voice filled the air. It was a spectacular event, and the emotion and creativity on show moved many people in the audience to tears.
While this section primarily included songs from his new album, Dermot’s performance of “After Rain” was the most moving and dramatic. He told a touching story about having uploaded this song to the internet to his parents’ computer as a youngster, without intending it to go anywhere; it was simply part of his adolescent expression. With sold-out arena gigs, he has transformed that humble beginning into a thriving career, making the live performance of “After Rain” even more special. Dermot’s connection with the audience was tremendous, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
Then it was time for Act II of the show, performed on the B stage in the middle of the crowd. Dermot was joined by his band, and the show somehow became even more intimate. Stripped back to just his vocals and soft instrumentals, the hydro was completely silent, taking it all in. It was phenomenal. His voice has always been super special to me, but in a live setting, it really tugs on your heartstrings.
One thing that really stood out throughout the night was how respectful the audience was. There was barely any talking from what I could tell, even during the quietest and most fragile moments of the set. You could actually hear the silence between the songs, which somehow made the emotional moments hit even harder.
The highlight of this section was “Let Me In,” a song specifically added for the UK leg of the tour, and it was stunning. The raw emotion in his voice, combined with the crowd singing along, almost made me tear up. Dermot puts his heart and soul into every performance, creating an intimate atmosphere that instantly draws you in. The emotion he brings never fails to impress; it feels like he shares a part of himself with every note. His connection with the audience makes each concert unforgettable, leaving everyone with a warm feeling long after the show ends.
Then Dermot returned to the main stage for the last section of the show, which was the highlight of the performance. Act II featured a bold selection of newer songs from the new album, alongside his hits. Surprisingly, these tracks resonated well with the audience. Initially, I was unsure how the new songs would translate in an arena, but to my delight, fans sang along to nearly every word, creating an electrifying energy in the air. While fresh tracks can sometimes disrupt the flow, here they seamlessly blended into the vibrant atmosphere Dermot had crafted, making this section unforgettable.
Dermot Kennedy’s show was filled with his popular UK hits that have won over fans. He made history as the first Irish solo artist to reach Number 1 with his first three studio albums, highlighting his talent and connection with listeners. The night kicked off with “Outnumbered,” energizing the crowd. As the night went on, he ended with a powerful sequence featuring “Turnstile,” “Better Days,” “Power Over Me,” and the emotional “Funeral.” Each song struck a chord, leaving a memorable impact and allowing fans to sing along, creating an atmosphere rich with passion and emotion.
Throughout the night, Kennedy’s vocals were nothing short of powerful. Effortless yet commanding, filling every corner of the venue with a rawness that no recording can quite capture. The connection between artist and crowd was undeniable: Kennedy doesn’t just perform songs; he invites his audience to feel them.
This show was truly breathtaking, and I highly recommend seeing it if you get the chance. The stage design stood out with its detailed decorations and bright colours. The production and sound made the whole experience feel immersive and memorable. The performers played their roles with real passion and energy, making every scene interesting. As a photographer, I found it to be one of the most visually impressive shows I’ve ever captured, with beautiful sets and striking effects. I’m already looking forward to the next performance and can’t wait to experience the magic again.
5/5 STARS.
T H E S O N G B I R D 