Written and Photographed by Casey King
March 29, 2023 - In a breathtaking display of talent and emotion, Dermot Kennedy mesmerized fans during the final show of the European leg of his Sonder World Tour at Paris' renowned Bataclan Theatre. The smaller venue, with its modest 1,500-person capacity, provided a rare opportunity for concertgoers to experience Kennedy's captivating performance in a far more intimate setting than his standard 8,000+ capacity venues his shows are usually housed in.
After being serenaded by the melodic genius of Miya Folick as an opener, Kennedy's set begins with a cinematic interlude which builds the audience's anticipation, accompanied by hidden Morse code messages proclaiming "We Want This To Be Good," a mantra closely associated with Dermot Kennedy. As the lights dim, Kennedy emerges, launching into the powerful opening lines of "Blossom," the final track from his acclaimed album Sonder. Given that Kennedy previously explained in an interview that "Blossom" was the first song written for Sonder, its placement as the opening number seems a fitting choice to open the show with, using it as an introduction into the world of Sonder that audience members will be living in for the next two hours.
For those unaware, Sonder is the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. This is the idea that Kennedy has sculpted the new era of his career around.
Throughout the performance, Dermot masterfully weaves stories and emotions through the songs of Sonder while including several tracks from his debut album Without Fear and also treating the audience to older tunes from previous EPs. It is a true feat to seamlessly craft a set list of songs from varying bodies of work, but an especially difficult task when the two bodies of work differ so greatly in sound. And yet, Kennedy and his band manage to perfectly transition from song to song without any disruption in the flow of the show. Musical interludes interspersed throughout the show serve as bridges, smoothly guiding listeners from stripped-down ballads like "Dreamer" to more anthemic and uplifting tracks like "Better Days."
Midway through the set, Dermot takes his place at a piano prominently positioned center stage, bathed in a solitary spotlight. This intimate moment showcases his ability to command a stage and captivate an audience without any spectacle, a skill honed during his early busking days on Grafton Street. A crowd favorite, "Rome," echoes through the venue as Kennedy encourages concertgoers to hold up their phone lights, allowing the collective glow to illuminate memories in harmony with his soulful performance. He then transitions into "Innocence and Sadness," the sole acoustic ballad from Sonder. Even in this seated position, Dermot's passionate delivery envelops the audience, each note coated in emotion while the lyrics drip nostalgia.
Dermot Kennedy possesses a rare ability to infuse even grand arrangements with an intimate quality. He immerses himself fully in the moment of each song, mirroring the commitment he asks of the audience. From afar, one can witness the intensity in his performance as veins pulsate in his neck and forehead, channeling a force that seemingly emanates from the very core of the earth. His distinctive tone reverberates throughout the venue, constantly giving the speakers a run for their money from the sheer power of his voice.
While Dermot's music often explores themes of loss and resilience, his live show illuminates a ray of hope and light within his lyrics. This transformative experience is heightened by the visually captivating stage design and meticulously crafted lighting, perfectly complementing the music. From dazzling light displays to poignant spotlights, the visual landscapes serve as guiding beacons, leading the audience on an emotional journey. Under the expert guidance of Owen Pritchard, the show's lighting design mirrors the juxtaposition of light and darkness, love and loss that resonates deeply within Dermot's musical tapestry.
As the concert reaches its poignant finale, Dermot, with heartfelt sincerity, implores the audience to join him in singing the closing lines of the night, "I was something to someone," urging everyone to embrace the meaning behind the words and feel the love that surrounds them. With heartfelt participation, the crowd chants the chorus as Kennedy steps away from the mic stand and lays his guitar down on the stage behind him, absorbing the moment while allowing the collective voices to fill the air. He lets the audience sing those words a few more times on their own, while he breathes deeply and soaks it all in. He rejoins for one final round and then thanks the audience for spending the evening with him. He doesn’t linger on stage, throwing a few waves to the audience and then walks off allowing concertgoers to immerse themselves in the lingering emotions and resonating messages from the past two hours - a reminder that the show was never about him, but about the messages and emotions conveyed through his music.
A review of Dermot Kennedy's Sonder Tour in Paris, France on March 29th, 2023
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