Dermot Kennedy at All Points East

Sonder: the realisation that each passerby is living a life as complex and vivid as your own – and the name of Dermot Kennedy’s tour and latest album; a single word that the artist says he connects with on so many levels. This weekend Kennedy headlined All Points East’s Sunday lineup under a clear night sky, following days of torrential rain at Victoria Park. The Irish artist saw support from the likes of Olivia Dean, James Vincent McMorrow and many other big names. 

His emotional opening track, Blossom, kicked off the setlist on a heartfelt note. Accompanied by a string section and the comforting vocals of London Community Gospel Choir, it’s safe to say the Irish singer brought an unforgettable, warming atmosphere with his lyrics. Kennedy’s rough yet powerful voice builds a bridge between him and his fans, conveying the emotion that his music aims to evoke. His melancholic songwriting touches on different struggles one can face in life, from heartbreak to loss to love.

Throughout the set, the artist would pause and take a moment to connect with the crowd through personal anecdotes and sharing the story behind each song. He created a strong feeling of community, particularly with the introduction to his moving piano solo for Rome, when he asked audience members to focus on a memory that was important to them, and to appreciate the sensation of loving or being loved. 

The Irish singer-songwriter also performed hit tracks like Outnumbered and Power over Me, during which fans passionately sang along. Many audience members were so touched by the ballads centering around love, loss and appreciation they were brought to tears or hugged one another throughout. At one point, Dermot Kennedy asked the crowd to turn on their phone flashlights. With thousands of tiny lights waving back and forth in unison with the artist’s piano playing, the park matched the sky above and filled the audience with a sense of togetherness. 

Kennedy’s set brought the Sunday to a touching close. His music, which seems to connect with so many, constructed an unforgettable night that is sure to be remembered for a long time to come.

Emily Downie
Photo: Sharon Lopez

For further information and future events visit Dermot Kennedy’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Outnumbered here: