Gavin James review: Rain fails to dampen spirits for Live at the Marquee
Gavin James in action at Live at the Marquee in Cork. Picture: David Creedon
Well protected in the Marquee from the heavy downpours, Gavin James sang to his crowd of thousands, and cursed the weather on Saturday night.
He wasn't the only one expressing such views. Any of the concertgoers who decided to walk to the big top had been drenched in the Saturday night downpour as we made our way to the blue and yellow canopy. As people rushed to grab their seats, most had their raincoats still on.
The opening acts ahead of James’ performance warmed up the crowd nicely. Taking to the stage first was Kodaline co-founder Mark Prendergast under the moniker Man Alive. Prendergast stood centre stage with his guitar, performing a few originals before singing Kodaline's ‘All I Want’. The surprise that no one saw coming was James entering the stage to sing the last song alongside Prendergast during the set.
Kildare artist Lea Heart was next up. With a three-man band and her voice, the rising young artist performed various originals before getting the crowd of young, old and families to jump and dance as she performed a cover of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 'Murder on the Dancefloor'.
Screams and applause echoed in the tent as Gavin James took to the stage shortly before 9pm and opened with his latest single 'Heavy'.” “I’m dressed like Beetlejuice tonight,” the Dublin singer quipped.
The hour-and-a-half set saw his fans singing along to every song, as loud as they could. Hands up in the air, phonelights and jumping were all part of the fun for the crowd as confetti burst a few times into the pit.
James is a top-knotch performer, and ensured his audience forgot about the weather outside. For a moment, they were in a different reality, protected as his music drowned the noise of the rainfall out.
There were tears shed for some of his tunes, including ‘Afterlife’, the emotional single released earlier this year.
Before ending the night with an encore, James thanked the crowd for making it to the Marquee in the downpours, and offered his opinions about the weather, before apologising for swearing because of the children present.
It was yet another enjoyable night at Live at the Marquee despite the conditions, and hopefully we'll be into full summer mode for next weekend's outings with Van Morrison and Bicep.
Read More
