There’s something extra special about a hometown gig and last night, Robert Grace’s packed show at Set Theatre in Kilkenny had that magic from start to finish.
Opening the evening was the brilliant Jessica Brett, whose songs about love, heartbreak and starting over really connected with the Kilkenny crowd. You could feel the support in the room, especially from her family who were singing along word for word. When she wrapped up her set, the crowd weren’t having it… chanting for “one more!” She later reappeared in the audience during Robert’s set, dancing and soaking up the atmosphere with her loved ones.
Then it was time for Robert Grace, and the energy was instantly electric. Fans of all ages, particularly a lot of younger ones, were belting out every lyric, even to the newer songs. At one point, Robert joked about skipping “Fcked in the Head” due to the younger audience, but the chants to include it were too strong to ignore. He gave in, and the room loved it.
A highlight of the night was his latest track “Cowboy”. Robert, joined by Jake on the keys and Colin on the drums, all rocked cowboy hats for the occasion, though only Colin and Jake tossed theirs into the crowd. Robert hilariously explained he was keeping his because it finally fit his “odd-shaped head.”
Having seen Robert live many times before, this was easily his strongest stage presence yet. He looked completely in his element, smiling, laughing, joking with the crowd, and clearly soaking in every second. It felt intimate, familiar, and full of heart. He even shouted out his family in the room asking, “Who here is a Grace?” follow by “there’s a lot of us”.
The setlist had everything: ‘Nice Guys finish last’ a brilliant cover of “All Time Low” (which his son Lincoln apparently loves), “Blooming Heather” there was a moment where a kid near the front turned to his friend after that track and said, “that one had no bad words!” and of course, “Fake Fine”, which came after a massive crowd chant demanding it.
Speaking of Lincoln, the most wholesome moment of the night came when Robert brought him up on stage for “Casper.” The confidence and calm from such a young kid was seriously impressive, and the crowd adored it.
And just when you thought the night couldn’t get better, Robert stuck around after the show to meet every single person. A class act through and through.
Whether it was your first time seeing Robert or you’ve been following him for a bit, Kilkenny last night reminded everyone why he’s one of the most loved and authentic acts in Ireland right now.
Jessica Brett photos:
Robert Grace photos:
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography