Jerry Fish turned Cleere’s Bar & Theatre in Kilkenny into a packed, buzzing celebration on December 28th, delivering a high-energy alt/indie performance that proved once again why he remains one of Ireland’s most engaging live performers. Choosing to forego a support act, Fish wasted no time in getting the show underway, taking to the stage accompanied only by Cian Boylan on keys. The stripped-back setup did nothing to dull the impact, instead, it sharpened the focus on Fish’s trademark showmanship and connection with his audience.
From the opening moments, the room was fully engaged. Fish, ever the consummate performer, commanded the stage with ease, drawing the crowd into the experience through constant interaction and playful banter. Cleere’s was packed wall to wall, and the intimacy of the venue amplified the communal atmosphere that is a hallmark of any Jerry Fish show. Audience participation wasn’t just encouraged, it was essential and the crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the night.
The setlist was a well-balanced mix of Jerry Fish favourites and nods to his past, including a welcome inclusion of An Emotional Fish classics. ”Superman” was met with a wave of nostalgia, while ”Celebrate” lived up to its reputation as a showstopper, bringing the main set to a euphoric close with voices raised across the room. These moments highlighted Fish’s ability to bridge eras of his career without losing momentum or relevance.
Adding further depth to the performance was a selection of songs by American outsider artist Daniel Johnston. ”The Story Of An Artist” (The opening song of the night) ”Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Grievance” / ”Devil Town” (sang A cappella with the crowd) and ”Man Obsessed” were delivered with care and sincerity, offering a change of pace while maintaining the emotional pull of the evening. The decision to open the three-song encore with Johnston’s ”True Love Will Find You in the End” was particularly effective, drawing a hushed reverence from the audience.
Fan favourites followed thick and fast throughout the night. ”Hole in the Boa” turned the venue into a sea of synchronized rowing arms, while ”It Takes Balls to Be a Butterfly” / ”My Friend Jim” and ”Be Yourself” each landed with the confidence of songs that have stood the test of time. The crowd sang along to every word, fully invested and clearly delighted.
The night came to a fitting close with ”Where the Sun Don’t Shine” rounding off a performance that felt both celebratory and heartfelt. Jerry Fish’s show at Cleere’s was a reminder of the joy of live music done right. As a way to break the often-forgotten dead week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, it couldn’t have been better, a shared, spirited send-off to the year, led by one of Ireland’s most enduring and entertaining performers.
Jerry Fish photos & set-list:
Set-list:
The Story of an Artist (Daniel Johnston)
Mr. Clean
Hole In The Boat
Back To Before
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Your Grievances (Daniel Johnston)
Devil Town (Daniel Johnston)
Hell Or Heaven Sent
It Takes Balls to Be a Butterfly
Man Odsessed (Daniel Johnston)
Superman (An Emotional Fish)
Life Story
My Friend Jim
Be Yourself
Celebrate (An Emotional Fish)
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True Love Will Find You In The End (Daniel Johnston)
True Friends
Where the Sun Don’t Shine
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic