Cleere’s Bar & Theatre in Kilkenny provided the perfect intimate setting for a memorable night of acoustic music, headlined by Bluetones duo Mark Morriss and Adam Devlin on their current stripped back tour.
Opening proceedings was Irish folk and indie singer-songwriter John Hegarty, whose warm and engaging set immediately won over the crowd. Drawing from his growing catalogue, Hegarty delivered heartfelt performances of favourites including “The End of the Holiday”, “Waiting” and “Daydreaming”. His blend of folk storytelling and melodic indie sensibilities proved an ideal start to the evening, setting a relaxed and appreciative mood.
Mark Morriss and Adam Devlin then took to the stage for a two-set performance that stretched close to two hours. Opening the first set with the ever-popular “Keep the Home Fires Burning”, the pair quickly reminded everyone of the strength of The Bluetones songwriting when stripped back to its acoustic core. Highlights included “Drive Thru” and “Autophilia”, before the first half drew to a close with a beautiful rendition of “A Parting Gesture”.
A short interval followed, during which Morriss and Devlin happily mingled with audience members, chatting and sharing stories in a manner that perfectly reflected the friendly atmosphere of the night.
The second set began with the fan favourite “Marblehead Johnson” and continued with a carefully chosen selection of songs including “The Fountainhead” and “Carry Me Home”. The evening eventually concluded with “Down at the Reservoir”, bringing a fitting end to a performance that balanced nostalgia with genuine warmth.
Throughout both sets, the music was complemented by plenty of humour, banter and audience interaction. Morriss and Devlin’s easy chemistry, both with each other and with the crowd, made the show feel less like a concert and more like an evening spent among friends. In a venue as intimate as Cleere’s, that connection made for a truly special night.
John Hegarty photos:
The Bluetones photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic