Aaron J / Flex Carter / CoB the Dude – live at Upstairs Whelans Dublin 17.01.2025

Friday night at Whelan’s Upstairs was one of those gigs that’ll stay with you for a while. Aaron J took to the stage for a night packed with energy, heart, and a fanbase that felt more like a tight-knit family. With CoB the Dude and rising star Flexx Carter opening, the crowd was in for a treat from start to finish.

Kicking things off, CoB the Dude brought the kind of vibes that instantly made you feel at ease. His laid-back style had everyone nodding along, but don’t let the chill exterior fool you—this guy knows his craft. He’s sharp on the mic and had just the right energy to get the room buzzing. You could tell he was having fun with it, and by the time his set was over, the audience was fully warmed up and ready for a good night.

Cob the Dude photos:


Then came Flexx Carter, and wow, this guy knows how to put on a show. If you haven’t heard of him yet, trust me, you will. He’s already making waves in the Irish music scene, having opened for King Kong Company and landed features on big-name national radio stations like RTÉ and Newstalk.

Flexx isn’t just a performer—he’s a full-on entertainer. Just by being around him it’s obvious he’s born to do this, the stage is his happy place and it shows. He came out with this raw, unfiltered energy that made everyones ears perk up. A couple tracks into his set, the shirt was already off, and he was in amongst the crowd. It didn’t feel like you were just watching someone perform; Flexx was pulling everyone into his world. A world of creativity, good vibes and being the best version of yourself..

Most of his set was made up of tracks from his upcoming EP, “The Strangest Life I’ve Ever Known,” and if what we heard is anything to go by, that release is going to be huge. His lyrics are personal, but there’s a universal relatability in there too. He’s got this great balance between laid-back grooves and high-energy moments that get the crowd jumping. Keep an eye on this guy—2025 will be massive for him.

Flex Carter photos:


Finally, it was time for Aaron J, and let me tell you, this guy knows how to put on a show. I’ll admit, I wasn’t overly familiar with his music before last night, but now? He’s got a fan for life.

Aaron’s set was such a mix of emotions and styles that it felt like a journey. One minute he’s hitting you with something heavy and emotional like “Burden,” and the next, he’s throwing in a playful energy, laughing and having drinks with the crowd. The covers were a nice touch too—his take on Childish Gambino’s “Heartbeat” gave it a fresh twist that really worked. But what stood out the most was how effortless he made it all look. He can sing, he can rap, and, as we saw Friday night, he can also make shapes if it comes down to it. It’s rare to see an artist who can switch between styles so seamlessly, and the crowd was loving every second of it.

The best part of the night, though, was the atmosphere. There’s something special about Aaron J’s fanbase—it’s more than just people who like his music. There’s a real sense of connection and support in the room, and you can tell that’s something Aaron’s worked hard to create. There was a real sense of inclusion, honesty and acceptance.

If you missed this one, don’t worry—Aaron’s playing the Workman’s Cellar later this year. If last night was any indication, you’re going to want to grab tickets early.

From CoB’s good vibes to Flexx’s in-your-face energy and Aaron’s incredible range, every act brought something unique to the table. If you get a chance to see any of these artists live, don’t hesitate.

Aaron J photos & set-list:


Set-list:
Love Me Again
Without You
Who U Are
Heart Beat (Childish Gambino Cover)
Stay
Burden
In These Walls (Machine Gun Kelly Cover)
Waste Away
Hearts Don’t Cry
Still Alive
Barcelona
Show Pain (Acoustic)
Broken
Freestyle
Bad Guy


Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography

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