There’s something about a Damien Dempsey gig that feels more like a gathering of old friends than your usual concert. His show at Theatre Royal in Waterford was no different. On the first night of his spring tour, he brought his usual mix of power, poetry, and presence to a packed crowd, who were fully with him from the start.
After just a couple of songs, Dempsey paused to connect with the audience, slipping effortlessly between English and Gaeilge, making it clear how much he values these moments of togetherness. He spoke about his recent performance for the Rock Against Homelessness initiative in Dublin, showing once again how deeply he cares about social issues. He also shared a bit about his new album, joking that his mate reckons its success is down to his face being blurred on the cover—a classic Damo moment, self-deprecating but warm.
Not that he needed to win anyone over, but shouting “Up the Déise!” certainly sealed the deal, earning one of the loudest cheers of the night. The setlist was a mix of the classics—those raw tunes that have defined his career—and fresh tracks from Hold Your Joy, his long-awaited double album. The new songs fit right in alongside his older work, showing that even after all these years, his songwriting remains as sharp as ever.
Dempsey’s gigs are never only just about the music; they’re about the feeling, the atmosphere, and the shared experience. Whether you were in the front row roaring along or sitting back letting the music wash over you as I saw a couple of people doing, there was no escaping the sense of unity in the room. A fitting feeling on the day of love.
Damiens 2025 tour is going to be something special. He’s back, and in his own words, he’s holding his joy—and making sure the rest of us do too.
Damien Dempsey photos:
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography