Waterford pride took over The Academy on Friday night as electronica producer Peter Vogelaar warmed up the crowd for the thunderous mayhem that is King Kong Company. Vogelaar’s set was a smooth, shimmering prelude , lush synth textures, crisp beats, and a confidence that said, “Yes, you’re about to lose your minds, but let’s ease into it gracefully.” By the time he and his drummer wrapped up, the room was humming like a well-tuned engine, primed for chaos.
Chaos arrived right on schedule.
King Kong Company hit the stage with an opening one-two punch of “Yum Yum” and “Ricochet,” instantly turning The Academy into a bouncing, sweaty laboratory of sonic experiments. The third track, “Funhouse,” triggered the night’s first eruption, the unmistakable arrival of Bobby Fingers, stepping out like a cult hero summoned by synths. The crowd responded with the kind of cheer usually reserved for surprise encores or unexpected tax refunds.
By the fourth song, the iconic King Kong Company flag made its appearance, unfurling like a victory banner over a battlefield of delighted ravers. And from there, the night only grew more gloriously unhinged. Over the course of a 17-song set, Bobby Fingers re-emerged five more times, each entrance more dramatic than the last. His cameos during “Wrecked With God,” “All These Things,” “Corfu,” and “Donkey Jaw” kept the audience in a state of playful suspense “When’s he coming back?”.
His the final appearance during “The Machine” sealed the deal.
Bobby didnt only stay on the stage during the night, he joined fans on the floor also, with fans swarmed around him, forming a spontaneous mini-festival inside the already wild main event.
All the while, the band remained tight, ferocious, and locked-in, delivering their trademark blend of pounding beats, razor-sharp grooves, and theatrical flair. King Kong Company operate like a well-oiled rave engine, unpredictable on the surface, but powered by absolute precision underneath.
By the end, The Academy wasn’t just satisfied, it was thoroughly conquered.
Another triumphant night for Waterford’s finest noise-makers and a reminder that no one throws a party quite like King Kong Company.
Peter Vogelaar photos:
King Kong Compan photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Yum Yum
Ricochet
Funhouse
Get Away
Sins Of Freck
Pol Pot Rock
Ipop
Killswitch
Wrecked With God
Involved
All These Things
Corfu
Game Over
Point Zero 1
____________________
Donkey Jaw
Spacehopper
The Machine
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic