The air in Dublin’s Vicar Street was thick with anticipation on August 23rd as fans gathered for the second of two sold-out nights with Matt Berninger. Known for his profound baritone and emotionally charged lyrics as the frontman of The National, this solo outing promised a more intimate and personal experience, and it delivered in spades.
Kicking off the evening was the support act, Ronboy, the musical project of multi-instrumentalist Julia Laws (and after that bass heavy performance, my latest favourite new artist). Laws, who also features prominently in Berninger’s touring band, captivated the audience with a set that was both delicate and fierce. Her haunting new single, “Disaster,” which features Berninger himself, was a highlight, showcasing her ability to blend tenderness with a raw, emotional power. Her performance served as a perfect introduction to the night’s main event, establishing a sense of lyrical depth and moody introspection that would define the entire show.
When Matt Berninger took the stage, the crowd erupted. The setlist, heavily featuring songs from his latest solo album Get Sunk, was a masterclass in his unique brand of poignant clarity and jagged-edged wit. The new material, including tracks like “Nowhere Special” and “Bonnet of Pins,” translated beautifully in the live setting, with Berninger’s signature croon filling the room. The performance was a departure from the larger-than-life stadium shows of The National, feeling more like a shared, communal experience. Berninger’s frequent interactions with the audience, including forays into the crowd, created an electric and personal atmosphere that was a treat for long-time fans.
Of course, no Berninger gig would be complete without some nods to his work with The National. The inclusion of songs like “Terrible Love” and “Gospel” was met with passionate singalongs, blurring the lines between his solo work and his celebrated band’s discography. The performance of these well-loved tracks felt fresh and reinvigorated, with the stripped-down, solo-tour arrangements offering new perspectives on familiar favorites. The synergy with his band, which included Ronboy’s Julia Laws, was evident throughout, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the tour.
Overall, the Matt Berninger gig at Vicar Street was a triumphant showcase of a songwriter at the top of his game. The night was a perfect blend of new and old, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of indie rock’s most distinctive voices. With Ronboy’s captivating opening set and Berninger’s powerful, yet personal, performance, the evening was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quietest, most vulnerable moments.
Ronboy photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Brass Knuckles
I Am Only Playing
Retriever
Boogeyman
Your Way
Oceans of Emotion
Disaster (with Matt Berninger)
Get Rich Fix
Matt Berninger photos & set-list:
Set-list:
No Love
Frozen Oranges
Breaking Into Acting
Distant Axis
Dumb Question – formerly known as “Eaton”
Silver Springs
Junk
All for Nothing
Nowhere Special
One More Second
Silver Jeep
Little by Little
Times of Difficulty
Gospel
Pinball Skull
Bonnet of Pins
Encore:
Terrible Love
Blue Monday (New Order cover)
Inland Ocean
Photos & words – David McEneaney @experimentzero