On a unassuming Thursday night Waterford City became the venue for pop-up homecoming. There was 65 people in a tiny pub, the floor shaking, one proud mother dancing along in the crowd, oh and one of the biggest artists in Irish music right now—yeah, this was one for the books.
Phil Grimes was absolutely rocking last night as Moncrieff ended his pop-up tour in his hometown of Waterford. From the second he stepped on stage the energy in the room was next level. He ran through hits like Warm, The Sun is Shining Somewhere, Love Somebody, Hard Feelings, and some unreleased tracks—teasing us ahead of his newly announced album Maybe It’s Fine, dropping May 9th.
As soon as he wrapped up in Phil Grimes, he was out the door and up the road to the Apple Market, where his dad’s 1998 campervan was parked and waiting. Incredible work ethic from a man who had just played 3 shows in 3 different countries. He climbed right on top of the campervan and in doing so turned a major part of the city into his stage.
A massive crowd had already gathered, and the energy just carried over from the pub. He belted out the same setlist, but this time it felt even bigger—like a full-circle hometown moment. To top it all off, a banner on the campervan officially announced Maybe It’s Fine to loud cheers. Moncrieff is proof the being the true version of yourself and working hard can lead to massive success.
This wasn’t just about playing another show or shooting a music video, although it may have started out as that. This was about Moncrieff returning home for one night and also about Waterford celebrating everything Moncrieff has become. Last night showed him just how appreciated, respected and loved he is in his hometown. We’re counting down the days until he realizes his dream of playing Walsh Park.
Moncrieff photos:
Photos (phone pics as no cameras allowed) & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography