Paul Young brought his intimate “Songs & Stories” tour to Watergate Theatre on the 3rd of April, offering fans in Kilkenny a deeply personal evening that blended music, nostalgia, and candid reflection. The show, part of an eight date Irish run following the success of his 40th anniversary tour, stripped things back to their essence, just stories, songs, and connection.
From the outset, the tone was relaxed and conversational. Opening with the timeless “Love of the Common People,” Young immediately drew the audience in. Rather than a conventional concert, this performance felt more like an evening spent in the company of an old friend recounting a remarkable life in music.
Seated comfortably in armchairs on stage, Young was joined by longtime collaborator Jamie Moses, who played a dual role throughout the night. Moses not only provided understated acoustic accompaniment but also guided the narrative, posing thoughtful questions that prompted Young to revisit key moments from his career. This format gave the show a natural flow, moving seamlessly between spoken word and stripped back performances.
The stories themselves were a highlight. Young reflected on his early days in lesser-known bands, offering insight into the formative experiences that shaped his sound. He shared the background behind his debut album artwork, spoke about his involvement in landmark events like Band Aid and Prince’s Trust concerts, and recounted the surreal experience of surprising Stevie Wonder on stage for his birthday. His anecdotes about recording duets with a wide range of artists added further depth, revealing the breadth of his musical journey.
Musically, the evening balanced storytelling with a carefully chosen selection of songs. Acoustic renditions of classics such as “Wherever I Lay My Hat,” “Everything Must Change,” “Angel,” showcased the enduring quality of his catalogue. Stripped of their original production, these songs took on a new intimacy.
A particularly engaging segment came during the audience Q&A, where fans were invited to ask their own questions. This interactive element added spontaneity and reinforced the personal nature of the evening, with Young responding openly and often humorously.
The night concluded on a high note with “Everytime You Go Away” and “Come Back and Stay,” prompting the audience to rise to their feet and dance, transforming the theatre into a joyful, shared celebration. It was a fitting end to the evening.
Paul Young photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Love of the Common People
Angel
Wherever I Lay My Hat
Everything Must Change
Everytime You Go Away
Come Back And Stay
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic
"The ever-evolving Dawn Richard” (New York Times)—the New Orleans-based singer, songwriter, producer and multidisciplinary artist—joins forces…
Rising Irish brother duo The Guzzlers are back with their irresistible new single ‘The Drunken Tales…
Arab Strap’s new album Half-Told Tales, the group’s ninth, will arrive almost three decades to…
The Dead South have never been about constant reinvention but steadfast commitment to their singular style.…
Distilling the intensity of an incredibly difficult year, Mastodon have returned with a sonically massive and richly…
Cleere's Bar & Theatre in Kilkenny provided the perfect intimate setting for a memorable night…