Ryan McMullan kicked off his much-anticipated tour at the Workman’s Club in Dublin on November 3, 2024, in front of a packed and buzzing crowd. The night marked the live debut of his long-awaited album, Redesign, an album that fans had been eagerly awaiting for years. With his first show of the tour and his first album release, there was a special feeling at the venue. Ryan brought with him a sense of vulnerability, perseverance, and gratitude that filled the room and left fans with an unforgettable experience.
Opening the night was Charlie Noordewier, an artist whose chill demeanor and effortlessly impressive voice filled the venue with a calming touch. He has a voice that made everyone stop in their tracks and pay attention. His songs delved into raw themes like depression, addiction, and low points in his life, showcasing a soulful edge that had the crowd hanging on every word. There was something of a young Paolo Nutini in Charlie’s swagger—a natural coolness that made it easy to imagine spending some time in his company. His presence on stage was magnetic and set the perfect tone for the evening.
When Ryan took the stage, he immediately connected with his audience, despite revealing he was battling food poisoning. Rather than letting his illness overshadow the night, he powered through with determination and made jokes about his state. From the first notes, he was all in, there was no holding back taking it easy. He was here to celebrate the release of Redesign, an album that took years to perfect, and unwell or not he was going to celebrate. The setlist was filled with both new songs from the album and fan favorites, each delivered with that authentic Ryan McMullan passion. Ryan’s voice carried the weight of the stories within his songs, a testament to the years he poured into this project.
Ryan’s encore was a delightful surprise, though altered due to his condition. He joked about his rivalry with Christy Moore, who coincidentally released an album the same weekend. His encore began with a Christy Moore cover, a humorous nod to the friendly competition. Next, he performed Streets of New York, a song not on the setlist but one he gifted to the crowd due to their overwhelming energy and his own need for a comforting classic in his unwell state. The encore concluded with Fuck Off, a cheeky, spirited way of saying thank you and good night, which the audience embraced with cheers and laughter.
Between songs, Ryan engaged with the crowd, sharing stories of Redesign’s long journey, the obstacles he overcame, and the meaning behind certain tracks. He also let fans in on his plans for a second album, already set to be recorded later this year—a promise that there won’t be another long wait. His willingness to power through his illness, combined with the warmth he extended to fans, made it clear how much this night meant to him.
This was my second time seeing Ryan McMullan this year, with the first being at the Electric Arena stage at Electric Picnic. While that show had its own electric energy, there was something uniquely intimate about this performance at the Workman’s Club. The night was a reminder of why fans resonate so deeply with Ryan—not just because of his music but because of the authenticity he brings to every performance, even when the odds are stacked against him. The audience left in good spirits having witnessed a great performance. Well done to Ryan on his album release and super performance considering the circumstances.
Charlie Noordewier photos:
Ryan McMullan photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Us
Static
Real Love
Redesign
Flailing
Monarch
You Don’t Dance
Wilder
Jenny & Johnny
Ruthless Cupid
Another Minute with You
Letting Go for a Little While
“Heroes” (David Bowie cover)
Bowie on the Radio
Belfast City
Oh Susannah
Encore:
Never Mattered
Make a Mark (Beoga cover)
Fuck Off
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography