The Academy in Dublin was transformed into something closer to a seafront tavern than a city centre music venue as Bristol folk favourites The Longest Johns brought their roaring sea shanties to Dublin for a hugely entertaining night of music and revelry.
Before the main event, Irish heavy folk outfit Bog Bodies did an excellent job warming up the venue with a short but memorable six song set. Mixing traditional folk sounds with darker, heavier instrumentation, the band immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Tracks such as “Firelighters” and “Daithi” landed particularly well, with the crowd quickly warming to their earthy energy and thunderous rhythms. Their performance felt raw and authentic, setting the tone perfectly for what was to come later in the evening.
By the time The Longest Johns took to the stage, the atmosphere inside The Academy was already electric. Launching into a mammoth 22 song set, the Bristol group delivered exactly what fans had come for, booming harmonies, infectious storytelling and enough maritime energy to sink a ship. If you have never seen The Longest Johns live, picture a tavern packed with ale drinkers while, in the corner, a band made up of pirates, chain-gang workers and the occasional dwarf belt out shanties late into the night. That is essentially the full Longest Johns experience, and Dublin embraced every second of it.
What makes the band so enjoyable live is not simply the music itself, but the atmosphere they create. Every chorus quickly became a singalong, with the audience enthusiastically roaring back lyrics as pints were raised throughout the venue. Despite the theatrical nature of the performance, there was genuine musical quality on display too, with the group’s layered vocal harmonies sounding rich and powerful from start to finish.
The pacing of the set was excellent, balancing rowdy drinking songs with slower, more reflective moments that allowed the crowd to catch its breath before diving back into another wave of booming choruses. Between songs, the band’s humour and easy going stage presence made the show feel welcoming and communal.
By the end of the night, The Academy felt like a ship full of newly recruited sailors heading into the storm. It was loud, chaotic, heartfelt and enormous fun, exactly what a Longest Johns gig should be.
Bog Bodies photos:
The Longest Johns photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Ends of the Earth
Leaving of Liverpool
The Mothman
Paddington Fair
Ragamuffin
Diggy Diggy Hole 2
On the Railroad
Over He Goes
Oak & Ash & Thorn
The Mallard
Bones in the Ocean
Scrimshaw
The Llandoger
Nantucket
Labyrinth Blues
Hoist up the Thing
Jolly Roving Tar
Moby Duck
____________________
The Workers Song
Wellerman
Santiana
Northwest Passage
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic