2024 Irish Gigs (Confirmed & Rumoured Events)

Hate to say it but Mercury Rev kinda underwhelming in Limerick tonight. Great band and setlist but sound issues plus loud drums slightly skewered it. The big issues was Jonathan’s voice. After not using it on the recent spoken-word LP there was a (well-founded) fear that it was in trouble.

Given the hugely important part his voice plays in the material it’s pretty distracting when he reaches for notes he can’t hit. I’m surprised he doesn’t disguise it with effects as Wayne Coyle or others sometimes do. Sorry to put anyone on a downer on the eve of their remaining gigs but it’s best to be aware. Anyway, I’m off to the Róísín tomorrow and am still delighted I can see one of my favourite bands in the company of only 279 other people. Enjoy the sets this week.

A comeback for Mercury Rev. Astonishing in Galway tonight. A much smaller room with a lowish ceiling and a spanking brand new sound system helps. His voice was clearly better than Dolans but was also helped by improved sound engineering and a louder band. 7 musicians (at one stage 8) on a tiny stage in front of 280 people. How did we get so lucky?

An astonishing band playing a myriad of instruments, a longer and better setlist and the band cutting loose with extended jams. I also got to meet JD.

My gig of 2025.