Dermot Kennedy's Sonder Tour brought a captivating fusion of emotions to Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
With latest album Sonder in tow, Dermot Kennedy’s live performance in Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne was nothing short of a musical journey, seamlessly blending raw emotion, electrifying energy, and a connection to his fans that transcended the stage.
A powerhouse performer, it’s incredibly easy to find yourself immersed in the haunting beauty of the Irish singer-songwriter’s artistry. Dermot’s voice, a force of nature in its incredible power, has the rare ability to cut through the noise of everyday life and reach deep into the core of one’s emotions. Or in this case, the power to reach 12,000 adoring fans in the open air on rainy Melbourne evening.
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While a little late to the stage (this loving crowd really wasn’t phased), from the opening chords of ‘Blossom’ through to the anthemic ‘Outnumbered’, Dermot’s almost two hour performance captivated the enchanted audience with his powerful and emotive voice. Despite the downpour of the rain and a sea of ponchos, the open-air venue and the adoration for Dermot allowed for quite an intimate experience, fostering a genuine connection between the artist and the crowd.
While the crowd, a harmonious blend of ages, frenzied over renowned tracks like ‘Power Over Me’, ‘Outnumbered’ and ‘Better Days’, the magic of the night extended beyond hit singles, with each song in the setlist delivered with unwavering passion. Whether he was performing solo on keys, or with his full live band, Dermot’s ability to connect with fans through both hits and deep cuts resonated, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and musical celebration.
From the energetic burst during the second song of the night ‘Power Over Me’, Dermot came out strong with the stunning ‘One Life’, enhanced by the dynamic interplay of lights, notably in shades of pink and red, and mesmerising back-up singers, creating a vivid backdrop for Dermot’s resonant vocals. Proving his versatility on stage, ‘Young & Free’ saw Dermot deliver huge vocals and a vibrant display of his skills with a guitar.
The seamless transition from pop to rock and then a poignant ballad kept the atmosphere charged throughout the night. The electro vibes added a welcomed dimension to some of the songs, providing a sonic journey that mirrored the eclectic nature of Dermot’s discography.
A standout moment featured Dermot solo on piano, bathed in purple lights, delivering a moving rendition of ‘Dreamer’. His plea for presence in love resonated, creating an intimate connection with the audience. Gifting the audience a delightful rollercoaster of a performance, he then created a 12,000-strong singalong with hits ‘Glory’ followed by the lyrical masterpiece ‘Rome’ which saw the lights go down and thousands of phones in the crowd light up, swaying softly to one of his most nostalgic songs, written about easier times.
The concert’s emotional depth reached a pinnacle with ‘Innocence and Sadness’, again performed on piano, showcasing Dermot’s vocal prowess and emotional intensity. His brief reflections on fear, time, and the impermanence of beauty added a personal touch, bridging the gap between artist and audience.
“I don’t like to talk too much, I like what you need to take what you need from the songs,” he shared.
The setlist’s climax with ‘Outnumbered’ was an obvious highlight, accompanied by bandmate and Melbourne musician, Kieran Jones, injecting infectious energy for his home crowd.
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The band’s return for ‘Better Days’, ‘Kiss Me’, and the encore ‘Something to Someone’ sealed the night with a crescendo of sound, leaving the crowd immersed in the magic of Dermot Dermot’s live performance.
Dermot Kennedy’s Sonder Tour in Melbourne was a captivating exploration of music and emotion. Whether it was the intimate moments on the piano, the energetic bursts, or the anthemic sing-alongs, the concert was a testament to Dermot’s unparalleled ability to create a shared, transcendent experience for his fans.
Dermot Kennedy Set List Melbourne 2023
Blossom
Power Over Me
One Life
An Evening I Will Not Forget
Lost
Young & Free
Dreamer
Moments Passed
Glory
Rome
Innocence and sadness
Outnumbered
After Rain
Without Fear
Better Days
Homeward
Kiss Me
Something to Someone
