.png)
Having been keeping a close eye on the incredible journey of singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot since we last spoke to him a couple of years ago, I was happy to hear the much loved Irishman would be coming to Newcastle on 14th November 2023 as part of his UK tour.
With the Xmas lights officially being switched on in Newcastle city centre, crowds headed to the O2 City Hall. While the heavens opened and the rain poured down, this did not stop eager music fans from enjoying an evening of incredible life music.
As I entered the venue, E-ticket on hand ready to step in already I could feel the energy and the excitement in the air, with the gig officially also selling out too. Friends, families, couples beaming with smiles, some already checking out the merch, and others wasting no time trying to get a good spot or head to their seats.
At 8pm on the dot, Kansas City born and raised artist Anson Seabra took to the stage to commence the evening style with his beautiful tracks which just filled the entire room with such positive energy. Until that day, I had not been aware of Anson, but I came away from that set feeling so blessed to have discovered such remarkable talent, especially when I was feeding off the vibe of tracks such as Peter Pan Was Right and Welcome To Wonderland. Looking at my fellow music fans I could see that they too had fallen in love with Anson and his music, with everyone’s eyes fixed on such a magical and enchanting performance.
With Anson’s work complete, it was time to the stage to be cleared, go for a quick break to stretch my legs, before heading back to my seat in time for the one and only Cian Ducrot. As the lights go down, and the neon lights flashing Cian’s name appeared, the amount of love felt in that room at that moment was so powerful. Stepping out to opening song, Victory, Cian had the crowd’s eyes fixed on him within an instant. Everyone singing along to lines such as ‘The sweeter the victory, ohhhh, sweeter the victory’, you could not help but join in.
Taking a moment to say a special hello to the audience, Cian then led on to Mama which was sung with so much passion in his voice for such a raw and precious song. To hear such a vulnerable song amplified throughout the O2 City Hall direct from the lips of Cian Ducrot and resonating with everyone in its path, wow, there are just not enough words to describe that feeling.
Continuing to maintain the surreal and electrifying atmosphere, Cian moved onto one of my favorite tracks, Heaven. As music fans, we all have that one song we all long to hear performed live with bated beath, and from a personal point of view, for me this is that song and at one point the man himself even got down from off the stage and ventured into the heart of the crowd.
As the night continued, Cian continued to deliver an incredible set, a prime opportunity to hear just some of the sensational tracks which make up his debut album, Victory. This did not feel your typical gig, but a celebration of one of the most remarkable artist of this time, a true pinch myself in itself, and a dream I am sure we wish we never want to wake up from.
Taking a break from the latest album, Cian also took the opportunity to rewind the clock and revisit some of his earlier material such as Aftertaste which was released back in 2020. While maybe only known by a select group of those hardcore Cian Ducrot fans, seeing everyone give the song the full attention and respect it deserved was such a precious part of the night, because it is a song which forms an important part of his evolution.
With time ticking away, Cian gave us hit after hit, as the audience with smiles on their faces, and joy in their heart embraced each and every song, singing, dancing and praising the name Cian Ducrot to their heart's content.
What I have always admired about Cian is that he has always come across as quite a humble person with so much love and gratitude for his loyal fanbase, and he wasted no time just telling the Newcastle crowd just how grateful he was for the years of unconditional and overflowing support.
Having played an impressive 14 song set, it was sadly time for the night to come to a close, but not without one more treat up his sleeve, to end the night on a high, I’ll Be Waiting - one of his most popular and well known releases. With one finally opportunity to sing along, the audience gave their all wholeheartedly as they raised their voices and sang along with Cian Ducrot one last time.
There are moments in life which will stand out as forming the blueprints of our most precious memories, and as I think back to this show, this will forever be one of those moments. On behalf of all my fellow music fans here in Newcastle, I thank Cian for one of the best nights of live music that has ever taken place in our city, and am already looking forward to welcoming him back real soon. Until next time Cian Ducrot, we love you!
Article By Thushara S. Chandrasiri , Photos By Sam Wall
Comments