David Keenan graced the hallowed halls of The Olympia Theatre last night. A singer songwriter with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals – you might think his set would be quiet and poised with brief hand claps from a drowsy lethargic gathering however that’s not how Keenan rolls … nor his followers for that matter. Exuding mesmerising rock ‘n’ roll charisma, Keenan brought the roof down as he filled The Olympia Theatre with his vibrant, emotive and passionate tunes. The crowd hung onto every word bellowing out the lyrics, each syllable meaning the world to them and all of this was met with humble gratitude from the headliner.

Keenan stands behind a white screen with just his silhouette visible to the crowd. The audience cheer in anticipation. Many of them gushing “ I love him… he’s really pretty” as he poses ready for the canvas to lift and relieve the suspense. Of course Keenan maintained the solo stripped back intimacy that has gathered this dedicated following over the years, performing ‘Big Boys Must Cry’ and ‘Full Stop’ with no band and just his guitar. He is comfortable in the picturesque setting of The Olympia. His larger than life persona and poetic lyrics resound throughout the venue touching every single person who was there as the crowd bellow back his lyrics in worship.

“We made it to the Olympia Theatre, we did this together let’s celebrate together tonight as one“ and that was certainly what it felt like – a massive celebration of an artists well deserved, stellar climb to a sold out show in one of Ireland’s most prestigious and sought after venues. Keenan holds the audiences attention with ease as they await with bated breath to clap, sway or sing along. He stands majestically onstage – prancing, spiraling and jumping creating entertainment with every dramatic hand flail or stride. Like all the best shows a lot of planning went into this performance. There was a  joyous gradual beginning, an intermission of sorts with a wonderfully talented Aerial Hoop performer, a thrilling second half and phenomenal encore which saw Keenan return to the stage being cheered like a hero. Members of the crowd were embracing, shouting “go on lad!” and “love you Dave!” as he belted out powerful favourites  ‘Lawrence Of Arcadia’ and ‘Postcards From Catalonia’. 

Live, Keenan’s tracks ignite into beautiful flairs of wonderful colour and vibrant textures as he fashions the audience into a circle of friendship and comradery. With a band behind him Keenan is unstoppable.  

As the first half of the set swings into ebullient motion we see the familiar side to Keenan’s musicianship, the folky-hued, more traditional-tinged aspect. A lush and utterly mesmerising rendition of ‘Two Kids’ sees Keenan duet with Laura Burke. Their sweet, warm tones melt into one another, gently drifting the track to a new, exciting and beautiful dimension. This time stopping arrangement is a special moment within the set list and members of the crowd hug and sway while others weep. Keenan writes tracks that evoke a multitude of emotions but this specific moment took the crowd from dancing and singing to embracing and swaying in teary joy while electric bulbs and flashing lights illuminate the stage.There is a professional yet passionate approach to Keenan’s live shows that is quite admirable. He knows what gets his audience hyped up but there is an authentic and heartfelt backbone to his polished performance that leaves a raw and honest residue. 

The second half of the set brings drums, guitars (with some shredding solo’s) and a hint of grit into the show. Here Keenan tries his hand at being somewhat of a rockstar of sorts. He succeeds. A shout of “ haon, dó, trí, ” from Keenan rumbles above the drum thuds as ‘Unholy Ghosts’ initiates the more dynamic aspect of the show. There doesn’t appear to be a soul in the venue who doesn’t know all the lyrics to every track on the recently released ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ album. ’The Healing’ and ‘Good Old Days’ have the crowd in a flurry of adored mania. ‘Alter Wine’ is utterly enthralling live – Keenan delivers the track with intense, earnest vigor as his strong vocals ricochet over the intoxicating melodic riff on guitars and strings.”Join hands with the person next to you.. lift them up” Keenan shouts as the entire venue sings the “Rain, rain, go away, I’ll come down another day” lyrics of ’Love in a Snug’. He doesn’t compromise quality as his striking vocal range refuses to falter while being met with mass applause for the lengthy notes in ‘ Tin Pan Alley‘. 

The encore brings more tears as a woman near me announces “Oh my god i’m going to cry” for ‘A Corner Boy’s Lament’ and yes she absolutely did. As she sobbed in the audience, on stage Keenan is giving it his all with his acoustic guitar. He tenderly presents this emotive song, perhaps unknowingly, creating or connecting to a special and personal moment with a lot of his audience. ‘James Dean’ and ‘Badlands’ continues the ecstatic sing and clap along while ‘Subliminal Dublinia’ aptly brings the show to an explosive finale as Keenan shouts “this is the end of the beginning not the beginning of the end”. 

There is no denying that Keenan deserved to be headlining The Olympia last night. His musical prowess is inspiring. He has the ability to rally and passionately ignite the audience through his powerful, emotive tracks and meaningful lyrics. As the confetti cannon erupted into the venue the lights illuminated the crowd’s smiling, proud faces.They cheered and applauded this young man who has worked relentlessly to craft and carve his sound without compromise. Keenan has created something unique that binds strangers together and provides an atmosphere of elation. His tracks are his medium of release, a therapy of sorts but they are perhaps so much more to the crowd of fans gathered in that venue last night.. ready to celebrate this milestone with him.  

Author : Danu

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