James Vincent McMorrow played a gig at the Iveagh Gardens on Thursday night, Ireland’s first live concert since the music industry shut down last March.
The concert was the first of a number of pilot gigs announced by Arts Minister Catherine Martin, to help bring back live performances in Ireland.
The show kicked off on Thursday at 7pm with opening act Sorcha Richardson, and it was also live-streamed on YouTube for fans who missed out on tickets.
Great show tonight, thanks to everyone who made it such a safe summer celebration 🎉🙏
Really lovely atmosphere at Iveagh Gardens
More live pilot shows to come!!! #MoreMusic #LoveMusic @jamesvmcmorrow @SorchaRichardsn @NCH_Music pic.twitter.com/Qqxr7it3kF
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) June 10, 2021
Leafy James Vincent McMorrow at Iveagh Gardens pic.twitter.com/jkdXRvJYP0
— The Point Of Everything (@TPOEblog) June 10, 2021
James channelled everyone’s emotions on the night, when he said: “I didn’t realise how much I needed this until it gets taken away…”
Opening act Sorcha also added: “This is like a sign of hope that we’re getting there.”
The 500 people who attended the gig were split up into separate “pods”, which were evenly spaced out from each other.
More pics of @jamesvmcmorrow and @SorchaRichardsn at #Iveaghgardens #livemusic #jamesvincentmcmorrow pic.twitter.com/wBvLAurfZ8
— Brian Lawless (@lawlessbrian) June 10, 2021
Guests had to wear masks at all times unless they were in their “pod”, and the event had a strict “no alcohol allowed” policy.
Attendees were banned from bringing any furniture like camping chairs, and were asked to obey social distancing rules and to keep sanitising their hands.
Although it was certainly a different concert experience, attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event, and took to Twitter to praise how well it was organised.
I’m actually in disbelief that I was at a gig. It was emotional. @jamesvmcmorrow and @SorchaRichardsn were both brilliant. Here’s hoping for many more to come. #jamesvincentmcmorrow #Iveaghgardens #livemusic pic.twitter.com/IUJbLw3G9R
— Brian Lawless (@lawlessbrian) June 10, 2021
Feels special to be at a real gig again. Looks very different to what Iveagh Gardens gigs used to be like, but it’s one hell of a step in the right direction. James Vincent McMorrow judging the mood beautifully so far… pic.twitter.com/ghbxV3VNVU
— John Meagher (@johnmeaghermuso) June 10, 2021
First socially distanced very well managed gig at Iveagh Gardens. A massive well done to Minister Catherine, her Department & National Concert Hall, all the event staff. Live stream here: https://t.co/OpgYwUXIpU
The first of many safe & well run live gigs to come! pic.twitter.com/tGmFUGwqtW
— Hazel Chu (@hazechu) June 10, 2021
Privilege to be at #Iveaghgardens to hear live music again. Fantastic performances by @jamesvmcmorrow & @SorchaRichardsn .
Event well run. We need to move beyond pilot gigs and get the arts back up and running.
(Well done @cathmartingreen , @DeptCulturelRL @NCH_Music ) pic.twitter.com/BMyvzD40bf
— Malcolm Byrne (@malcolmbyrne) June 10, 2021
Fabliss evening #iveaghgardens thanks @jamesvimcmorrow for an emotional return to live music. Excellent trial run, fair play to all involved in getting this up and running. pic.twitter.com/lkwGfC45mf
— Paula (Lynch) Lavery (@lynchp5) June 10, 2021