On a summers evening, Dublin’s The Academy played host to an intimate performance from none other than Myles Kennedy in support of his debut solo album, ‘Year of the Tiger’, and it’s even better live. The internationally acclaimed singer, while best known for his vocal talents in Alter Bridge, Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators as well lending his voice to a wealth of other credits, has temporarily hung up his larger than life band persona in aid of a far more personal showcase, and it is nothing short of a delight.
The personable Dorian Sorriaux delivered support on the night and all in attendance gravitated toward his music and personality almost instantly. A short but sweet set, Sorriaux left the stage after a memorable performance you only wanted more of.
Armed with only a handful of guitars, a bass drum trigger pedal and occasionally his good friend Timmy at his disposal, the minimal arsenal he came prepped with was all Myles Kennedy needed to win the hearts of his Irish audience on a night that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Winding his way through an admirable catalogue, featuring everything from The Mayfield Four, Slash Featuring M.K, Alter Bridge and of course ‘Year of the Tiger’, Kennedy’s own brand of singsong coupled with storytelling and many laughs in between resonated with the Fair City in great fashion. A draping of the Irish flag over the amplifiers made for a wonderful touch, also. As did numbers including the upbeat “Devil on the Wall’, a hopeful “All Ends Well” and the hauntingly beautiful “Love Can Only Heal” made for some standout moments throughout this diverse set, with Kennedy cracking himself up and the audience in what were many light hearted points in the show.
In a room only a fraction of the size in comparison to some of the other venues this tour has stopped off in, many agreed that this sold out audience were louder than crowds of a much larger capacity on these run of dates. This was evident in Kennedy’s own songs such as “Addicted To Pain” and the always unforgettable “Watch Over You”, but also in his acoustic rendition of “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden. Kennedy’s soaring vocals were matched only by a harmonising crowd who were loud enough to interrupt candle lit dinners in the restaurants a few doors down. And again in the show closer “Year of the Tiger”, as Kennedy concluded his set by gifting fans with guitar pics and handshakes before bidding one final goodbye.
When we attend a show, we do so with a certain anticipation and excitement. But every once in a while, this excitement is surpassed and what we get is a truly special evening. This was one of those evenings. In the handful of times Myles Kennedy has played in Ireland with his different acts, he has managed to cement for himself a place in the hearts of his Irish fans, and this was no exception. Intimate, invigorating and executed with immense heart, Myles Kennedy proves once again why he is one of the most sought after personalities in music.