Leon Bridges and Gotts Street Park Electrify Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens
As the Live at Iveagh Gardens concert series drew to a close, the grand finale couldn’t have been more perfectly chosen: Leon Bridges and his sensational band brought their unique brand of soul to Dublin’s city centre in a truly unforgettable way.
Despite the persistent rain, Leon Bridges delivered on his promise to the crowd, ensuring everyone left “happier than when we arrived” as he powered through a dynamic setlist of fan favourites and captivating new songs.
Setting the stage for the main act, the audience was treated to Gotts Street Park and their wonderfully comfortable alternative indie-soul sound. Their performance felt akin to stumbling upon a spontaneous jam session with incredibly talented professional musicians – enjoyable without a hint of pretension. When their friend and vocalist Olivia Jones joined them for several tracks, including their collaborative single ‘Tell Me Why’, she, much like the band, effortlessly navigated an impressive vocal range. Gotts Street Park proved their worth, masterfully balancing energizing and relaxing vibes while clearly relishing every moment on stage.
As the rain began to drizzle more steadily over the park, Leon Bridges and his band emerged, radiating brightness and a determined resolve to give Dublin an evening perfect for dancing in the rain. With a hit-stacked setlist, Leon Bridges opened with the fan-favourite ‘When A Man Cries’, showcasing not only his own prowess as a performer but also the exceptional talent of his eight-piece band. Tears of joy were likely the only kind shed that evening, as Leon Bridges infused sunshine into his blues, and despite the downpour, not a single complaint was heard.
From there, Leon Bridges seamlessly transitioned into ‘Panther City’, where the stage truly came alive with the vibrant music. Looking impeccably dapper, he belted out the lyrics, his voice sounding even better than any recording could capture. The devoted crowd savoured every moment of the night, absolutely delighted to see this Georgian icon grace the stage and deliver a divine performance. The palpable chemistry between Leon Bridges and his band members was undeniable; they clearly enjoyed grooving together and basking in the cheers from the enthusiastic Dublin crowd.
Nearing the middle of the set, ‘Texas Sun’ was met with resounding audience approval, prompting widespread singing and dancing arm-in-arm further back in the crowd. For a fleeting moment, the warmth of the performance almost made concert-goers forget they were thoroughly soaked by the mid-July rains. As he continued through the rest of the 23-song set, Leon Bridges skilfully balanced engaging banter with the need to meet the half-past-ten curfew.
Another fan favourite, ‘River’, was performed acoustically, and paired with the natural choral backup of Irish voices, it created a truly special and unique moment – one the audience will undoubtedly cherish for a long time. It was an excellent way to spend a Saturday night in Dublin; even if your socks were completely soaked by the middle of the gig, there’s no doubt it was worth it. Leon Bridges captivated both long-time fans and newcomers alike, ensuring everyone thoroughly enjoyed their evening.
