Review by : Sean Stevens
Photo’s By : Alessio Michelini
Josh Ritter and Villagers Sunday July 18th 2010 Iveagh Gardens
Villagers main man Conor O’Brien arrived on stage at 7.30 on the button to the early arrivals on the night. It was clear that the venue was almost full as he hit the stage which is a real credit to him as a musician. As he performed songs from his album “Becoming a Jackel” the audience lapped it all up before belting out “Ship of Promises” even though during the song a gust of wind made its presence felt in the cosy surroundings, afterwards confessing that the wind had blew his set list away. But luckily a stage hand was near by to fix the problem as he got into fan favourite “Becoming a Jackel”. After making some audience observations he made sure to allow the audience know of his appreciation of them arriving early to see him play. After announcing only two songs left he asked the front row for requests before performing “The Pact” and ending his set with “Home”. There was no better way to start off the evening.
Josh Ritter
Bouncing on stage with that infectious smile the crowd made him feel very welcome as he complimented the beauty of the surroundings of The Iveagh Gardens. Kicking off with “Lantern” then “Minds Eye” it was “Right Moves” which really got them singing and dancing. According to Josh a mysterious fog rose from the audience and seemed happy enough with the steady rain which teased us on and off
throughout the night. Song after song was performed to the delight of all who had chose to spend their Sunday evening in Dublins so called secret garden watching a fine set of musicians in the form of The Royal City Band who really interacted with their audience. As Ritter sang his way through tunes such as “Bright Smile” and “Goodman” he had confessed to the audience his feeling on the venue in which everyone had gathered even going as far as saying it was a perfect location for a cucumber sandwich and after glancing around he had even convinced me. With dedications to Road Records on the night where a flock of seagulls gracefully joined him in the above dull sky as he sang away, it was a touching tribute to Derek Nally who passed away recently which really got peoples emotions stirring when he performed “Roll On” solo. Ritter described Nally as the ultimate gentleman with the most perfect hair. It was clear to all that Ritter was saddened of his passing.
As the night rolled on and as a solo seagull kept flight over the stage to help give that random touch to each song Ritter kept the audiences attention and spirits high even if the weather was making its presence felt. It was a bright ending though as hits such as “Kathleen”, “Change of Time” and “Remnant” entertained the enthusiastic audience. Time stood still for thirty seconds when they performed “To the Dogs or Whoever” due to their freeze style ending which from where I was standing was really perfected. As the band said their goodbyes and let us know of their return sometime in the winter they arrived back on stage moments later for the encore which included Chris Isaaks “Wicked Game”. Finishing on “Wait for It” it was clear to see by the huge audience reaction the support Josh Ritter has in Dublin and throughout Ireland. It was the perfect performance in a perfect venue and with a special guest appearance from seagulls how could you go wrong. Im proposing gigs to be held there on a weekly basis.
