With Jake Bugg in Dublin (Photos & Video)

Location: Whelan’s,25 Wexford St, Dublin 2, D02 H527, Ireland

Words: Dimitris Mavrokefalidis – Photos: amusicmap.com

Listening while writing:

Shortly after the release of his new album “Hearts That Strain”, Jake Bugg announced an acoustic show at the famous Whelan’s on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Due to high demand, all tickets disappeared within a few minutes and another show was scheduled for the next day. His collaboration with Black Keys’ frontman, Dan Auerbach, at “How Soon The Dawn” was enough to spark the interest of his loyal fans who went to see him at the famous Irish Whelan’s the capacity of which reaches 300 people, while its stage does not exceed 15s.m. Here is where bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, Jeff Buckley, Kate Nash, Damien Rice and many others have performed. As for the romantic ones, they would find it a great opportunity to see the actual pub where scenes from “PS: I Love You” were filmed.

Naturally, the second bonus concert, becomes sold out in no time. Standing outside the famous bar’s door, I’m waiting for the guy who- via FB message-told me he had a ticket for sale. “Unfortunately my aunt passed away today so I’m not exactly in the mood“. I enter and go to the front of the tiny stage ‘till the concert begins. A few minutes later, a young girl approaches me and asks if I have any coke to offer her.

The stage is so small you wonder how a young artist like Jake Bugg – who has already managed to become a headliner in Glastonbury and other scenes worldwide, has been nominated for a Mercury Prize ever since his first album – will “fit” in such a tiny space.

Support came from young Sam Fender from Newcastle, and until Jake came up on stage we listened to Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and … Vangelis. All that was on stage before the gig was a microphone stand with a row of plectrums. What followed was an acoustic concert with a great selection of songs from all his albums and singalongs you meet at major international festivals. Jake joked in between songs and talked to the audience which was literally at his feet. At some point, he even commented on the balcony being filled with people he hadn’t noticed the previous night.

It was an all-ages audience, but I guess most of them must have been older than Jake who is merely 23. He sang a considerable chunk of tracks from his first album (released when he was 18). Each song made the world shout powerful lyrics whereas a sea of mobile phones illuminated the dark atmosphere.

At some point, we were treated to a cover song Neil Young’s “Old Man”, which was very good. I was so close to the stage I could read that “Lightning Bolt” was the last piece to be played. This evening surely could have been entitled:”Lightning Bolt“.

Setlist