Mick Flannery

To celebrate his new album release, Irish singer-song writer Mick Flannery performs an intimate gig at Lafayette in King’s Cross. A great venue for good views of the band, capturing the soulful music and performances. Bars aplenty so you can top up your gin and tonic and not miss a note. This London gig was the last one of a European tour for Flannery, but despite this his raw smoky vocals still captivate the audience from the first song.

There was no Blarney from this Cork man, he has won song writing competitions in Nashville and is highly acclaimed in Ireland. Flannery’s style has been described as folk, but he has said that Kurt Cobain was a direct influence alongside Cohen and Dylan. Tonight, he transitioned effortlessly between ballads to foot tapping tunes. ‘Goodtime Charlie’ lifted the roof of this cavernous basement. Flannery was joined on stage by fellow Irish singer Susan O’Neill whom he has collaborated with on several albums. ‘Baby Talk’ is a heaven of blues - their voice blend sublime. There was a Led Zeplin ‘Stairway to Heaven’ guitar feel on some with brass and wind accompaniment. Parental music lessons paid off!

There was a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ sung by the audience, despite him playing this down he was indulged. He shared anecdotes of drinking with friends, playing cards, lining up the whiskeys…good times.
His brother, roped into selling the merch, took to the stage and belted out ‘Take it on the Chin’ - evidence of the music talent gene in the family. The last song, the cover of Creedance Clearwater Revival’s ‘Travelin’ Band’, thundered a Jerry Lee Lewis finish to the night. After the band left the stage there was an overheard conversation of a fan who had travelled up from Brighton to see Flannery with no accommodation booked, a sign of pure dedication…just hope that they managed to get the last train home!

Setlist
Boston
Neon Tonight
Star to Star
Minnesota
Give Me Up
I’ll Be Out Here
Saddle in the Rain (John Prine cover)
Machine
The Small Fire
Safety Rope
Wasteland
Baby Talk (with Susan O’Neill)
Chain Reaction (with Susan O’Neill)
Trouble (with Susan O’Neill)
Are We Free? (with Susan O’Neill)
Someone To Tell It To
Goodtime Charlie
Take it on the Chin.
Travelin’ Band (Creedance Clearwater Revival cover)