Dermot Kennedy Live in London: A Voice That Fills Every Corner & The Power In Feeling
O2 Forum, London, UK | September 25th, 2025
Written by Anna Louise Jones | Cover photo via Dermot Kennedy Instagram
Before Dermot Kennedy even set foot on stage, support act Grace Enger had the crowd stunned with her unique energy, effortless vocals, and lyrics that pierce to the heart. Travelling all the way from Los Angeles, this was her first time touring Europe, and you could tell just how much this moment meant to her. Songs like ‘imytn’ showcased her longtime fans in the crowd, flashlights raised up on the balcony and singing along to every word. However, songs such as the unreleased ‘Running Back To You’ and debut single ‘The Neighborhood’ captured the attention of an audience who might not have known her name prior to this, but won’t ever forget it now. In Dublin, when she’d asked who was single and who was taken, the room erupted almost entirely on the single side. However, in London, the balance was more even - an early sign that this show would have its own unique energy. Already a former support act for Maisie Peters, Enger has long been tipped as the next big thing. After this London show, it’s clear she’s not just on the way. She’s arrived & she may just be the new favourite artist you’ve been searching for.
When Kennedy appeared, the audience was already primed. From the very first song, a solo performance of ‘Lost’, fans were singing back the chorus word for word. This energy never faded throughout his set with a sea of voices swelling during ‘What Have I Done’ with lines like “I’m in love this time/what have I done?”. Even those tucked away at the back of the floor couldn’t resist dancing.
The stage itself felt intimate, dressed with soft lamps and a bookish backdrop, a nod to Kennedy’s new album and his reputation as a storyteller. Between songs, he opened up with the kind of confessions that make his music cut so deep. “I found that when I was a child, the way I saw the world benefited me so much,” he reflected. Later, he admitted: “One thing I do talk about quite a bit is my fear of time passing”. It was vulnerable, thoughtful, and matched perfectly with the lyrics that have turned him into one of the most compelling voices of his generation.
And then, of course, there was that voice. Kennedy’s vocals were nothing short of powerful, effortless yet commanding, filling every corner of the venue with a rawness that no recording can quite capture. Kennedy’s latest single, ‘Let Me In,’ was one that captivated the audience the most. The audience knew it word for word, despite its recent release date. It’s clear, this is the room where they’re happy. The connection between artist and crowd was undeniable: Kennedy doesn’t just perform songs; he invites his audience to feel them.
