A sold out tour around Ireland and the UK showcased the Indie/Folk trio, “Kingfishr” and their talents to connecting audiences across multiple venues as their rise continues.
Darkus have supported and watched the rise of the trio emerge from their home in Limerick Ireland to the current heights of supporting Tom Walker and their own sold out Ireland and UK tour. Darkus had the privilege of seeing the band smash the sell out shows at both the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire in London and The Boiler Shop in Newcastle.
A landmark Edwardian Theatre to a Grade II listed industrial building, both venues couldn't be much more different but yet fit the feel and connection you can only get from Kingfishr.
NEWCASTLE BOILER SHOP 17th NOVEMBER 2024
Opening their set in Newcastle at the Boiler Shop, the trio started with the rapturous and upbeat, “I cried, I Wept”, instantly bringing the energy with the audience straight in on backing vocals and lead singer Edmond Keogh without hesitation showed his connection to the audience by getting in amongst them near the end of song to greet them as he mounted the merch desk much to the appreciation of the crowd.
Jumping back on stage,the newest single, “The saviour” was next on the list keeping the energy high and although having only released in 2024, the crowd again in fine voice singing along.
Kingfishr brought their signature sounds with every song throughout the gig with a mix of high energy to slower more intimate songs, no song was ever out of place and resonated with the fans. Edmond also wasn't shy with his personality either, briefly pausing in between songs to request some beers for the stage from the bar at the back of the room asking the crowd if the venue sold Ireland's tipple, Guinness of which the venue obliged to hand delivering it to the stage.
A standout of the night was the trio gracing the floor amongst the fans including ourselves to perform “Shot in the Dark”, their emotionally connective lyrics with a soothing harmonica and softly played guitar and banjo pleased the crowd with the fans favourite song. Written by Edmond Keogh, Eoghan McGrath and Eion Fitzgibbon on the night they quit their jobs and decided to pursue music full time with the song reflecting on the risks the trio were taking to pursue their dream.
Kingfishr would treat the crowd to two new songs during their set which already felt like it was part of the repertoire, delighting everyone as they kept dancing and feeding off the energy.
An overall reflection of the night is that Kingfishr is certainly on the rise and brings an amazing energy and presence to their live sets, inclusive and connective to the audience while still keeping you emotionally engaged to the lyricism of their songs. Their climb to higher and bigger heights have only just begun and being a fan myself and knowing almost every song like everyone in attendance. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Kingfishr.
LONDON O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE 13th NOVEMBER 2024
Needless to say that the band’s highlight of the tour was playing the iconic Empire in London. A dream for a lot of artists playing in the capital.
A sold out show which was a night to never forget!
"We're a bit rough around the edges," they laughed, visibly energized despite the relentless pace. "But the adrenaline just keeps you going." Kingfishr kicked off their UK performances with a couple of shows that felt like a whirlwind. "Ireland was mad. The crowds there—it's like nothing else. I remember looking out and thinking, how lucky are we?" For the band, each show is like a fresh spark, an experience they cherish as their audiences grow.
Reflecting on how audiences differ, the band opened up about the intensity of their home shows.
"Ireland is special because it’s home. There’s a sort of expectation there, you know, but it’s more about the location. Like, we played this tiny place, Cashel—it was incredible. Sometimes, the best shows are where there’s no pressure, just pure connection."
A Dream Realised: Shepherd's Bush Empire
The London show was particularly poignant. It wasn’t long ago that Kingfishr had attended their first gig in the city at Shepherd’s Bush, as fans in awe of the atmosphere. "We were on the guest list for the first time, thinking, ‘This is it; we’ve made it,’" they remembered, laughing. Now, returning to that very stage for their own headline show was surreal. "Walking around backstage, I kept thinking, two years ago, I was here as a fan. And now, it’s ours."
As the band took the stage, it was more than just a performance; it was a milestone. The queue outside from early morning, the crowd singing along to every single word. “We’re not opening for anyone, this time we are headlining and it’s surreal”
Memorable Moments and Emotional Highs
This year has been filled with unforgettable experiences for Kingfishr. From sweat-drenched shows in tiny pubs to awe-inspiring festival sets, each moment has been more significant than the last. "I remember playing Glastonbury," one of them shared. "On the second day, I just couldn’t stop crying on stage. You see thousands in front of you, and it’s surreal. I mean, who comes to a gig at 12 p.m. on a Sunday? But they did, and it was magical."
For the band, playing Cork was also a major highlight
"Cork’s my home," one of them noted. "Having friends and family in the crowd—it just hits differently." The magic of playing live is something they’ll never take for granted, each show feeling like both a celebration and a homecoming.
Kingfishr’s journey started humbly. "When we first started, it was just a side project," they reminisced. "We were living and working on a farm, figuring things out as we went along." But as the band’s popularity grew, so did their ambitions. "It’s still just the three of us having a laugh, but now it’s more. It’s real."
Reflecting on the road from small beginnings to sold-out tours, they added, "I feel like we’re getting away with murder. It’s like I wished for this dream when I was 10, and now we’re living it. It’s unbelievable." Their love for the craft remains genuine, their mission simple: to create music that resonates deeply with themselves and their fans.
What's Next? The Dream Continues
As the year winds down, Kingfishr is already looking toward the future, with hopes of returning to the studio to work on new music. "We’ve got a few ideas in the works," they teased. “We’re probably going to take a bit of time to write and record, hopefully bringing a new album next year. We’re also dreaming of some bigger gigs—maybe even a few international dates."
When asked about their ultimate venue, they didn’t hesitate:
"Cork Park Park and Red Rocks. Those places are legends." The idea of playing Croke Park in Ireland—a place they grew up admiring—feels like the pinnacle of success. "Playing there would be the ultimate. It’s the heart of Irish sports, but to play it for music? That’s the dream."
Shepherd's Bush and Beyond: Kingfishr's Journey Is Just Beginning
From the Shepherd's Bush Empire to dreams of stadiums and red rock canyons, Kingfishr is on an unstoppable path. Their music, heartfelt and immersive, has already struck a chord across the UK and Ireland, and now, they're gearing up to bring it to the world. As they closed their night in London, the crowd’s cheers echoed through the iconic venue, a reminder that this is only the beginning.
Stay connect with Kingfishr
Words by Dave S. & Sal F. - Photos by Adam K. & Gianmarco R.
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