Dermot Kennedy - Live in Studio

August 6, 2018 - A native of County Dublin, singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy began writing songs in his teens. The current NPR Slingshot artist stopped by WGBH’s Fraser performance studio on a blazing hot August afternoon to perform a powerfully intimate set featuring two songs on guitar and two on piano. NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson recently wrote that Kennedy has “a voice built to fill stadiums”. The moment Dermot began to sing we were left with the same jaw-dropping feeling. It's clear Dermot is well on his way to doing some pretty special things in music.
Set list:
A Closeness 0:06
For Island Fires and Family 4:24
An Evening I Will Not Forget 9:45
Moments Passed 14:22
Dermot’s website: www.dermotkenne...
Subscribe to WGBH's KZbin Channel:
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FRB web: www.wgbh.org/m...
Video Credits:
Greg Shea - Director/Camera/Editor
Stacy Buchanan - Producer
Alan Mattes - Audio Recording & Mix
Mike Kligerman - Camera/Slider/Lighting

[@WGBHMusic]

Set list: A Closeness 0:06 For Island Fires and Family 4:24 An Evening I Will Not Forget 9:45 Moments Passed 14:22

[@luizaoliveira8894]

What happened to his full live show in Boston???

[@Luna-li8lc]

why did you delete his full show???

[@tia7328]

Amazingly Addictive

[@ryanwood19]

Has such incredible lyrics and voice

[@irishman6114]

I

[@andeusmc2030]

One day this man will be world famous, I can't wait.

[@jack36afc18]

i hope so but at the same time i like that hes not super mainstream - hes our secret haha. its like if he became an ed sheeran it would ruin it

[@dmoney9636]

We don’t want him to become world famous.. when they do the music usually goes downhill

[@hottejackson]

#true

[@kailee-annecarr1290]

andeusmc 100% and all my friends will regret not wanting to see him with me this Thursday in Sydney! Counting down!

[@gregorylouiscoleman]

@@kailee-annecarr1290 jealous, i need him to come back to the US

[@theinterstellarfox1172]

I. Can't. Stop. Crying. This man has single handedly dragged me out of heartbreak and depression and taught me how to feel places in my heart I didn't feel existed before. Each song is pure magic. I see him in 8 days in Boston!! Counting down since I bought tickets to the now sold out show. Traveling from Canada, I'm shaking.

[@travelswithauntieann2551]

the interstellar fox117 how was it?????

[@karenbrown4524]

Yeah, interstellar -- was he beautiful? I'm seeing him in Oakland, California next week. I relate to what you wrote, BTW. Peace ☮

[@traciecox9982]

This beautiful Man has got me through a lot of difficult times! He’s a true inspiration! Absolutely brilliant xxxx

[@AlinaG65]

I know exactly how you feel so immensely grateful for this music it's opened me up and taught me to feel again after years of heartbreak. Thank you Dermot and crew you have no idea of all that you do x❤️

[@ryanhagan7131]

did u enjoy it ???

[@LukeJitsu]

Dang, this man is blessed with voice of god.

[@inviktus1983]

Have you seen the colours video of him singing moments past? His voice was especially powerful in that recording, with more than a few people being startled by the strength of his voice right at the start. Someone even commented "I didn't expect to hear god" kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHyZkoCGYshrfdU

[@usaftk730]

Even better live 😍

[@inviktus1983]

@@usaftk730 I wish I'd had the pleasure

[@LukeJitsu]

Jonathan Gibbs dude that’s what started me out Man, my jaw dropped so much passion

[@LukeJitsu]

Jonathan Gibbs that’s honestly one of my favorite music performances ever by anyone

[@Samuel.Shaban]

This isn't a music session, this is a spiritual experience. This could be the fastest yet most haunting 19 minutes of my life.

[@dw657]

It’s literally a music session 😂😂

[@jessicamilligan9634]

“An evening I will not forget “ breaks my heart every time without fail

[@jillianhomola592]

Every single time girl Dermot could sing me the ABCs n still make me feel better about life 😁

[@omsan295]

So captivating 😰😰😰

[@kristyschertz1603]

This is my favorite Dermot Kennedy session thus far. He gives 110% every single time. This session feels so intimate and I love everything about it.

[@maddycampbell1851]

I prefer the Colors one that he did with Moments Passed. But yes indeed this one is lovely too. Seeing him live would be a dream come true

[@PloWarrior1]

I prefer the tiny desk one, but it’s still moving .

[@TheDanishmanMr]

Selvfølgelig er den ikke det værd. Der skal ikke ananas på pizza Kristy Selvfølgelig er den ikke det værd. Der skal ikke ananas på pizza

[@jamierhea8433]

Check him out on Mahogany

[@leannedickie]

I found him through Colors - blew my head clean off. Started the addiction to him... Same with very other one mentioned here tho! This one, Mahogany sessions but the 'Tiny Desk Concert' is outta this world stunning! I read the information underneath today and they couldn't have praised him any more than they did, explaining his plans, actions, his dedication to get the sound they wanted - Flew in early to do rehearsals with the (??) Gospel Choir that he'd managed to get also. EDIT - & Vevo lift. I always wondered why he didn't swear in that one, now makes sense. Seems such a good soul. Like 'Sophie's choice" to pick one...

[@YouAreNeverAloneMama]

That growl at minute 13… holy heavens. I’ve seen this man twice perform, met him and got a hug once… each time it was special… Dermot, I’m waiting for you to arrive at my doorstep on one knee any day now my love.. lol

[@Kat_Catch_22]

😅 were all waiting for that day... he's in a long relationship and recently married, so I hate to say odds are that it will never happen unfortunately

[@maceymontgomery8900]

A big middle finger to that one person who disliked this. This man has pure, raw, talent and puts so much emotion into all of his work

[@malditangbaog]

Lol

[@ernestocasillas8520]

The guy who disliked it saw ur comment and called 3 of his friends to dislike to...lol

[@jasonconrey]

10 people with shitty musical taste

[@SyntheticFuture]

Jason Conrey welcome to the age of mumble rap...

[@maceymontgomery8900]

Jason Conrey I second that

[@shiprasingh8991]

this man is a poet. Give him a Grammy already! every time he sings, he is pulling on my heart strings. i always tear up! ALWAYS!

[@Friduwulf]

So beautiful. So painful. So poetic. Love the honesty and strength and weakness.

[@WakaWaka2468]

It's generic dogshit

[@burningsagemanmusic7491]

@@WakaWaka2468 Your dogshit

[@mattlernihan6430]

The man speaks so honest l

[@charleseich7796]

Strength within the weakness and vice versa. The paradox

[@adamfletcher7345]

@@WakaWaka2468 some of the greatest songs ever are only 4 chords. sometimes simplicity and relatable vocals make the most beautiful music. The fact that he wrote them himself makes it so much more valuable, he has actual talent unlike most modern "musicians"

[@estherswandells4473]

I always have the same feeling I get listening to Tracy Chapman as I do when I listen to him, both are amazing❤❤

[@cheymcloughlin6366]

Dermot at his best.. With his voice out front. I really like his band too but for me this is some of the best music on the planet

[@Donjuanthesecond]

Dam straight, and everytime it seems to get better

[@jimjohns9051]

Dermot is slicing his soul open and most of the world is passing him by... We are the lucky ones. Getting it and being here now.....

[@mattlernihan6430]

He difinitly rips your hart open

[@usaftk730]

I was just hypnotized for 19 minutes

[@alyalice8507]

Ah ah ah, 19 minutes and 6 seconds.

[@rachelfielder8596]

His Irish accent coming through just hits me right in the soul...so beautiful x

[@peterocallaghan4465]

For island fires and family! one of my favourite songs ever

[@Takemeunder8]

Too

[@joemole3142]

I’ve been very ill over last few years and there’s no cure for what I’ve got and I’ve been in really Bad mental state but this guy helps a lot

[@joemole3142]

I’m only 19 aswell

[@callumdowning6312]

Joe Mole hope your still fighting on pal 💪🏼

[@mollyyoung5079]

@@joemole3142 If you ever need to talk - im here

[@docluv14]

“Moments Passed” is the reason I’m here. It’s an incredibly powerful song

[@shalynhickem9216]

Dermot deserves the worlds ears

[@togsizid864]

I feel like the world doesn't deserve such a beautiful treasure. They'll only spoil it and exploid it. I'd like the think that he keeps on making the music he loves and doesn't change just to be listened to by a lot of people

[@thomaskelly5349]

Some big ears eh

[@reviveflourishandthrive]

I'd be nervous for him to get too famous... His songs and voice are so raw and true and you feel his emotion in every single note and word. Would never want that to change.

[@diegomegi7369]

one of my biggest worries 100%

[@thomas8099]

Don’t worry, the normies prefer their generic pop music.

[@lukedoyle7802]

Shiitttt it kinda happened and is currently happening

[@jackacito2751]

He literally just makes pop songs now

[@DavidLoveOfficial]

I think this is too pure and transformative for the mainstream. This music changes lives, it helps us process emotions and heal. I think he will have commercial success but I hope he keeps this essence whatever happens.

[@nickolasjackson4902]

14:30 - 14:42 this probably the greatest little snippet of vocals I’ve ever heard in my life

[@richpalpal9413]

My age is 65 so I reley on my neices to introduce me to music like this,on the way home from a Jethro Tull concert Tuesday night my niece played me A Closeness I was blown away,since than I cannot stop listening to this very gifted artist I hope more people learn about him. Thank you Dermott for the music

[@SmokeyTheBandit]

As a pure lover of all music. I appreciate that you went from Jethro Tull to Dermot Ward. It's such a drastic difference and yet the love for music is all the same between the 2.

[@desireelongoria1722]

The pause he has at the end of his songs is really moving. It's like a head bow of respect & remembrance towards the lyrics and music just played.

[@kalebbryce]

Desi Albiniak !!!! Yes

[@kito-vo2rp]

I've always interpreted the pauses as him remembering and reminiscing on what moved him to write, sing, and play those songs in the first place. E.g: the long pause after Moments Passed to me feels like Dermot is remembering the relationship that originally moved him to make that song. Overall, just amazing music from a hard working artist that pours his heart and soul into every recording and loves every waking moment of it.

[@DavidLoveOfficial]

Reverence! His music is a spiritual experience, this guy is tapped into a higher power.

[@diegomegi7369]

his music travels through me like i'm living different lifes.

[@melbrown3537]

100% agree

[@ginagiakoumi7074]

Totally in love with his voice, but man.. Those lyrics are something else. Pure art. Sublime. Way to go Dermot!

[@jakubnowak92]

It's only one thing I regret in my life- not knowing Dermot's brilliant music earlier. Just two words for You: thank you!

[@lgkunley]

Such a poet! Living up to that Irish gold heritage....

[@Charliewallis]

For Island Fires and Family is one of the most beautiful songs, the raw emotion gets me every time!

[@SuperEmilypotter]

From listening to the songs on my radio to hearing a live version, you can really see the difference. On the recorded songs, you cant see how deeply he connects with the music. Yes there is emotion in those, but when you see him singing it now, it all affects him, and you can tell how deeply he means every word he's singing and I absolutely love that. Some artists just sing their songs how it is on the album, but he sings the songs with every ounce of emotion and rawness that comes through him with these songs. Its breathtaking.

[@skyerose3335]

Every word Dermot sings touches the soul. Absolutely amazing artist!

[@patriciathomas7169]

The luck of the Irish 😊😉

[@TheNumberone1fan]

This version of Moments Passed is stunning. I like the production on the recorded version, but it's even better with just the piano and his voice.

[@dimes3634]

Have you heard the version from his tiny desk concert performance? He's so good

[@inviktus1983]

I don't know what to do with all the feels every time I listen to Dermott.

[@tiffanybrown5575]

Hearing him on my radio and on commercials gives me a sense of warmth. The world is coming to appreciate this mans soul

[@SaharaKnoblauch]

The moment he spoke and I heard his voice I just couldn't control myself, I was crying already. The emotions in his voice are just so... real, raw. Breathtaking. I have no words.

[@miled755]

Whenever I feel like I need comfort I pray and listen to this. I don't know how a man can have such a perfect voice. A guitar and his a voice are enough to make you feel so many emotions at a time.

[@diegomegi7369]

it saddens me to think that there are people that cannot appreciate this.

[@jaggerbulger1752]

My ex introduced me to him. Now I’m listening to him to get over her. Damn..

[@danielhussain8294]

im sorry bro i hope it gets better :)

[@Justplayin84]

i know your pain bro. finally found true love after 36 years, only to lose it for no good reason

[@aaronlewis6324]

Im experiencing that as well, she introduced his music to me and this morning she sent me this link...she is talking about leaving me....and its killin me. We been through so much together over the last five years...and now it looks like its all coming to an end and all ill have is the memories and photographs. I cant start over again...i dont have the heart for it. I gave my all to her and if she leaves me I have no desire to move on , to be with anyone else. I pray that no matter what happens she never forgets me and that from time to time when shes alone I come across her mind and she remembers, not the arguments,not the stress but all the good times cuz Lord theres way more good than bad! I love you Ashley Elizabeth! I loved you since that day we met in the park. I have never been the same...there aint no going back. Without you ill survive but thats just it...ill survive but ill be dying inside slowly.

[@seanholman2658]

A real one, passionate. this means something to him

[@Cliffyturtle33]

For Islands wrecks me every time.

[@ninjamaddie]

Kristen Ulmer Me too. It’s a little different at the higher key though. Will take some getting used to haha!

[@lawrencehoadley4190]

I'm so happy to see that other people love this guy's music. He definitely sings from the heart every time.

[@shwoogster]

this just leaves me weeping and speechless. holy hell is this man talented.

[@carlynewberg3524]

"Got a thought for those who start to think of love As the pursuit of a fool, it's a palace from ruin"

[@OddCoupleTravel]

OMG!!! I've only just discovered Dermott Kennedy and I am SHOOK. I can't even describe how this set made me feel. What a talent, such a powerful, emotional voice. Wow, just wow.

[@thestarwarskid123]

How does this even have one dislike?? His songs are literally poetry and his voice is that of an angel!

[@DLopez1983]

This was a beautiful session. I absolutely loved it. When he explained Moments Passed and played it with only the piano I gained a new perspective on it, and along with the way he sang it... it was painfully beautiful. Very well done.

[@Donjuanthesecond]

Exactly what I thought

[@ultimatestar705]

Same here

[@kathrynjeanelizabethstacy8603]

Dermot Kennedy has all of the soul and creativity that the entire music industry is missing. He is the infinity gauntlet of musicians.

[@carlparker536]

If there was ever a musician to see live it’s this man .. heard him on the radio and although it’s great to hear him mainstream it’s just not the same..... this guy was made to hear AND see at the same time, will be seeing him in London in may literally can’t wait, “when your heart hurts days like today are the antidote” 🙏

[@beaverfribente982]

dermot sings whats in his heart and its helping me as im loosing my sister thank you dermot ....

[@dianaciapa9987]

I've discovered him couple of weeks ago (shame on me :) ) and I am a complete fan of his music. He is so underrated, his voice, his passion, the lyrics and feelings that I'm getting each time I listen to his art, makes me become addicted. He should be globally renowned! Amazing live session!

[@PrintsUnderground]

How the hell is this guy not famous as can be? His catalog is insane!!!!

[@artalivemovement3468]

Are you kidding me. I just now stumbled on this gem. A whole quarantine year later. we need help. His music is making 2020 great again.

[@missmlb3842]

He has such a unique sound - raw, strong, and beautiful in his own way. HE is not copying anyone. I just hope that labels don't make him try to be like other artist. I just heard about this artist a few months ago and I was amazed at what I heard. Its beautiful music and its his own.

[@superheroman04]

Those "oohs" in A Closeness... how much emotion can you pour into a word that carries no meaning in itself? Amazing.

[@drkrueger1]

My wife and I traveled to Ireland in February of 2019 for our 27th anniversary. We were in a small café in Enniscrone(sp?) when Dermot came on the radio. I asked the staff if that was him and if they could turn it up. I'd never heard this particular song before but his voice is distinctive. The staff was happy that an old hick from Arkansas in the States could appreciate great music. And I do.

[@jordancramm2504]

This man was born for greatness. I'm glad he sings to us. He makes the world a better place. There's an old saying "we will never see his likeness again". I disagree. Each of us can be that powerful in life. But he's definitely one of my heroes...for whatever that's worth

[@jordancramm2504]

Yes he does. He helped my heart heal too. I'll forever be grateful for that

[@Kat_Catch_22]

He's my Hero forsure!

[@layloxx1]

I can't believe I'm just finding him. So much emotion in every single word. I'm in love with his voice. Sigh.

[@ElaineOxley-g3w]

The bird's love the music... Feed them every morning had one even dancing haha ❤ xox

[@jamieraphael-hall5445]

He has the best voice I’ve ever heard and the way I can sit down in a room and create everything him self is truly amazing. I’ve never heared anyone so good live.

[@mariablue9524]

Moments passed 💔very relatable

[@marievandaele6295]

I listen to this while sitting by the water, watching the sunset. Your voice and words, magic.

[@denisedanielledukes]

One more thing... I love you💜

[@jessp6290]

I didn't think I could love Dermot's songs any more than I already do-- but OMG this made me love him even MORE! I absolutely love Moments Passed on the piano. His lyrics, that voice and the emotion in his songs are perfection! I can't wait to hear more from him!

[@TheBeautifulandTheDamned]

Every single one of his songs if you give it enough times through are just incredible

[@J3Leone]

Seeing him Thursday in Syracuse!!!

[@shanecunnane]

I went for a pint with Dermot's parents and his girlfriend before one of his Dublin gigs. He's a legend and his family are lovely. As an Irishman and a musician, I'm so proud of his success.

[@SharShar2plus3]

wow!!! cheers to that from Vancouver BC canada xo

[@taylorpacheco75]

His voice and passion is unreal. This session was one of the best he's ever done, it was so raw and emotional. I can't wait to hear more from him

[@lauracanto]

Every song Dermot sings is a life, so much depth and love.

[@jeaninemaloney9572]

What words in your songs Dermont makes me 😢 cry Manific

[@courtneynelson7489]

i can’t even explain how much i love this man and his music. thank you

[@kennedymacdonald4681]

I could watch this 60 times and not get bored, sooo good 😍

[@thomasrobinson8693]

Unreal

[@maq637]

I’ve probably listened to this whole video about 10 times in the past day since I found it.. Each song is unreal dudes got a voice

[@vanessaazevedosilva6625]

I love those shivers you get when you hear a beautiful song for the first time.

[@jennabaynham558]

goosebumps for the entire session

[@kathrynb7439]

I could listen to this a million times and never get sick of it

[@marsel_dude]

If his music was taught in schools, kids would definitely begin to get more interested in poetry.

[@kennethdaniel4610]

they would kill each other. this artist is a joke

[@sangidas5942]

@@kennethdaniel4610 shut up u uncultured Ariana Grande fan,,

[@caroleyre]

@@sangidas5942 I'll bet he likes manufactured Katy Perry aswell... Catching fish 🤣

[@desireelongoria1722]

I just discovered him, I'm blown away, in love. I want more, I can't get enough

[@thomasspeller1148]

Wow that version of moments passed, stunning!

[@mariafarmer6764]

I only heard him in 2024 and he is amazing ❤

[@carlparker536]

Been listening to dermot since I stumbled across “glory” on KZbin completely by accident and it was honestly a life changer, I have a hectic life but every evening I take myself to van for an hour or so and I sing as loud as I can (if you’re reading this and you get restless in the evenings give it a try) never heard lyrics that I can relate too like his songs and this acoustic set blows my Mind EVERYTIME I play it.... “I’ve got some people who’ll carry me” 👌

[@emilypugh7281]

I saw him live last Friday- and I can honestly say he is such a talented man, the world stop turning listening to his art.

[@Lena-kc4tj]

One of the most gifted singer and songwriter of our time

[@nicolecollard57]

Ayyyy you’re so amazing. Appreciate so much your words. All love to you and yours dude

[@erickagreen6049]

I love his rustic voice and the emotion he puts in all of his songs😍😍

[@savhalby4023]

Pure absolute talent. Some of the most beautiful songwriting & vocals I've ever heard. So happy I've had his music in the background of my life these past few years

[@kimpreece9088]

Only discovered this artist about 10 mins ago and I've already had goosebumps and tears, that is very rare!

[@patrickcoletta7454]

I'm an old man listen to a lot of different music through my life old metal, classic rock,hard core, the Dead,but something about this touches me right.just learning guitar wish I could play some of this.thank you for sharing this talent with us

[@ContentNot]

Im so happy to see him pop up all over youtube and that im going to see him perform live in a couple weeks :D

[@brandonzasada7196]

Saw him live in madison and it was absolutely amazing.

[@sp1krislay3r27]

Lucky

[@AhhWhatUpDoc]

Same. Going to see him at the end of October. He will be the last of my favourites to knock off this year. Royal Blood, Kaleo, Greta Van Fleet, Shakey Graves and now Dermot

[@annaelizabeth169]

This really was spectacular. I have loved Dermot for some time now. 'After Rain' had me hooked a few years back.. So at this point,.. and with following him as much as I could,.. this was by far the best session I have ever seen him play. This was so personal and raw. Not saying that I don't feel that from his other music, .. but maybe it was the ambiance.. I don't know. But it was absolutely beautiful. You are a lyrical genius, Dermot!!. I love every single one of those songs, but this rendition was so stunning. Thank you so much for making music I can feel🖤🎶

[@rosesandlimes]

"After Rain" was my first Dermot song, too! Gotta love it

[@ryandavidson86]

He is coming to Atlanta on Sunday but tickets are being scalped for $200.. .still prob worth it

[@annaelizabeth169]

@@ryandavidson86 uuuugh. Naturally I knew nothing of this. I would have gotten tickets months ago.. boo. 😭

[@ryandavidson86]

@@annaelizabeth169 are you local to Atlanta? I'm still going to go, he doesnt tour States often so got to go when chance is there.

[@deanzhai9405]

I found the song glory and since then ive been hooked! Not a single song i dont like. When i seen him live in Liverpool and seen just how much passion he puts into his music has now made him my favourite artist! Keep at it and soon you will be a mega star!!!!!

[@jennifercarroll3997]

I think my heart broke listening to an evening I won't forget. Crying. He has such power in his voice.

[@katja2254]

fell asleep on youtube shuffle, woke up to this. never heard of him but i'm thankful for the youtube algorithm

[@landryrcr]

i absolutely love his voice.

[@taylorel5938]

Can't wait to see him in concert. I hope my son has as much compassion as he does.

[@jeaninemaloney9572]

D Kennedy you are just brilliant the your songs and Words Merci mon amie and Pamela for this great singer❤😢😂🎉

[@kayafati9615]

Angels voice beautifull i have teers in my eyes off his Sweet Angel Voice i hope all dreams and hope come true for him god bless you All All the love from The Nederlands Amsterdam, 💖💖💖

[@dilliongunning3020]

For island fires and family hits me differently than the rest of his songs. I love all of his songs but his voice in for island fires and family moves me like nothing else❤️don’t stop dermot❤️

[@CentralABRealtor]

Just went to his show in Calgary. WOW. Best show I've ever been to in my life; I've seen some world class concerts, too.

[@katelynhansen690]

I have never heard anyone so talented.

[@CarlaSantos-le5tv]

True talent! Alone, just voice and an instrument. *I'm astonished about that piano version of Moments...

[@majda836]

His voice, his perfect genius songwriting, his emotion, his raspiness, everything about him moves me in a way in every single song he sings! Much love from Morocco!

[@yanabihun]

Omg, his voice is so beautiful 😭❤️