Duke Special

Live reviews

• True to his name, Duke Special always leaves his audience with a special night to remember, but this was extra special.

  He immediately wowed the crowd with a few of his early songs sung solo and beautifully before duetting with a string of guests that were so good that just when you thought the last song was going to be remembered as the highlight of the evening, along came another just as breathtaking making picking the best song of the evening an impossible task. The audience, completely swept up in the fantastic atmosphere were one minute singing and clapping along to old and new Duke Special songs from his vast back catalogue and the next gobsmacked into silence by the sheer talent of every one of his guests. David Ford, Beth Rowley, the incredible Matt Hales, the incomparable Greg Butler and Chris Jarman who stunned the crowd with his amazing voice were all catalysts for a mind blowing Duke Special gig. He was rewarded with a standing ovation and even after the encores the crowd's applause demanded he come back for one last number that was outside the venue curfew but he duly obliged. Everyone left with the same feeling, afterglow.

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  by jcbowman-2

• I’d never heard of Duke Special before, but when I was visiting family in Scotland my cousins said we HAD TO go see him play. We saw him at The Arches in Glasgow and it was absolutely amazing!

  Even though I didn’t know the songs, I didn’t need to know them to get into it. He gives off such great energy and really keeps the crowd into it. His interactions with the crowd were really fun-he told little stories and made it feel more intimate than it might have otherwise. You can tell he’s definitely appreciative of the fans who have come to see him! He even came out and walked around the crown singing and talking to people, which was pretty surreal (in a good way!)

  As much as I loved his singing and lyrics, the thing that really got me was his piano playing-he is insanely talented. I didn’t know any of the songs beforehand, but I have to say “Conditon” was my favorite that I heard. I actually went home and bought a bunch of his mp3s right away. This concert definitely turned me into a fan, and I will be going to see him again If I ever have the chance!

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  By Anonymous

• Duke Special headlined this show which was curated by Heidi Talbot. Those two incredible Irish talents combined with James Yorkston, Boo Hewerdine and Brighde Chaimbeul to put on a show to remember. Duke Special seated at a beautiful Steinway piano delivered a superb set that included an excellent selection of songs from his extensive back catalogue. Highlights were Tweed Coats from Look Out Machines, a beautiful rendition of Freewheel, and a superb version of Salvation Tambourine.

  Duke also duetted with Heidi Talbot on Chelsea Piers, a song the pair worked on for her album "Here We Go 123" as well as being joined onstage by all of the guests for an a cappella cover of Ivor Cutler's Hold the Barrel Steady.

  The audience were baying for more at the end but everyone still went home very, very satisfied.

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  by jcbowman-2

• The home coming gig that turned out to be a great night for all....kicked off to a downbeat acoustic set from robyn g sheils...

  Next up the capivating lisa o neill....a lady of obvious talent who has a style of her own and the ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand...a delight!

  The main man himself played an enthusiastic set, weaving classics with new tracks....and also a few covers tinged with the duke special originality we all know and love!

  Over alk a great night which the left the crowd leaving the madela hall with a spring in the step and a smile on their face

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  by Peterfromderry

• Great concert in a lovely venue. Duke Special was just as good as when I saw him last many years ago in The Black Box in Galway. Last time I saw him it was with a full band so I wasn't sure what to expect from a solo show in a much smaller venue but he was great. I was so happy that he played some of the older tracks, some of which I have to admit that I had forgotten. His voice is amazing and in this intimate venue he was really able to connect with the audience. A lovely night out

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  by easingleton2165

• What a fantastic show at such a fantastic venue. Duke Special delivered in spades with a series of talented musicians all tied together in a relaxed style by a truly great songster (who is actually a poet in my opinion). If you appreciate thoughtful songs and performance, then don't hesitate to see him/them if you get the chance. Cost was very reasonable, especially for London, and I would go to see anything at Union Chapel as it beats the Albert Hall for me.

  Many thanks Iain

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  by irishiain

• Fantastic evening of entertain from Duke and friends. He never fails to bring it out on the night. He's always gracious with his guests and there's no ego on display, he just lets them do what they do. We almost didn't make it but I'm glad we did!

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  by gerry_wallace