LIVE: Declan McKenna – Riverside, Newcastle 03.10.16

It is a rare occasion to see a support act enter a room to a packed out crowd, however that was the case on Monday evening when 17 year old Declan McKenna and his band took to the stage at Riverside, Newcastle.

After a convincing recent TV appearance on Later… with Jools Holland, it was not a surprise to see so many people turn out early to show their support before chart-toppers Blossoms took to the stage to headline.

McKenna was everything you’d want in a support act; his youthful charisma and stage presence made him an easy watch. A whole year on from which he supported Blossoms at the very same venue, but only to do so as a solo appearance. Now with a full band, McKenna performed faultlessly, with singles such as ‘Isombard’ and Bethlehem’ being aired in a relatively small set.

It was the song ‘Brazil’ (which he wrote when he was 15) however, that took centre stage, compromising a showcase of the youngsters talents and his ability to show passion behind his vocals and pop-fuelled riffs.

His band overcame a few technical difficulties, but that didn’t deter the talent that is shown in his songs and his live presence. It is only going to be a matter of years before we hopefully see Declan McKenna follow tonight’s headliners in their up rise of success.

Sam Gunn