LIVE: Declan McKenna (Supporting Blossoms) – Manchester Academy, 30.9.16

Declan McKenna received quite the welcome from The Academy on Friday night. Quite a bit of the crowd seemed to be there for him and trailed off after his set, despite being the opening act for the NME’s men of the moment, Blossoms.

The singer recently appeared on Later… with Jools Holland sporting a t-shirt with the slogan “Give 17 Year Olds The Vote” as he delivered a great live rendition of ‘Isombard’. At The Academy McKenna performed with the same enthusiasm, and ripped through a short but sweet set that made it look as if he’d been doing it for years. It’s hard to believe that he’s only 17 and was probably stressing over GCSE maths just before winning Glastonbury’s emerging talent competition in 2015.

How can someone so young tear through crowd favourites like ‘Brazil’ and new single ‘Isombard’ with such persistence and immense energy and seem so comfortable at the same time? He seems so modest and unaware of just how talented he is. Not only is he sharp and intuitive lyrically, but he is a real driving force as a live act. Maybe Blossoms can return the favour and support him in a few years time?

If you haven’t already, then be sure to catch Declan on one of his upcoming headline tour dates. You won’t be disappointed!

Declan McKenna live dates:

06.10.16 – Nambucca, London
07.10.16 – Rock City, Nottingham
08.10.16 – Neighbourhood Festival, Manchester

Abbi Parcell
@abbilennon

Featured Image:
Lydia Maycock