Cry before Dawn wows Kilkenny audience at Ballykeeffe amphitheatre

Cry Before Dawn turned back the years with a fabulous display at Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre on Saturday night.

The acclaimed Wexford band from the 80s and 90s were in Kilkenny with a full array of their classic hits and even a glimpse of some new material.

Brendan Wade as usual was front and centre with vocals, acoustic guitar, uilleann pipes, and whistle. To his left was Vince Doyle on bass guitar and making that unique Cry Before Dawn sound was Tony Hall on electric guitar. Brendan Carthy was on drums as Pat Hayes is currently unavailable and completing the arrangement was Terry Byrne on keyboard. The band has a loyal following throughout Ireland but particularly in the South-East and this was proved with a packed arena in the unique setting of Ballykeeffe.

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Their set dipped between their now famous albums ‘Crimes of Conscience’ and ‘Witness for the World’ and to songs including, ‘Is This What You Waited For’, ‘Precious Land’ and ‘Silly Dreams’ which was recorded for the soundtrack for the Irish film ‘The Courier’. The music was intertwined with stories behind the songs and the band's past by Brendan Wade.

Support on the night was by up-and-coming Waterford artist Tadhg Williams. The singer-songwriter has been busy this year with shows in his hometown and in Dublin. He also reported he has been in the recording studio as of late and there's an LP on the way.   

It was also a poignant performance as the Legendary Wexford band brought the 2023 series of gigs at Kilkenny’s Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre to a powerful close.

On behalf of Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre Martin Bridgeman said, “Performers and audiences alike were again impressed with this truly unique venue. The weather gods smiled down and provided the breathtaking backdrop to a wide range of entertainment.”

 “Starting in June, the Chapterhouse Theatre Company presented “Sense and Sensibility”. Musically, there were performances from a diverse program: the Dublin Gospel Choir and tribute acts such as Abbaesque, Rock Rising (with Big Generator) and Trevor Smith & Friends In Low Places (the ultimate Garth Brooks Experience, all bringing their own special magic," he added referring to the impressive programme this summer at Ballykeefe.

Other nights saw full houses for established, popular acts such as Stockton’s Wing, The Stunning, and Cry Before Dawn, along with firm favorites The High Kings, The Riptide Movement and up and up-and-coming artist Lyra who brought her own particular high energy to the summer night. Here in Ballykeeffe, we pride ourselves on providing a platform for local talent, and all support acts were local to Kilkenny and the South East and provided opportunities to many upcoming performers.

 Looking ahead to 2024 Martin ended by saying, “The work never stops for the hard-working team and plans are already underway. We will be back again next year with another incredible programme.”