cian ducrot

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Review & photos - Chris Nutton

Wall of Sound is back once again in Leeds tonight for Irish sensation Cian Ducrot, who performed at the O2 Academy in Leeds on his next stop on ‘The Dream Ship 2025 Tour’.

This was my first time at the O2 academy in Leeds and let me tell you, the venue was fantastic with organisation and delivery of a brilliant show, an old but historic building packed with bars, merchandise and plenty of accessibility points for the entire audience who were ready for Cian from the get go, with singing happening whilst I was talking past until I entered the building. With a decently sized open area and floor area, I expected a decently sized crowd to turn up on a Thursday. I was right in that, but we’ll get to the crowd later on. 

Once the crowd was in and settled, it was time for the opening act to come on. Cian brought Annika Kilkenny with him to open on his tour, and I thought she was fantastic. Opening up the show with some slow folk-led singles alongside her Canadian friend on guitar, I thought they delivered a perfect and emotional support performance which caught the attention and support from the audience from the rip. A brilliant reception from the Leeds crowd at the end of their 30-minute set, and it was now time for Cian.

Coming on a stage with a full live band, they opened up the show with a brilliant loop of trumpet and drumming excellence to introduce the main man of the night. Cian took to the stage and began with one of his newest tracks. Who’s making you feel it - a dramatic entrance set the bar high for the rest of the show, with Cian clicking his fingers as he walked onto the stage to a beat, accompanied by lighting that matched the rhythm, and the crowd chanting his name. The eager fans showed their signs of excitement for the night ahead, cheers and screams filling the venue. A saxophone and trumpet instrumental added a unique touch to the set, as it is rare for artists nowadays to have such instruments playing with them.

The second song, Little Dreaming, has a more solemn start, taking to the piano for an intimate moment with the crowd, but then the song takes a joyous turn in the chorus. With a drum closing and fans cheering, the night had only just begun, and fans were in for a treat.

After the first two songs, the set list I thought was well constructed, with a mixture of emotion and fun, poppy tracks by Cian - tracks just as Heaven, Shalala, Kiss and tell, What about love, Rock bottom, and many more. I feel like this left fans walking away from the show with a massive variety from his discography, which I thought was perfect for every kind of Cian Ducrot fan. 

Overall, Cian delivered a fantastic show in Leeds tonight - his excitement and energy on stage to get a crowd going was some of the best I’ve seen a while and his personal, but strong delivered of the tracks on his set list just made that performance for the fans abit more special - leaving them with a show they’ll remember for a long time! 

The Dream Ship 2025 Tour set list

• Who’s making you feel it?
• Little dreaming
• Heaven
• Shalala
• The book of love
• Kiss and tell
• No way to live 
• Can’t even hate you
• What about love 
• Hallelujah 
• All for you 
• Rock bottom 
• Part of me
• Your eyes
• See it to believe it.
• Thank god you stayed
• I’ll be waiting

Chuff Media

Review & photos - Liam McEvoy

On a festive December night in Leeds, Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra delivered a spirited and joyful performance at the First Direct Arena that had the crowd on their feet and dancing long before the set reached its peak. The show — part of Holland’s winter UK tour — brought together his seasoned big band alongside an impressive roster of guest vocalists, including Imelda May, Louise Marshall, Sumudu Jayatilaka, and Ruby Turner, adding depth and variety to an already vibrant evening.

From the moment the keys echoed through the arena, it was clear this was no ordinary piano recital. Holland’s trademark boogie-woogie piano style powered the performance with relentless energy, while the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra’s full brass and rhythm section wrapped the songs in a rich, swinging sound that felt both classic and timeless.

Each guest vocalist brought their own distinctive character to the stage. Imelda May delivered commanding, high-energy performances infused with rockabilly swagger, while Louise Marshall impressed with her versatility and assured delivery. Sumudu Jayatilaka added a smooth jazz elegance that broadened the evening’s musical palette and highlighted the orchestra’s stylistic range. Closing the individual guest appearances, Ruby Turner took to the stage last, her voice commanding the arena with remarkable power and soulful intensity.

As the concert reached its finale, all of the guest vocalists returned to the stage together, joining Holland and the full orchestra for a rousing, celebratory close. The combined voices created a powerful, communal moment that felt both joyous and fitting for a December show, underlining the collaborative spirit at the heart of Holland’s performances and sending the Leeds crowd home on a euphoric high.

Despite the arena setting, the performance retained a welcoming, almost club-like warmth. Holland’s easy banter, playful introductions, and evident affection for his musicians helped create a sense of intimacy, drawing the audience into the performance and reinforcing the communal feel of the night.

The Leeds date proved to be a festive highlight — a confident, exuberant celebration of rhythm and blues delivered by musicians at the top of their game. With its blend of virtuoso playing, charismatic guest performances, and Holland’s unmistakable enthusiasm at the piano, the concert reaffirmed why he and his orchestra remain such a cherished presence on the UK live music circuit.