Almost one year, (and one EP) on from Mark Hegan’s previous major Belfast headline in the Deers Head. He took to the infamous Oh Yeah Centre stage to remind us that he is in fact one of the finest musical talents In Belfast and beyond.
The night opened with Caityy. A relatively recent arrival to the local scene yet well equipped with selection of acoustic pop bangers. Her set captivated the room, her sound reminiscent of modern acts like Sabrina Carpenter fused with a welcome degree of additional edge.
She was followed by Glasgow based artist Mima Merrow, who blends folk with some more traditional elements of Scottish and Irish music. Her powerful vocals, backed up by a seemingly endless band wielding an ever-changing assortment of instruments, made for a truly powerful performance. Mima Merrow is an act you simply need to see.
The lights dimmed and in an unexpected turn of events the Indiana Jones soundtrack blasted through the PA as Mark Hegan took to the stage. Opening the night with his latest single ‘Love is Gonna Hurt This Way Forever’ the crowd immediately came alive, singing along to a song that only came out the day before. This shows off the knack Mark has for writing shamelessly catchy, upbeat anthems that are truly difficult not to enjoy.
The induction of saxophonist Evan Russell into his band, really takes Mark’s music to a whole other level. Tracks like ‘Another Kind of Blood’ truly instil a sense of euphoria when witnessed live, a feeling that even the worlds biggest acts could struggle to replicate.
I personally have a number of Mark Hegan live shows under my belt and each time I walk away impressed by what I’ve seen. This however, was the first time I’ve walked away feeling truly entranced, as if part of some spiritual moment. The sky Is the limit for Mark Hegan, with a catalogue of fantastic tracks that translate beautifully into the live setting, there is something very right and very real about this songwriter from Bangor.
