Amble: Irish Magic in Birmingham

words + photography by NADINE GOETZ

Irish Folk, an intimate atmosphere, a loving crowd and the feel of a cosy campfire singalong defined the evening as Irish band Amble played the O2 Academy (2) in Birmingham on November 13th. Every fan could feel the love in the room that night. When the three men took the stage, they expressed how happy they were to be back in a country with “bad weather and good beer”, drawing comparisons to their home country Ireland. 

Irish band Maicin from Cork opened for Amble. The five-piece band’s music was well-suited as an opener, sharing a similar vibe. They joined Amble on 10 dates of their UK tour this year. The band consists of Matt Hurley (vocals), Aidan Kelleher (drums), Darragh McNamara (bass), Meabh Fitzgeral (keys) and Ryan Daly (lead guitar). They describe themselves as a balance between chaos and calm – a collision of cutting cynicism and wide-eyed sincerity. Their set, which also featured the use of a harmonica, set the perfect mood for the main act.

Formed in 2022, Amble comprises of Robbie Cunningham (lead vocals/guitar), Oisin McCaffrey (guitar/vocals), and later joined by Ross McNerney (mandolin/banjo/bouzouki). They quickly built a large online following with their story-driven modern folk music, drawing clear influence from their Irish heritage and striving to keep their recordings as authentic as their live sound. This made the live experience even more special. Many Irish fans had gathered in the intimate Birmingham venue to see the trio perform on this rainy Thursday night. The love between the band and their fans was tangible throughout the show. One especially moving sight was a father and his young kid, positioned right in the centre of the barricade, sharing the experience together. 

The audience sang along to every song, creating a warm, communal feeling – a bunch of people united by their love of music, living in the moment. When Amble played ‘Mary's Pub’, a track from their debut album ‘Reverie’, released in May 2025, the crowd sang in unison; “And when I think of you I know forever I will be. Happy as the fool because together we are free..”. This moment created a feeling of belonging and togetherness which felt truly memorable. Aside from tracks from their recently released debut album, the trio also performed new songs for the 600 fans in attendance.

Throughout the night, the trio shared the stories behind many of their songs, which they write themselves, making the performance even more personal and creating a deep conection between the band and their fans. Known for their authentic, vulnerable lyrics that focuses on personal experiences and life stories, one thing that stood out throughout the night was the trio‘s love for music. Before Amble was born, McCaffrey worked as a data scientist, while Cunningham and McNerney were school teachers – all of them quit their jobs in 2024 after signing a record deal. After Cunningham decided to leave teaching, his father told him, “throw the tout out to catch the salmon”, a phrase that’s now become a core part of the band’s identity, representing the idea of risk for greater reward. This risk clearly paid off for the trio: what began as a side project playing covers in pubs led to their own headline tour, supporting Hozier’s ‘Unreal Unearth Tour’ in North America, signing with Warner Music in 2024, and releasing their own debut album earlier this year. Yet, their live shows still feel like stepping into a welcoming Irish pub, blending traditional folk sounds with modern elements. Their music is raw, honest and never overproduced – neither live, nor on the record. 

The trio created a warm and welcoming atmosphere in Birmingham that night which instantly drew the audience in. Their stage presence felt genuine and authentic, yet it felt like they belonged on that stage. Amble transformed the venue into a cosy gathering where strangers could come together to create lasting memories. There’s a unique comfort in their performances, making every gig feel like coming home. As the crowd swayed, sang, and people were laying in each other‘s arms, the concert offered everyone in the room a moment to escape their life’s worries, to enjoy the calming atmosphere and to take a moment to breathe. Amble’s story proves that taking a risk can lead to something greater – to dreams coming true. It was a night of raw, heartfelt music, joy and unity – a magical atmosphere that felt like being transported to a pub in a small Irish town.

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OFFICIAL SITE OF AMBLE
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All photography property of
Nadine Goetz.

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