The Coronas: Irish Indie-Rockers Take Over London’s Garage.
words + photography by Nadine GoetzIrish indie-rock band The Coronas played two sold-out nights at The Garage in London on June 6th and 7th. The band is currently touring their latest album ‘Thoughts and Observations’. Singer Danny O’Reilly told the audience during the show that they used to live just down the road from this venue, talking about how these shows have felt like coming home for them, feeling almost nostalgic for being back in their old neighborhood. The band consists of Danny O’Reilly (vocals/guitar), Graham Knox (bass), Conor Egan (drums) and Dave McPhilips (lead guitar).
Alfie Hudson-Taylor kicked off the night. The singer from Dublin supported himself with just an acoustic guitar, but he still captivated the audience with a powerful performance and many stories to tell. He spoke to the audience about his journey in the music industry, which had a few setbacks and led to him even taking a step back from the industry at some point. He had previously toured the world as part of the band ‘Hudson Taylor’ with his brother Harry. The brothers supported names like Jake Bugg, Hozier, and even The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park in 2013. Alfie chose to walk away from the brother duo in late 2023 and released a podcast titled ‘How To Break An Artist’ to advise young artists as he has struggled to understand how even successful artists like himself fail to make a living wage. Hudson-Taylor also took a moment during his set to thank The Coronas for their continuous support of up-and-coming Irish artists and expressed his gratitude for the support that the band has shown him throughout the years. Hudson-Taylor has recently released his debut single ‘Being In Love’, which he wrote, produced, and manufactured all by himself, starting his career in the music industry all over again and doing it his way this time. His stripped-back set showcased his talent and resilience in an intimate setting, marking a new chapter in his career.
When The Coronas took the stage, the 600-capacity venue erupted into cheers. The venue is an intimate setting for the band, who had headlined Fairview Park in Dublin before and sold out multiple nights at the Olympia Theatre. The setlist included fan favorites, classics, and new songs from their latest album, providing an excellent variety for the fans in attendance. The band is known for their captivating live performances, high-energy engaging stage presence, and interactive approach with the audience. They definitely lived up to their reputation during the show, and it was clear that they thrived in front of a live audience. Frontman Danny O’Reilly went down in the crowd multiple times throughout the show, getting personal with the audience, which ranged widely in age – a clear sign of the band's broad appeal and ability to connect and captivate individuals from various age groups through their music. O’Reilly was mingling with the crowd, high-fiving fans and even gave a shout-out to a couple who had gotten engaged at a previous show of the band, telling them that they would have a drink together later to celebrate. Their engagement with the audience showcases their closeness to their fans and created an atmosphere of intimacy that night, making it even more memorable for the fans in attendance. These interactions add to the overall experience and build a strong sense of connection between the Irish band and their fans. The audience’s joy and excitement could be felt throughout the show, with fans singing along to every word, dancing, and having fun in the venue's intimate setting.
The show ranged from emotional ballads to high-energy singalongs, showcasing the band’s versatile discography. The band's and crew‘s professionalism was evident throughout the night. The sound in the small venue was very clear and polished, keeping the audience engaged and hanging on to every word that O’Reilly was singing. The skillful balance between slower, more introspective moments and energetic songs created a memorable concert experience that left fans wanting more and anticipating the band’s next visit to the city.
All photography property of
Nadine Goetz.
Find Nadine on Instagram HERE.