SWX, November 15th 2022
In the same venue I first saw and met him at back in 2019, my return to SWX just over three years later was incredibly special as I photographed Dermot Kennedy perform live. Dermot is one of those artists that is few and far between for me personally, because he’s an artist whose songs I rarely skip. In fact, I had his first album ‘Without Fear’ on repeat for a very long time. I was ecstatic to hear Dermot had a new album coming out entitled ‘Sonder,’ and I had to ensure I was there for his return to Bristol.
Dermot performed two back-to-back shows, with the first being a matinee in the early evening. The demand to see him so high that a second show was added for later that same evening! The venue was at full capacity for both. I have never seen SWX full to the brim like it was as I attended the days second show. Accompanied by a three-piece band, Dermot started to sing even before taking to the stage, and the anticipation to see a glimpse of him was strong within the crowd. The artist, who’s wide ranging appeal continues to sky rocket, played an array of songs from his upcoming album, of which ‘Innocence and Sadness’ is my current favourite, and even performed a few songs from his first album such as ‘To All My Friends,’ ‘Lost,’ ‘Power Over Me,’ ‘Rome’ and, one of my personal favourites, ‘Outnumbered.’
Both of the shows Dermot presented during the evening were in conjunction with Bristol’s Rough Trade, which is just across the road from SWX. The show in Bristol was part of a small number of intimate shows in association with record stores across the UK, prior to his album ‘Sonder’ releasing. All five shows across the country sold out so quickly that additional stripped-back shows were introduced to keep up with the demand to see him perform. It’s been inspiring to witness Dermot’s progression over the years and I’m extremely proud to be a fan of his. It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to photograph one of my all-time favourite artists!
Dan Rose Photography
Dan Rose @danrose.uk
Role: Photographer
I’m primarily a photographer for both concerts and festivals, and am also available for BTS photos, portraits, promo shoots and tour photography. I also write the occasional review.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: My most memorable early concert experience was seeing Eminem in 2014 at Wembley Stadium. This was a very pivotal moment in my life as it reinforced why I love music so much and reignited my passion for it.
First gig shot: The very first artist I photographed live was the DJ and producer Nathan Dawe at SWX Bristol. This was an incredibly fulfilling start to concert photography, as I was on stage with him during his set, and even hung out backstage afterwards.
Dream gig: My top 5 dream artists to one day photograph would be Eminem, J. Cole, Rod Wave, Jon Bellion, and Logic. One of my favourite artists, Juice WRLD, is sadly no longer alive, and I wish I had had the opportunity to see him perform live and photograph him.
