Declan McKenna @ Edinburgh Playhouse, 12 Aug

Indie-pop sensation Declan McKenna brings an electric vibe to the beloved Edinburgh Playhouse on his final tour date as part of the Edinburgh International Festival

Live Review by Emma Cooper-Raeburn | 14 Aug 2024
  • Declan McKenna @ Playhouse, Edinburgh, 12 Aug

The last time Declan McKenna toured Scotland was September 2021, a few weeks after COVID restrictions eased. People were wearing masks, uncertain about sharing their space with others, trying to keep as much distance as possible. Three years later and that disconcerting feeling has vanished completely. Fans crowd into one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious venues to celebrate “the end of an era” to McKenna’s tour for his third album, What Happened to the Beach?

McKenna kicks things off with his first single from the album, Sympathy, a joyous start to the show which sets the cheerful vibe perfectly. Fans who have been with McKenna since the start are pleased by the variety in his setlist as he launches into Why Do You Feel So Down, bringing that sense of nostalgia for his 2017 debut album. The setlist equally covers tracks from all three albums bringing fans from each era together. The Playhouse has been a proud possession of Scotland’s capital since the 1920s, but as McKenna's fans jump vigorously on the balconies of the grand auditorium for each upbeat chorus, it feels as though these balconies could collapse at any moment.

McKenna adopts an almost Bowie-like persona, complete with glitter and colourful eye makeup, creating that confident, extravagant presence. However, during some technical difficulties halfway through his performance, audience members see a more shy and vulnerable side to him. Admitting that he’s become better at chatting with audiences, he still finds it tricky to be on stage talking instead of playing his songs. Despite this shyness, McKenna becomes one with the crowd during British Bombs where he dives into the crowd to join the mosh pit, creating a heart-warming moment as superfans experience a close encounter with their idol. 

Photo of Declan McKenna and his band on stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Image: Declan McKenna by Andrew Perry for Edinburgh International Festival

McKenna is one of the strongest political musicians of our generation; to see him perform with such enthusiasm about his music is such a momentous experience. Throughout his songs, McKenna discusses issues surrounding the UK government, climate change and LGBTQ+ rights. Hearing fans, old and young, passionately chant lyrics associated with these issues demonstrates exactly how he uses his platform to address things that matter.

Towards the end of the show, McKenna performs Beautiful Faces from his 2020 second album, Zeros. A line in the chorus, 'Lift your hands up and lead us back home', starts a rippling wave of hands. What comes after is one of the most beautiful ten minutes I’ve ever encountered at a gig. McKenna sits at a keyboard with an Elton John-esque dapple of light filling the auditorium as he belts out ballad, It’s an Act. He then delves into his viral cover of ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers. By the end, there isn’t a dry eye in the house and the Playhouse is stunned into silence. The final note plays and the crowd erupts into the biggest round of applause, and it feels so deserved.

Declan McKenna has put his heart into every song tonight, and after revealing that Edinburgh is one of his favourite cities, we'd welcome him back with open arms any time.