Kingfishr, Charlie Noordewier- O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester – 23rd May 2026 – whoa-oh-oh-ah-oh-oh-oohh

KINGFISHR

After witnessing the delights of fellow musicmakers from across the Irish Sea, Amble, back in November of ’25, another bout of uplifting Celtic folkery is in order. Cut of the same cloth that might have a Mumford thread twined in somewhere, there are certain similarities in a fashionably popular form that seems to be riding a tidal wave of popularity.

A trio with their backing band lined up behind – just so we know whose name it is on the ticket; a trio who’ve jacked in the day job to live the dream (they’ve even written a song about it) and a trio whose constant supply of hook laden singles and social media presence has engaged them with an earned audience.

Front-middle man Eddie Keogh leads the carousing. Flanked by the be-nicknamed Fitz and McGoo – which sound like members of Top Cat’s gang for any Kingfishr fans old enough to recall TC) – they combine acoustic and electric guitar with the distinctive sound of banjo and mando(lin) that immediate transports us across the Irish Sea, joined by the kingfisher bird ornament on the backing band riser, spotlit pre-show, for anyone not quite able to see.

OUT AND ABOUT

The Kingfishr demographic that fills the O2 Victoria Warehouse is spread wide. A healthy and pleasing turn out on younger side to support live music (and buy physical product even!) who greet the opening notes of the majority of the set with glee, yet with a nudge into the more mature gig-goers keen to see what all the fuss is about and keep a finger on the pulse as the next generation starts to hone into view. Families too – children being brought up ‘properly’!

They’re not disappointed either, as the setting offers a strong visual presence, the simple yet highly effective giant silhouettes cast of the plain backdrop offer a value for money spectacle. Yes, they actually open with the friendly swing of Shadow inciting the first of many “whoa-oohh” s to come.

Pics from the O2 Victoria Warehouse balcony by Amy Ainscoe

Once the opening flurry and excitement is over, fever pitch is broached. The trio’s journey into the crowd isn’t one of those B-stage jaunts that ticks a box, but a genuine joining the people. We know the routine; we’ve seen the videos and some may have hedged their bets buy staking a spot at the centre of the floor in anticipation. Over the barrier they come and the crowd parts like the Red Sea for the lads to take their lives in their own (or maybe their audiences) hands to find a space in the midst of the standing area. The request for those in the immediate vicinity to squat is respected and it’s all very respectful and joyous. The spectacle from the rear balcony with phone lights aloft, is quite stunning. We all “duly whoa-oohh” along and join in with the “if it all falls apart, at least we enjoyed it” sentiment.

G-L-OH-ARE-EYE-AY

there’s no loss of tempo and excitement either as they return to the stage with I Cried, I Wept which has that War On Drugs driving motorik tempo and free of guitar form a moment, Eddie makes the most, springing around the lip of the stage before they join Van Morrison/Them and U2 in great Irish bands who sing about Gloria. The Kingfishr version offering a phone light waving alternative yet maintaining the uplifting tradition of the name.

New songs make the set too – the brand new (not out then but just out now) The Sun Will Never Settle could be straight out of a pub session never mind in front of five thousand in an out of town warehouse – and so easy to pick up and sing/dance along. Just in the same way that Diamonds & Roses and Caroline do in the final party that comes in the encore.New songs plus the one that may have been the gateway, Killeagh has a mass of iphone up for a souvenir and while Anyway might begin life as a ‘not really a final song of the set’ song, it soon evolves into the sort of huge crescendo that envelops the O2 Victoria warehouse and will ensure that Kingfishr aren’t likely to be falling apart any day soon

Charlie Noordewier

A mention in dispatches to support from Cornwall’s Charlie Noordewier. Quick to point out though, and earn himself a few brownie points, that he’s “a quarter Irish“. Bravely entering the fray in solo mode, finding his feet with some chilled songs, he’s soon joined by his three piece band. They slowly abandon “the slow s**t” and strike a home run with a Dylan-esque blow with an Armageddon Blues that’s a close relation to Tombstone Blues – all crossbow killers on the loose (but no Jack The Ripper in the Chamber Of Commerce). More like this please!

All live photography by Anya Williams who can be found on instagram at #anyscamerarolls

Kingfishr: Website

Charlie Noordewier: Website

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