Imelda May reveals Cork connections during Live at the Marquee show

Imelda May performed her “Raised on Songs & Stories” show at Live at the Marquee in Cork on Friday. The event combined original music, poetry from her 2021 book A Lick and a Promise, and personal anecdotes delivered from a stage designed to resemble a residential sitting room.

How was the “Raised on Songs & Stories” show structured?

The performance utilized a stage dressed with armchairs, lamps, and personal photos on a mantlepiece to create an intimate environment within the large venue. May integrated stories about her family—including memories of her father in clown suits and camping near the Eiffel Tower—between musical numbers.

The setlist featured songs such as “Meet You at the Moon” from the 2008 album Love Tattoo and “Just One Kiss” from 11 Past the Hour. May also performed poems titled “The Dancer and the Dream” and “Jammy Dodger.”

Did You Know? Imelda May’s poetry book, A Lick and a Promise, was printed in 2021 and later released as an album in 2022.

Why was the Cork performance significant?

The show highlighted May’s personal ties to the region, as she disclosed that her great-grandmother was from Cork. This revelation led to the discovery of cousins named Buckley in the audience, whom May invited to meet her in the bar after the set.

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The musical arrangements included a nod to local influence through a rendition of Rory Gallagher’s “Bullfrog Blues,” led by guitarist Ollie Darling. The performance was supported by Barry Donohue on bass and Dave Hingerty on drums, who played styles ranging from “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” to John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom Boom.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that May’s decision to transform a large-scale stage into a domestic setting reflects a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between celebrity and audience, emphasizing human connection over spectacle.

What may happen next for Imelda May?

Given her explicit plea to the audience to “never mind that AI shite!” and her declaration that musicians “need” live audiences, May could become a more vocal advocate for human-led performance. This stance may influence how she frames future tours or collaborations.

The success of the “Raised on Songs & Stories” format suggests she is likely to continue blending spoken word and poetry with her musical sets in future appearances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who opened the show at Live at the Marquee?
James Keegan from Mayfield played the opening set.

Which specific poetry pieces were included in the show?
May performed “The Dancer and the Dream” and “Jammy Dodger” from her book A Lick and a Promise.

What were the names of the band members accompanying Imelda May?
The band included Ollie Darling on guitar, Barry Donohue on bass, and Dave Hingerty on drums.

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