Stage Stories; Alex Warren You'll Be Alright, Kid Tour 2024

Alex Warren burns the house down with his powerful performance in the Academy, Dublin

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Alex Warren, originally from Carlsbad, California, wrapped up the European leg of his You'll Be Alright, Kid tour on Friday night, performing to a sold-out audience at the Academy in Dublin.

Since the release of his debut single, One More I Love You, in June 2021, Alex has quickly gained widespread attention, with his second single, Headlights, amassing over 74 million views on TikTok.

His journey so far is nothing short of inspiring, having gone from homelessness- sleeping in friends' cars- to launching his highly anticipated debut album You'll Be Alright Kid on the 27th September, the day of his sold-out Dublin gig. One fan favourite from his long-awaited album is Burning Down, which garnered 6 million streams and over 157 million views on TikTok within its first week.

Announcing his tour in early June 2024, Ireland was originally absent from the list of countries Alex planned to perform in. However, speaking to the crowd at the Academy on Friday, Alex expressed his dissatisfaction with this decision. His decision to add Dublin to the list of countries he was going to perform in worked in his favour, however, as it sold out within ten minutes of the ticket release, leaving him with no opportunity to even promote the gig.

Twenty-year-old singer-songwriter Sofia Camara, from Toronto, Canada, kicked off the night for an eager Dublin crowd. Sofia immediately captured the audience’s attention with her powerful vocals and relatable songs, keeping the energy high throughout her set. There was plenty of interaction with the crowd, as Sofia introduced each track and created a special moment for one of her super-fans by singing Who Do I Call Now? alongside a young girl in the audience. Its moments like these, along with her strong connection to the crowd, that make opening acts—and even headliners—unforgettable for those lucky enough to attend.

Alex kicked off the final night of his tour with his well-known track Chasing Shadows, a song about seeking a parent's approval after they’ve passed away and dealing with that grief. One of my personal favorites followed, Yard Sale, which delves into the heartbreak of a breakup, exploring the pain of letting go and moving forward.

Throughout the gig, Alex kept the energy high with plenty of fan interactions. He received numerous gifts from the audience, including several Irish flags, which he used to decorate the stage. This led the crowd to start the famous Irish chant "Ole Ole Ole," prompting Alex to ask about its meaning. He also received a cowboy hat, which he wore while performing Carry You Home, Save You a Seat, and his unreleased track Buying Flowers.

The crowd engagement continued as Alex performed a rendition of Calum Scott’s Dancing On My Own, asking the audience to help him out since his voice was strained from previous shows. Introducing Headlights as a song that changed his life, Alex was met with fans screaming the lyrics back to him, amplifying the emotional intensity of the performance.

During a playful game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with a fan in the front row, the girl boldly asked if she could direct his next music video if she won. Encouraged by the crowd, they played the best of three, and she won, prompting Alex to tell her to email his management with her request.

Alex’s genuine interactions and enthusiasm to connect with the audience made this show truly special. Fans commented afterward that it was one of their all-time favorite gigs because of how fun and engaging he made it.

The album’s title track, You'll Be Alright, Kid, received a huge response, as did Catching My Breath and the crowd favorite Burning Down. Fans sang along so loudly to both the released version and Burning Down (Alex’s Version) that Alex paused mid-song to let them take over.

In a heartwarming moment, Alex invited a fan with a poster asking if she could sing Before You Leave Me with him on stage. He ended the show by sharing this special moment with Grace and everyone in attendance.

Closing with Burning Down during the encore, Alex left the stage with a bang, announcing that he would be outside to meet fans shortly after, leaving everyone eager to meet the acclaimed singer-songwriter.

Alex Warren's performance in Dublin was a night to remember, filled with emotion, energy, and genuine fan connection. From the moment he stepped on stage with Chasing Shadows to his final encore of Burning Down, Alex captivated the crowd with his heartfelt lyrics and dynamic stage presence. His ability to engage with fans, from sharing personal stories to playful moments like the Rock, Paper, Scissors game, made the experience unforgettable for everyone in attendance. The sold-out Dublin crowd proved that Alex's decision to add Ireland to his tour was not only the right one but a highlight of his journey. As he left the stage promising to meet fans outside, Alex cemented his place as a rising star whose authenticity and talent continue to inspire audiences worldwide.