The Coronas review: Voices sweeter than honey ring around Cork ahead of band's Glasto set

Irish Examiner

14 hours ago

A vocal sweeter than a keg of the finest organic honey, Danny O'Reilly was at the top of his game at a memorable night at Cork's legendary tent.
What better way for The Coronas to warm up before their Saturday night show in Glastonbury than to wow their loyal fans at Live at the Marquee 2025.
This was their ninth time playing the venue. With the reception they get here, you can be sure it won't be their last.
The Coronas wowed their loyal fans in Cork at Live at the Marquee 2025 ahead of their Glastonbury set on Saturday. Picture: Chani Anderson
On stage at 9pm sharp. Total pros. At 9.05pm an explosion of confetti: Addicted To Progress. The crowd sings every word. Monster start.
"It's great to be back in Cork. Go raibh maith agaibh. Thank you very much," says Danny.
At 9:10, a sea of outsized balloons are released and Danny is leaning into the barriers, high-fiving the front row. All girls. Literally not one bloke on the big screen. Apart from Danny.
Led by multi-instrumentalist Danny, this Dublin trio is a band of real quality. The other two core members are Graham Knox on bass and Conor Egan on drums. Danny introduces everyone.
Róisín O played a support set before The Coronas (led by her brother Danny) before guesting with the band. Picture: Chani Anderson
"People are saying to us 'you're playing Glastonbury this weekend', but we've played here so many times that we've played to more people here.
"This show is what we look forward to more.
"This is our Glastonbury. And give a big Cork welcome to this marvellous singer [and local hero] Cian McSweeney."
Fans enjoying The Coronas at Live at the Marquee in Cork on Friday. Picture: Chani Anderson
Later, he climbs beyond the barriers into the crowd. Singing, mingling. Loads of blokes also on the big screen this time, to be fair.
All the hits: Dreaming Again, Closer to You, ' That's Exactly What Love Is, If You Let Me, Give Me a Minute, Just Like That. Always a big reaction to classics like Heroes or Ghosts (the crowd singing this was a real highlight), What a Love, and Addicted to Progress. And, of course, San Diego Song.
Confetti cannons explode across the stage as The Coronas ramped up the celebratory atmosphere at Live at the Marquee. Picture: Chani Anderson
Touring for the past 20 years, they have released eight hugely successful studio albums — from Heroes or Ghosts in 2007 through to Thoughts & Observations in 2024 — most of which reached No1 in the Irish album charts.
From their most recent album, they performed Speak Up, Confirmation, and Ghosting. They're currently working on their ninth studio album.
A nod to excellent warmup act, Roísín O, who wowed this crowd. Being Danny's sister, of course, no doubt helped; so too did a belting cover of Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club, but her own material was also powerful. And she guested with The Coronas, soloing beautifully on That's Exactly What Love Is, among others. God-given family harmonies.
What a great voice. No surprise — they're Mary Black's children after all. Magic DNA. Magic night.
Meet the fans at Live at the Marquee
Fans enjoying the concert by The Coronas at Live at the Marquee on Friday evening. Picture: Chani Anderson
Pauline Hurley and Norma McKenna arriving at the Marquee for The Coronas' Live at the Marquee gig in Cork on Friday. Picture: Chani Anderson
Vanessa Mulcahy, Samantha Mulcahy-Ryan, and Brian and Michelle Hughes at Live at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas. Picture: Chani Anderson
Millie Horgan and Lily Moynihan arriving at Live at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas. Picture: Chani Anderson
Andrew and Niamh Moynihan were at Live at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas' concert. Picture: Chani Anderson
Gary Comane and Sinead Farrelly at the Marquee in Cork for The Coronas' headline gig. Picture: Chani Anderson
Holly Prendergast and Becky Prendergast arriving at the Marquee for The Coronas' headline gig. Picture: Chani Anderson
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