Halifax was looking for the perfect soundtrack to a summer evening, Amy Macdonald and friends delivered it in style. On a night where the weather behaved itself for once – always a bonus in West Yorkshire – The Piece Hall played host to a line-up packed with singalongs, nostalgia and enough Scottish charm to power the entire Calder Valley.
Nathan Evans got things underway and quickly proved he’s much more than “that sea shanty bloke from TikTok.” Backed by Saint PHNX, he mixed folk-pop anthems with plenty of banter, winning over the early crowd with an easy-going set that felt like a warm-up pint before the main event. Friendly, fun and impossible not to like.
The Coral followed and reminded everyone that they’ve quietly amassed one of the strongest back catalogues in British indie music. Effortlessly cool in the way only The Coral can be, they rolled through favourites like Dreaming Of You and In The Morning, sounding as fresh as they did when half the audience first heard them on an iPod the size of a house brick. As the evening sun bounced off the historic stonework, their psychedelic grooves felt right at home.
Then came Amy Macdonald.
Bounding onto the stage with the energy of someone genuinely delighted to be there, she had the crowd in the palm of her hand from the first note. Some artists need fireworks, giant video screens and a small army of dancers. Amy just needs a guitar, a microphone and a catalogue full of songs everyone seems to know by heart.
From Mr Rock & Roll to Poison Prince, the hits came thick and fast, but it was This Is The Life that turned The Piece Hall into one giant choir. If there was anyone in the audience not singing along, they were probably queuing for a drink and even then were likely humming the chorus.
What makes Macdonald such an enduring live performer is her complete lack of fuss. She’s funny, self-deprecating and refreshingly down-to-earth. Between songs she chatted warmly with the crowd, making a packed courtyard feel surprisingly intimate. There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about an artist who can headline major venues while still sounding like she’d happily join you for a post-gig pint.
As darkness settled over Halifax, the atmosphere only grew stronger. Thousands sang every word back to her, arms aloft, drinks in hand and worries temporarily forgotten. For a couple of hours, The Piece Hall became less of a concert venue and more of a giant celebration of good songs and good company.
Three excellent acts, a stunning setting and a headliner who knows exactly how to make people smile. Amy Macdonald’s Halifax debut wasn’t just a concert; it was the musical equivalent of bumping into an old friend and remembering why you liked them so much in the first place.
And unlike most reunions, this one sounded fantastic.
Words and Photos by Jonathan Cohen
