Cian Ducrot – Live Review – O2 Academy, Leeds
By Graham Clark, December 2025
Cian Ducrot is a relative newcomer to the music scene, only emerging in 2022 via the social network TikTok and his debut hit, ‘All For You’. His music tends to be in the mould of other recent singer-songwriters, namely Lewis Capaldi and James Arthur, who compose melodic songs whose lyrics often focus on relationships gone wrong, sung over a more uplifting score that builds to a big chorus.
Ducrot’s second album, Little Dreaming, was released in the summer, and it follows the same template as his debut.
A single spotlight picked out Ducrot as he sat at the side of the stage, marking his arrival at the O2 Academy in Leeds. His fanbase is wide: for every millennial, there were older couples who probably remember seeing Elton John and Fleetwood Mac at their peak all those years ago. Both acts are influences on Ducrot, and all share the art of storytelling in their songs.
“Prowess”
The evening started off on a promising note; ‘Who’s Making You Feel It’ followed by ‘Little Dreaming’ are two of his best numbers: uplifting, melodic, and as catchy as the current bout of flu. Backed by a six-piece band, the brass section gave many of the up-tempo numbers an energetic boost. Likewise ‘Heaven’ and ‘Shalalala’, which quickly followed.
There was no doubting that Ducrot is a talented musician, as he frequently interchanged between acoustic guitar, flute and piano. The latter not only a musical instrument, but a prop throughout the show for him and, at times, members of his band to stand on. Even a lucky fan is picked from the audience to stand alongside him on the piano during ‘The Book of Love’.
‘Kiss and Tell’ came with a Gaelic charm, as Ducrot played his flute. The only thing missing was the dancers from Riverdance.
Staying true to his forte of big ballads with a beating chorus, ‘What About Love’ proved a fine example. These are songs that will still be remembered in twenty years’ time, such is the prowess of Ducrot’s songwriting.
“Charm and interaction”
With a set of 17 songs and a gig that lasted over two hours, there was always going to be an element that made the concert feel lengthy. With his Irish charm and interaction with the fans, he never wasted an opportunity to chat to them, but he did this perhaps too often, and at too great a length. Towards the end of the show, it spoiled the flow and momentum that had been built up. A little curtailment would have gone a long way.
Thankfully, the evening got back on track with a cover of ‘Fairytale of New York’, with the band wearing Santa hats as they performed a rousing version of The Pogues’ hit.
With Ducrot now standing back on top of his piano for ‘I’ll Be Waiting’, the concert felt like an early Christmas present for the Leeds audience.
images: Graham Clark
Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia.
