Stage is set for a belter Belsonic..

This year’s line-up could just be the fest one yet

Belsonic has come a long way since three poorly-attended gigs at Custom House Square back in 2008. Those shows – humble as they were – launched the idea of having a series of proper outdoor gigs in the city centre every summer.

That felt like a huge novelty at the time and promoters were warned it was way too ambitious a concept to work. Yet, just 15 years later and near a quarter of a million people will descend upon Ormeau Park for 10 Belsonic gigs starting tomorrow night and running throughout June.

The Custom House Square gigs, which still happen every August, are now a mere baby sister.

Crazy how things pan out when you give people what they want and deserve, eh?

Anyway, there’s something for almost everyone at this year’s Belsonic, and here is what could make each gigs special…

LIONEL RICHIE Saturday, June 3 Average punter? Your ma, flat out on the G&TS. Why is it worth going to?

This gig was originally set to take place in June 2020 – and let’s just say the three-year delay caused... concerns. I say this with the utmost respect (and he looks absolutely great to be fair) but Lionel turns 74 this month. So it’s a reasonably solid bet this will be your last chance to see him perform in Belfast.

The big moment will be

Everyone in attendence singing complete gibberish at the end of All Night Long. Obv.

On support

Human League are borderline headliners themselves – as their performance at 2019’s CHSQ illustrated beautifully.

GEORGE EZRA Friday, June 9 Average punter?

My ma (literally – I’m taking her) flat out on the G&TS.

Why is it worth going to?

As you’ll know if you saw his latest tour at the SSE, George Ezra really does have the live show nailed at this point – incredible musicianship, a setlist now worthy of such huge gigs and his own brand of boy-next-door type charisma. It’ll not be the most memorable gig you ever see, but he’s a solid headliner for sure. Also, the trombone player is from Rostrevor!

The big moment will be

We’ve all heard the likes of Green Green Grass and Shotgun so much we could sing them backwards. But it’s the early hits – Budapest in particular – which really come to life when performed live.

On support

Gavin James is almost festival headliner level in his native Dublin, so a solid and appropriate addition for the average George Ezra fan.

DAVID GUETTA Saturday, June 10 Average punter?

A bizarre mix of 16-year-old kids and old ravers who could easily be their parents.

Why is it worth going to?

I’ll not waste anyone’s time by pretending what Mr. Guetta does onstage is admirable artistry, but he will play lots and lots and lots of hits. There’ll be lovely visuals too, fancy lights and confetti blasts. Maybe some pyro. The universe is a dreadful place in 2023 so just go with it and be glad of the diversion.

When they do all the production stuff… but like, all at once.

On support

Meduza are a solid addition to the DJ support with a couple of bangers under their belt – you’ll know Piece Of Your Heart and Lose Control.

TOM JONES Friday, June 16 Average punter?

From 18 to 80-year-olds. I’m not sure I can be more specific with regards to his fanbase.

Why is it worth going to?

I’d imagine he knows what he’s doing at this point so it’ll be a great show. Also – it’s Tom actual Jones.

The big moment will be

Finding out whether he can still reach and maintain that long high note near the end of It’s Not Unusual.

On support The big moment will be

Great to have some local talent on the bill even if Portaferry’s Ryan Mcmullan is quite a random choice. At the same time, Ryan has just sold out three Ulster Hall shows so is huge in his own right and will win the crowd over, easy.

PAOLO NUTINI

Saturday, June 17

Average punter?

Boyfriends and girlfriends, arm in arm. It’s date night, basically. I think.

Why is it worth going to?

Anyone else mystified as to how Paolo Nutini has completely passed them by? He’s played huge gigs here before and has been bothering the charts for well over a decade. But why can’t I name a single one of his songs?

The big moment will be

Erm…. does he do one about shoes or something? That could be good, if you like either Paolo Nutini. Or shoes.

On support

Julia Jacklin. And Galway’s Newdad – who I actually do know plenty about. They’re great. Go see them then leave when they’re done, if you like.

LIZZO

Thursday, June 22

Average punter?

Pretty much everyone love’s Lizzo, right?

Why is it worth going to?

So many reasons. She’s enjoyed the biggest pop music breakthrough of the last decade, arguably. She’s a true artiste and musician – to the point she recently duet-ed with legendary Belfast flautist James Galway. She’s also hilarious and already regarded as a true fasion icon. And her music, of which there is now enough to justify these huge shows, is consistently wonderful and just perfect for festival mayhem. Easily the standout show.

The big moment will be

The ‘I just took a DNA test…’ bit from Truth Hurts will be roared back at her, but any number of her tracks, costume changes and inspirational betweensong monologues could end up a standout.

On support

Nothing announced just yet, not that it matters. Who’d go to a Lizzo gig with even a vague interest in the support?

SAM FENDER

Friday, June 23 Average punter?

Whatever the equivalent is of an ‘indie kid’ these days.

Why is it worth going to?

Granted Sam Fender isn’t exactly the most revolutionary or challenging musician, but he’s also the only sortof-rock act across the entire run of shows. Which is (and this is not an attack on Belsonic) rather upsetting.

The big moment will be

Similarly Seventeen Going Under is one of a very small number of genuinely memorable, anthemic guitar songs of the last few years.

On support

None announced as yet.

BEN NICKY Saturday, June 24 Average punter?

Every young teenager in the greatest Belfast area will be at this gig.

Why is it worth going to?

If you’re a young teenager it’s definitely worth going. If you’re not a young teenager, it’s almost certainly not.

The big moment will be

The clean up afterwards, lets be honest.

On support

A whole heap of DJS. Hand picked by Ben Nicky – not that anyone in attendance will be paying huge attention to the specifics.

FLORENCE & THE MACHINE Wednesday, June 28 Average punter?

Young ladies (and to be fair – men) dressed like Stevie Nicks.

Why is it worth going to?

By my reckoning, she’s only played

Belfast four times – The Ulster Hall in 2009; the old Belsonic in 2010; Vital in 2012 and her last show here – the SSE almost eight years ago. For such a hugely popular UK artiste that doesn’t feel like much. So yeah, if you like Florence, this is a rare opportunity to see her without having to hit the road.

The big moment will be

Dog Days Are Over. Still. Florence is one of those acts who have had an admirable career and lots of hits but their best known song remains the one they released at the very start. Which must be frustrating.

On support

Dubliner CMAT is fabulous. Nell Mascal (Paul’s sister, fact fans) is pretty good too. Definitely make an evening of it.

Average punter?

Old ravers, new ravers, old rockers, new rockers. Why is it worth going to?

While they’ve not had a hit since Omen in 2009, The Prodigy’s back catalogue will forever be utterly unique. No one has – or ever will – sound like this band. Their live show, full as it is with aggression and zero compromise, also remains unmatched.

The big moment will be

The inevitable tribute to Keith Flint. What a horrible shock that news was back in 2019. A true pioneer. His friends in this band know how important it is that his legacy is always remembered and celebrated.

On support THE PRODIGY Friday, June 30

You can’t really warm up for The Prodigy so there’s no point trying. Just book an incredible drum ’n’ bass DJ (Andy C) and be done with it.

‘‘ Lizzo and her music is consistently wonderful and just perfect for festival mayhem. Easily the standout show.