We’re delighted to have Richard Dawson return to Roadburn – with his repertoire further updated since his last visit to Tilburg, we have high hopes of hearing tracks from his 2025 album, End of the Middle. Last time he was with us it was shortly after he explored the world through an expansive lens (such as on the 41 minute track The Hermit). On his latest album he has pried open the lid on the every day, on domesticity, and in the process made something startlingly beautiful.
One of Richard’s superpowers is his ability to spin a yarn – with just the right touch of emotion and humour – to the point that you find yourself listening to a song about an allotment with tears starting to pool and wondering what on earth is happening to you. End of the Middle is musically quite minimalist – often not more than Richard’s distinctive voice, a gently strummed guitar and a simple drum beat – which allows plenty of room for the stories to bloom.
Through his unique contemporary folk tales Richard Dawson teases apart the fabric of family, community, society, and recounts moments both monumental and mundane (and the place where those overlap). He will perform with drummer Andrew Cheetham at Roadburn, bringing these stories to life for us as only he can.
– Becky Laverty
