Summer Sessions rolls on under the summer moon at Plymouth’s iconic Sound Shell, turning The Hoe into a tapestry of rock riffs, pop anthems and Celtic-infused harmonies. On Saturday 14th June, three generations of female-fronted powerhouses will carve their sonic signatures into the night sky—from Belfast buskers to ’90s soap-star-turned-pop icon to Ireland’s chart-topping sibling quartet.
Formally formed in 2018, Belfast duo Orláith Forsythe and Mollie McGinn (aka Dea Matrona) write and self-produce all of their guitar-driven rock tunes, honing their craft with marathon busking sessions that married classic Zeppelin riffs to Beatles-esque harmonies. Their self-released ‘Away from the Tide’ EP showcased original swagger, but it was a viral cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well”—clocking over 4 million views—that landed them on ‘The Late Late Show’ and rock-chart success in 2021
On a night filled with anticipation for The Corrs, Northern Ireland’s Dea Matrona set the perfect tone at Summer Sessions on The Hoe, delivering a set brimming with blues-infused rock and charismatic energy. Their sound—deeply rooted in the timeless influences of Fleetwood Mac and First Aid Kit—blended nostalgia with modern flair, resonating effortlessly with the crowd.
As a duo backed by a powerhouse guitarist and drummer, they commanded the stage with confidence, offering a seamless mix of rock, pop, and bluesy tones that felt right at home beneath the stormy Plymouth skies. ‘Stamp on It’ kicked things off with infectious rhythm, followed by the introspective groove of ‘Get My Mind Off’. ‘Magic Spell’ shimmered with melodic richness, while ‘So Damn Dangerous’ left a lasting mark on the night.
After the show, I caught up with Mollie, who reflected on the thrill of supporting The Corrs at The Royal Albert Hall—a momentous occasion for any rising act. With their European tour alongside The Darkness on the horizon, it’s clear this band is moving from strength to strength. And while new material is in the works, Molly remained tight-lipped, teasing fans to keep an eye on their socials for updates. Hear the FULL interview HERE.
Dea Matrona proved themselves a band with presence, passion, and an undeniable musical pedigree—definitely one to watch as festival season unfolds.
First captivating audiences as Beth Brennan on ‘Neighbours’, Natalie Imbruglia pivoted to music with her 1997 debut single “Torn,” which dominated the US Billboard Radio Songs chart for eleven weeks and was later hailed among the 50 Best Songs of the ’90s by Rolling Stone. Her multi-platinum album ‘Left of the Middle’ sold seven million copies worldwide, ushering in a career that now spans six studio albums and over ten million album-equivalent units sold.
It takes a certain kind of artist to make a stage feel like home, and Natalie Imbruglia did just that as she stepped onto The Hoe for Summer Sessions, supporting The Corrs. Backed by a stellar band that elevated every track, she delivered a set bursting with pop-infused brilliance, proving that her music still resonates deeply after decades in the industry.
Dressed elegantly in a flowing white dress, Natalie owned the stage—moving with grace and confidence as the drizzle set in, a minor inconvenience to the seasoned British festival crowd. A little rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of a performer with this much presence.
Her set was a journey through her expansive catalog, reminding everyone that her career extends far beyond Left of the Middle. ‘What It Feels Like’ shimmered with emotive depth, ‘Shiver’ brought an infectious pulse to the evening, and ‘Wishing I Was There’ echoed through the arena with an undeniable charm. And then came the moment—the one everyone was waiting for: ‘Torn’. A song that has enticed generations, it sounded as exquisite as ever, filling The Hoe with a wave of nostalgia and pure joy.
Having been on the road with The Corrs frequently of late, Natalie was clearly thrilled to bring her show to Plymouth, an enthusiasm felt in every note she sang. With six studio albums to her name, plus a 2024 live release, her legacy continues to evolve, proving that she’s far from a fleeting pop star.
Headlining the evening are The Corrs, the Dundalk-born sibling quartet whose fusion of pop rock and traditional Irish instrumentation has sold over 40 million albums globally . Since bursting onto the scene in 1990, Andrea, Caroline, Jim and Sharon Corr have released seven studio albums, scored two Grammy nominations and earned honorary MBEs—all while chart-topping with classics like ‘Talk on Corners’ and ‘In Blue’ in seventeen countries . They bring their Talk on Corners Summer 2025 Tour back to Plymouth Hoe for one unforgettable night .
As the skies cleared over The Hoe, The Corrs stepped onto the stage, proving once again why their timeless sound continues to captivate audiences after nearly three decades. Andrea Corr wasted no time in acknowledging the shift in weather, quipping, “We made the rain stop for you”—a fitting introduction to a set that felt nothing short of magical.
For those who witnessed them back in their heyday, the performance was a déjà vu moment in the best possible way. Having last seen them at the Birmingham NEC in 1998, the feeling remained unchanged: impeccable harmonies, flawless musicianship, and a presence that transcended time. Every song was pitch-perfect, the band was on point, and not a single technical hitch disrupted the evening—this was The Corrs at their best.
Standout tracks included ‘Only When I Sleep’, ‘Give Me a Reason’, ‘Radio’, and the achingly beautiful ‘Runaway’, each delivered with effortless grace. But the biggest moment arrived with the encore—‘Breathless’, the song that catapulted them to global superstardom, sending waves of nostalgia through the crowd as The Hoe erupted in joy.
In an era where some legacy acts appear to coast on past success, The Corrs proved they are very much still in their prime. With an audience spanning generations—teenagers discovering them for the first time, longtime fans reliving cherished memories—it was clear that their music remains as relevant and enchanting as ever.
And with a busy summer of tour dates ahead, this show was a reminder: The Corrs are far from done. For anyone who missed tonight’s performance, there’s still time to experience their magic in the months to come.
As the seaside breeze carries the echoes of guitar solos and tin whistles across the water, Summer Sessions promised an electrifying journey through raw rock, timeless pop and Celtic soul and boy, did it deliver.
Words - Steve Muscutt
Pictures - Julian Baird
