An intimate hour of emotions: Louis Dunford's acoustic Album Launch

Some call him a singer, others call him a hero, Louis Dunford moves the entire crowd

In celebration of his debut album release, ‘Be Lucky’, Louis Dunford performed an intimate show at Manchester’s HMV and met fans for a signing.

The singer-songwriter from North London is a once-in-a-generation talent. He’s anything but avoidant when it comes to speaking his truth. Through his lyrics, Dunford delves into his personal experiences and tackles human subjects that many mainstream artists shy away from. The much-awaited album addresses themes of identity, addiction, loss, community, and belonging. 

The singer's universal appeal and emotional impact were more evident than ever at today's show. It came as a surprise to see such a wide division of people in the audience, from elderly and middle-aged adults to teens and fans as young as five. The emotional highlight came when a young boy, around 8 years old, joined him on stage. The child's dream came true as he sang along to 'The Angel.' 

The short setlist included a range of fan favourites. Opening with ‘Billy Flynn of Bethnal Green’ and ‘The Unlucky Ones,’ the room vibrated with energy from the crowd. As he played one of his most popular tracks, ‘When We Were Hooligans,’ the volume surged, and nostalgia filled the air. 

Beforehand, Louis warned the audience that he was losing his voice, but when he began singing, his vocals sounded flawless. The raw, natural quality of his voice was captivating on its own, and the emotion behind each note made the audience connect with and feel every lyric deeply.

If you're a fan, you'll already know that the vast majority of his songs are based on true stories of those he knows or his own experiences, making his music all the more personal. Sitting down, guitar in hand, he opens up about the meaning behind ‘Ballad of Benjamin’. The song is about his friend Ben, whose life was tragically taken by knife crime 16 years ago when they had gone out to celebrate their GCSEs. 

During the song, it was evident that many in the room felt a deep connection to its meaning—some sang along, their voices carrying an indescribable understanding, while others stood in silence, fully immersed in the moment, and some were moved to tears. Though it was a melancholic experience, it was profoundly moving to witness. The bond between Louis Dunford and his audience became so clear.

His laid-back vibe and effortless style put everyone at ease. Dressed in an Adidas jacket and jeans, paired with a matching paisley neckerchief, he exuded a cool, relaxed confidence. His look perfectly coordinated with the vibe of the crowd, many of whom sported flat caps and baker boy hats—a signature touch that defined the fandom.

Following Louis's performance, he met with fans for an album/CD signing and photo session, marking his first experience doing this.