Paul Heaton and Rianne Downey get Kendal Calling 2024 off to a Perfect 10 start

The Thursday kicks off in style

Paul Heaton at Kendal Calling 2024

Author: Scott ColothanPublished 2nd Aug 2024
Last updated 6th Aug 2024

Beautiful South and Housemartins legend Paul Heaton and singer Rianne Downey kicked off Kendal Calling 2024 in spectacular style on Thursday night (1st August) with a euphorically-received headline set packed with classic tracks.

The bill-topping performance in the stunning surroundings of Lowther Deer Park was Paul Heaton and Rianne Downey’s first live show since their much-lauded Glastonbury slot in June, and they once again scaled similar heights.

Drawing from The Beautiful South and The Housemartins’ distinguished back catalogues alongside other musical gems from Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott’s repertoire, the set kicked off with an rousing rendition of ‘Old Red Eyes Is Back.’

Paul Heaton and Rianne Downey at Kendal Calling 2024

Alongside seminal tracks like ‘Don’t Marry Her’ and ‘Happy Hour’ (dedicated to Paul’s bassist in the absence of Norman Cook), Paul also treated the audience to brand new tracks including ‘Fish N’ Chips Supper’ and self-professed “controversial” track ‘Small Boats.’

Glaswegian songstress Rianne has only been performing with Paul for just over a year, but their on-stage chemistry is already magnetic and Rianne’s pitch-perfect vocals perfectly compliment Paul’s singing style.

Crucially, the duo look like they’re having great fun on stage – a boyish Paul consuming the stage in his trademark hoody, jeans and trainers, with Rianne glammed up for the occasion, they’re both all smiles and exude an intoxicatingly upbeat aura.

Paul is also great banter on stage, relaying the football teams his band members support to a mix of cheers and boos, and he's always game for showering the crowd with superlatives and tongue-in-cheek banter.

Unafraid to dip into his own esteemed solo repertoire throughout, the headline performance reached a satisfying climax with an onslaught of bangers including ‘Perfect 10’, ‘Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)’ and a singalong ‘Caravan of Love.’

The Kendal Calling 2024 faithful

Despite some ominous forecasts at the start of the week, the weather on Thursday was glorious and helped boost the event’s good vibes.

The main stage action kicked off with the beguiling Hardwicke Circus, but it was undoubtedly Watford lads The Hunna who impressed the most on the line-up with their fiery, eclectic rock that nods to an array of iconic acts including Beastie Boys and Rage Against the Machine. Incredible stuff.

Declan McKenna also wowed with a set that culminated with his defining anthem 'Brazil.'

Kendal Calling continues today with a headline set from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, which will boast a smorgasbord of Oasis classics alongside songs from Noel’s solo ventures. Prior to that, co-headliners Keane will take to the stage.

With the weekend officially starting, all the stages are now open including dance mecca Parklands that hosts everyone from metal children’s band Slay Duggee to dance-pop icon Katy B.