Another night, another concert, this time it was Dermot Kennedy in Zurich, taking over Halle 622 with a sold out crowd that was more than ready for an emotional evening. After recently choosing a much more intimate route with smaller venues like X-TRA, seeing him back on a bigger stage almost felt like watching someone return home after a long walk through the woods. And clearly, people missed him. Halle 622 was packed wall to wall long before the lights even went down.

Before Dermot Kennedy stepped on stage, the lovely guys of Amble had the job of warming up the room. And they did exactly that. Their folk-inspired sound fit the mood of the evening perfectly, somewhere between comforting pub-session warmth and storytelling under rainy skies. Absolutely lovely bunch with genuinely great songs. I’ll definitely be back if they return to Switzerland as headliners one day. By the time their set ended, the audience was fully locked in and the venue itself had turned properly toasty too.

Concert Photos: Amble

Dermot Kennedy in Zurich Felt Like a Forest Dream

The moment the “curtain dropped”, the stage design instantly stood out. Dermot Kennedy brought the world of his new album The Weight of the Woods directly into Halle 622. The entire setup looked like a cozy little forest tucked away somewhere deep in the mountains. Warm lights, earthy tones, bushes surrounding the different levels of the stage. Honestly, the only thing missing was a campfire and someone handing out marshmallows in the pit. It felt intimate despite the size of the venue, which is not an easy thing to pull off.

Dermot Balanced New Songs and Old Favorites

The setlist leaned heavily into the newer material, but surprisingly, those songs worked incredibly well live. Sometimes fresh tracks can slow down the energy of a show, but here they blended naturally into the atmosphere he created. Of course, the older favorites still had their moment too. Outnumbered arriving as song number three genuinely caught me off guard, but hearing the entire crowd instantly sing along reminded everyone why these songs connected with so many people in the first place. It was also nice spotting a few familiar faces in the front row again, tiny little full-circle moments that always make concerts feel special.

Respect for the artist and his art!

One thing that really stood out throughout the night was how respectful the audience was. There was barely any talking, even during the quietest and most fragile moments of the set. You could actually hear the silence between the songs, which somehow made the emotional moments hit even harder. And honestly, I have to say it: Dermot Kennedy keeps getting better with every show I see. I’ve always loved his songwriting and his voice, but years ago at that very first show in Papiersaal, I wasn’t completely convinced by his stage presence yet. Since then, he has come a very long way. These days his performances feel far more natural, grounded, and confident. All in all, this was simply a great evening. Brilliant songs, a genuinely lovely crowd, and a show that felt warm from start to finish. I’ll definitely be back.

Dermot Kennedy in Zurich: Concert Photos

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Another day, another concert—this time with Italian singer Max Pezzali a Zurigo in  Hallenstadion. For anyone unfamiliar, Pezzali is a staple of Italian pop culture, first rising to fame with his band 883 before building a solo career packed with nostalgic, story-driven songs. And judging by the crowd, the Italians were very much back in Zurich.

There was no support act, no slow build-up. Just a steady hum in the arena as fans gathered, greeting each other like it was a reunion rather than a concert. Fellow photographers had warned me beforehand that this would be a 99% Italian audience, and they weren’t exaggerating. Compared to the broader international pull of artists like Eros Ramazzotti or Laura Pausini, this felt like a tightly knit community night. And even without speaking Italian beyond menu items, I found myself completely drawn in. The Hallenstadion wasn’t fully sold out, with some empty seats and plenty of space in general admission, but that only gave people more room to dance.

Max Pezzali in Zurich: A Night Built on Memories

Once Pezzali hit the stage, the atmosphere shifted from casual chatter to full-on emotional release. The audience was in an incredible mood, soaking up every moment. You could feel the anticipation bubbling into joy, especially knowing that for many in the room, Max Pezzali was more than just an artist. He was part of their childhood soundtrack. Friends told me his songs aren’t just about love, but about everyday life, friendships, and growing up. That relatability echoed through the arena as people sang along like they were flipping through old photo albums.

Pure Nostalgia at Hallenstadion

Even though I only recognized “Una canzone d’amore,” it didn’t matter. Watching thousands of people sing, dance, and relive memories created a kind of universal language. It was less about understanding the lyrics and more about feeling them ripple through the crowd. There was something refreshing about it. No overthinking, no barriers, just pure connection. And once again, it proved a simple truth: Italians know how to turn a concert into a celebration. I’d happily step back into that atmosphere anytime.

Max Pezzali a Zurigo – Concert Photos

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Another year, another Montreux Jazz Festival 2026! The MJF has officially unveiled its 2026 lineup, and once again, it proves why this lakeside gem remains one of the most essential stops on the global music calendar. Whether you come for the legends, the discoveries, or simply the atmosphere, MJF is always worth a visit.

This year feels particularly special. After two years of renovations, the festival returns to its iconic indoor home, the Auditorium Stravinski. There’s something almost poetic about it. A space that has held decades of musical history is reopening its doors just in time for an anniversary edition. 

And what a soundtrack for that feeling. The 2026 lineup stretches effortlessly across genres and generations. From the timeless presence of Sting, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Deep Purple to contemporary heavyweights like PinkPantheress and Tyla, the programming feels both rooted and forward-looking. Add names like John Legend, Dermot Kennedy, Lewis Capaldi, and Vulfpeck into the mix, and you get a lineup that invites you to wander, discover, and stay longer than planned.

That’s the magic of Montreux. You might arrive for one artist and leave with ten new favorites.

Personal Faves for Montreux Jazz Festival 2026

No surprise here: RAYE! 

Because, she’s just an absolute icon! Go check out my last coverages of her in Switzerland: RAYE at Montreux Jazz Festival

Don West
Who should have performed at Winterthurer Musikfestwochen last year, but had to cancel on very short notice due to health issues. 

Nectar Woode
Would love to be able to be there that night. Sadly, other responsibilities have come up (uuugh adulting is hard sometimes). 

It’s hard not to feel excited about this one. There’s something about Montreux that keeps calling you back, and I’m already hoping to be there again this summer, camera in hand, ready to capture whatever moments unfold between stage lights and lake reflections.

One thing is certain: Montreux in July isn’t just a festival. It’s a ritual.

Montreux Jazz Festival Full Line-Up

Find the full line-up and ticket links here: Montreux Jazz Festival Line-Up

Dates: July 3rd – 18th 2026
Location: Montreux, Switzerland
Tickets: Montreux Jazz Festival on Ticketcorner 

Free program at Montreux Jazz Festival 2026

Away from the big shows, the Montreux Jazz Festival really comes alive in the spaces you don’t need a ticket for. The whole town turns into a stage, where you can wander into a set by an artist you’ve never heard of and walk out a fan.

And it’s not just a couple of extras thrown in. We’re talking pool parties that blur into sunset, silent discos glowing under the night sky, lakeside concerts, jam sessions that feel completely unplanned, hands-on workshops, and electronic sets that stretch deep into the night. In past editions, up to 250 free events have filled the schedule from midday all the way to 5am, making it almost impossible not to find something happening.

All of this unfolds in some of Montreux’s most beautiful spots, giving the festival its signature open, easygoing energy. It’s where new artists get their moment, established names show a different side, and the crowd becomes part of the experience rather than just watching it.

The free programme for 2026 is still under wraps for now, but as soon as it’s announced, you’ll find all the updates right here.

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Another day, another concert, this time it’s LEAP in St. Gallen at Grabenhalle. My first ever concert at this venue too. LEAP, the UK indie rock band that’s been steadily building a loyal following, have a way of turning rooms into something much bigger than the venue itself. 

Walking in, it felt less like a regular gig and more like stepping into a pressure cooker of anticipation… and actual heat. It honestly felt like 30 degrees inside before anyone even touched a microphone.

Back in 2024, I went to my first LEAP show not knowing what to expect and very close to cancelling. Bad mood, low expectations. That night flipped everything. The catchy hooks, their relentless energy, and the way they genuinely connect with fans completely won me over. Fast forward to now, St. Gallen marked my third show, and at this point it’s safe to say I’ll be back for a fourth without hesitation.

Opening the night was Hana Lili, bringing her dreamy indie-pop sound to an already overheated crowd. Warm-up almost felt unnecessary, but she still managed to elevate the atmosphere even further. Her set was effortlessly cool, and the highlight came when she opened a girls-only mosh pit, a moment that felt both chaotic and wholesome at the same time. 

Concert Photos: Hana Lili

LEAP in St. Gallen: Fire Show and Mosh Pits

By 9 PM, it was time for LEAP, and the energy shot through the ceiling instantly. If there’s one thing this band does consistently, it’s maintaining a high from start to finish. No dips, no breathers. What stood out this time was the crowd. Compared to earlier shows, the audience has evolved into something beautifully mixed. What once leaned younger now feels like a shared space across generations, and it adds a whole new layer to the experience.

It’s still wild to think they only dropped their debut album Entropy last year. The songs already feel like established anthems, each one landing with confidence and punch. With a bigger stage this time, the band had more room to move, jump, and connect. And they used every inch of it. Mosh pits kept breaking out, sometimes even joined by the band themselves, blurring that line between performer and crowd in the best way possible.

I dragged my friend Rahel along, someone who lives firmly in chill singer-songwriter territory, and even she walked out completely blown away. That probably says everything you need to know. Also, a quick shoutout to the tour photographer, right in the middle of the chaos and in the mosh pits, dodging flying limbs and risking their gear like a true hero.

All in all, another unforgettable night. LEAP aren’t just a band you listen to, they’re a band you experience. If you get the chance to catch them on this tour, take it. No hesitation.

LEAP in St. Gallen – Concert Photos 

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Another night, another concert, this time it was The Neighbourhood in Zurich, a band that has quietly (or not so quietly) built a massive global following with their moody, alternative sound and aesthetic. What started as a show announced for the more intimate The Hall quickly snowballed into something much bigger. The show was upgraded to the iconic Hallenstadion, which also completely sold out.

Before the main act, the crowd was treated to two support acts that set the tone perfectly. Noise Dept is a solo project from a multi-instrumentalist and producer closely connected to The Neighbourhood, having previously contributed background vocals to the band. Now also stepping into the spotlight as a special guest on their 2026 tour.

Blending emotional electronic music with soulful vocals, Noise Dept creates a sound that feels intimate yet atmospheric. And in a full-circle moment, he later returned to the stage with The Neighbourhood that same night, reconnecting the project with the band in front of a roaring crowd.

Noise Dept. – Concert Photos

Next came Night Tapes, a dreamy indie trio whose atmospheric soundscapes floated through the venue. The singer, in particular, carried a magnetic presence, effortlessly warming up the audience and raising the anticipation level with every track.

Night Tapes – Concert Photos

The Neighbourhood in Zurich – A Sold-Out Spectacle

By 9pm, it was time. And while I was slightly surprised by how young the crowd was, probably 90% late teens to early twenties, there was zero surprise when the first note hit and the arena erupted. The screaming was instant and deafening. From that moment on, the energy stayed sky-high. Every song felt like a shared experience, with thousands of voices singing along word for word. It was less a concert, more a collective release of excitement that had clearly been building for months.

Aesthetic, Atmosphere, and Fan Energy

The stage setup itself was minimal. A large screen in the background, nothing overly complicated. But honestly, it didn’t need more. The lighting, visuals, and clean camera angles created a polished look that worked perfectly. What stood out even more was the crowd itself. Fans had been lining up for hours, dressed in a clear aesthetic uniform of black boots, short skirts, and alternative, slightly goth-inspired outfits. The venue buzzed with happy, loud energy. Even from the sidelines after shooting, it was impossible not to smile watching fans completely lose themselves in every moment.

The Neighbourhood in Zurich – Hype vs Reality

I have to admit, the full scale of The Neighbourhood’s popularity caught me off guard. I knew the band, of course, but not like this. A sold-out Hallenstadion, fans screaming every lyric, and an atmosphere that felt almost electric. Jesse Rutherford’s stage presence definitely played a role too, and when he ditched his shirt a few songs in, the reaction from the crowd was… predictable, let’s say. While the hype didn’t fully transfer to me personally, I couldn’t deny the experience. The excitement, the passion, the pure joy in that room made it a great night. Even if I still don’t fully get the hype, I can absolutely respect it.

The Neighbourhood in Zurich – Concert Photos

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CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso are bringing their explosive FREE SPIRITS WORLD TOUR to Zurich! After seeing them live at the Baloise Session last year, I already know this show is going to be absolute insanity in the best possible way.

The energy they brought to the stage in Basel completely blew me away. From the first beat until the last chaotic dance break, the entire room felt so energized. Their live performance somehow balances flawless musicianship with total unpredictability, like a punk show, rave, jazz concert, and internet meme colliding into one beautifully unhinged spectacle.

With viral moments like their NPR Tiny Desk performance, acclaimed releases such as BAÑO MARÍA and PAPOTA, and a rapidly growing global fanbase, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso continue to push Latin music into wildly exciting territory. Their genre-hopping sound blends trap, funk, rock, jazz, and experimental pop into something that feels entirely their own.

All Details about CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso in Zurich

📍 Venue: Halle 622
📅 Date: Monday, 21 September 2026
🎟️ Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster

Expect booming bass, surreal visuals, nonstop movement, and one of those concerts where you leave the venue wondering what on earth just happened. In the best way possible. 

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