Matt Benson
plus support
Dylan Harcourt
Whelan’s Upstairs • Sat 20th June 2026
This June, we are excited to welcome to Whelan’s the incredible Matt Benson.
From a fire-bombed Belfast music shop, to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage touring the Balkans with Dutch Ska Bands and being down and out in London via every smoky dive bar you can shake a stick at, Matt has lived the musical life most only dream of — now he’s telling the whole story through soul-drenched vocals, steeped in cinematic narratives. So close your eyes and follow along.
His debut album Sit Back Down Again is capturing peoples imaginations and getting 5-star reviews from the critics. A soul-drenched debut steeped in vintage R&B, New Orleans brass, and cinematic storytelling. Grief, growth, supernatural characters and barroom romances — told through warm horns, weathered vocals & raw, honest songs. Hear echoes of Randy Newman, Van Morrison, Chris Stapleton and Dr. John shaped by a surfeit of New Orleans style. Its stories blur the line between rich, cinematic fiction and the authenticity that comes with having lived through many of the narratives that he explores.
Come see Matt sing this album at the piano, hear him growl through the trombone to enchant and compel you through his world of stories in what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
With over 120k plays on streaming platforms, appearances on UTV Life, RTE Radio 1’s ‘Arena’, selling out Whelans and praise from George Ezra, Matt’s had an illustrious career playing trombone. He’s been in George Ezra’s band since 2017, and played with Bad Manners, The Pogues, Neil Hannon, Hot 8 Brass Band and lots more…
TICKETS
TICKETS
€20 available online from Whelan’s – 50c per ticket service charge applies.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the Silent Disco in the upstairs venue & the Karaoke in Little Whelan’s – Free Entry via front door until 10:30pm | Drinks Promos