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On June 21 and 22, 2024, Irish singer Chris de Burgh delivered two exceptional performances at the Casino du Liban, transporting the audience in a whirlwind of emotions and nostalgia.
Although time passes, Chris de Burgh seems unchanging: an undisputed master of the stage, he retains that incomparable voice that has been his signature for decades. The Irish music icon once again demonstrated his unconditional love for Lebanon and its audience during two unforgettable evenings at the Casino du Liban on June 21 and 22, 2024. As part of his “Solo Tour,” the artist chose to perform in two venues: the Ambassadors’ Hall on Friday, June 21, and the Casino Theater on Saturday, June 22, at 8:30 PM. One must truly love Chris de Burgh to attend his concerts two nights in a row, yet some die-hard fans did not hesitate to do so, thus showing their deep attachment to this modern-day troubadour.
From the first notes, the audience was swept away by Chris de Burgh’s enchanting voice and charismatic presence. On Friday evening, in the Ambassadors’ Hall, the artist surprised the audience by strolling among the tables in search of a Lady in Red, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The spectators, delighted by this unprecedented proximity, felt they were experiencing a unique and privileged moment with their idol. Without ever missing a beat, he performed his greatest solo hits, also revisiting some classics such as Pretty Woman, You Were Always on My Mind, and Those Were the Days. The fans, enthralled, sang along to these timeless hits, creating a true musical communion. A particularly memorable moment was when Chris de Burgh sang Let It Be by the Beatles, an emotional nod to this music monument, reminding everyone that in difficult times, sometimes you just have to let things take their course.
On Saturday evening, at the Casino Theater, the emotion was at its peak. The concert was even more engaging than the previous night. The audience, on their feet, gave the artist almost continuous standing ovations as he delivered a masterful performance. Chris de Burgh performed his entire repertoire, including songs like Lebanese Night and Sailor. These songs, true anthems to his deep attachment to Lebanon and its people, took on a special resonance in the current context. Acclaimed by the audience, he effortlessly performed five additional songs, including The Traveler and Carry On, extending the concert to the delight of his fans. He also sang Dreaming of a New World, a song that echoes the dream of the Lebanese, condemned to live with ever-uncertain tomorrows.
The venue, electrified, vibrated in unison, driven by the singer’s contagious energy. Spectators from all walks of life were swept away by the magic of the moment, dancing and singing as if the outside world no longer existed.
Towards the end of the concert, Chris de Burgh mingled with the crowd, met fans who were filming him and immortalized every moment of this unforgettable evening. The artist even surprised a Lady in Red with a chaste kiss, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
These two exceptional evenings, organized as part of the Casino du Liban’s “Nuits de Nostalgie,” highlighted the special relationship Chris de Burgh has with his Lebanese audience. A perfect harmony was created between the artist and the spectators.
Beyond simple entertainment, these concerts took on a special dimension in the current context. As the specter of imminent war looms over Lebanon, Chris de Burgh, through his mere presence and vital force, transmitted a subliminal message of extraordinary power. Each of his songs carried an underlying invitation to live each moment intensely as if it were the last. For this is perhaps what the Lebanese do best: draw the strength to overcome challenges from their joy of living.
Chris de Burgh’s Lebanese fans will forever cherish the memory of these two magical evenings, a true enchanted interlude in a country beset by uncertainties. There is no doubt that Chris de Burgh, an unconditional lover of Lebanon, will soon return to grace the stages of this country. A promise of more exceptional moments to come, to continue making the soul of Lebanon resonate to the rhythm of his melodies, despite the challenges the country constantly faces.
