From sold-out arenas to secret gigs, Irish pop-rockers Picture This are no strangers to the stage.
But their recent appearance on Virgin Media’s The Secret Headliner sees them return to their roots, surprising fans with an intimate performance and mentoring rising talent, Simple Things.
VIP Magazine caught up with the lads to chat about the experience, the nerves of secret shows, and the joy of giving back.
“It was terrifying,” they admit, reflecting on the intimate gig. “You can see the whites of everyone’s eyes, it’s way more intense than playing to 20,000 people.”
Returning to a small venue that played a pivotal role in their early days brought back a flood of memories.
“The stage felt way smaller than it did the first time we played it,” they recall. “Back then, it felt huge because it was such a big moment for us.
When selecting a support act for the show, Simple Things stood out. “They reminded us a lot of ourselves in the early days,” they share. “There’s something charming about that kind of naivety, it can be channelled into magic.”
The band was impressed by Simple Things’ unique blend of pop with traditional instruments. “They had an accordion player, great harmonies, and just this energy that made us all bop along. We knew they had something special.”
Maintaining the mystery of their identity was a challenge.
“I’m terrible at keeping secrets,” Ryan laughs. “I just wanted to tell everybody.”
Despite the temptation, they managed to keep the surprise under wraps, even as fans lined up around the block. “Some people might have guessed, we may have tagged Cork in our story, but it was fun to see the buzz and excitement build.”
Reflecting on their own journey, the band shares who they would have loved to share a stage with in their early days. “The Script and Snow Patrol were big for us,” they say.
They also recall the support they received from the late Christy Dignam of Aslan. “He reached out to us early on and even joined us for a car performance. That kind of support meant the world.”
The Secret Headliner offered Picture This a chance to give back, reflect on their journey, and reconnect with the raw energy of intimate performances. And for fans, it was a rare opportunity to see the band in a whole new light.
The Secret Headliner continues on Virgin Media One on Sunday night at 9pm
Words by Emilia Cercel
