Jack Lukeman thinking about his Bratislava setlist (source: Jack Lukeman)
Fresh from a memorable performance for US Senator Bernie Sanders and his wife, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Jack Lukeman brings his electrifying live show to Bratislava’s V-klub on 20 June. Renowned for his genre-blending style and powerful stage presence, Lukeman promises an evening of dark, brooding ballads, uplifting anthems and communal singalongs. With his partner, the gifted singer Rebecca Mack, opening the night with her soulful vocals, Lukeman is set to deliver a performance rich in emotion, musical range and Irish charm.
A musical journey for all
For Slovak audiences and curious newcomers alike, Lukeman describes his sound as a dynamic blend of influences, drawing comparisons to Jacques Brel and Leonard Cohen. “It’s an uplifting kind of show – dark and brooding at times, soft and soothing at others,” he says. With 10 original albums to his name, his setlists merge original material with carefully chosen covers, from Cohen’s poetic ballads to surprising takes on pop tracks like Katy Perry’s. “I’m a music lover first and foremost, born with the gift of a voice,” he explains. “Whether it’s Robert Johnson or a modern pop song, it all adds to the show – it’s about twisting the lens and making it my own.”
Lorcan Hanly, a key organiser of the V-klub event, is a longtime fan who has seen Lukeman live nearly 10 times. “Jack is a fantastic Irish singer-songwriter with an extremely powerful baritone voice that brings the songwriter’s intention to life,” he says. “His shows are a mix of cabaret, jazz, rock and more – full of humour, energy and audience interaction. Whether it’s a cappella moments or getting the whole room singing along, it’s always a participatory experience.”
A cult following and fearless independence
Lukeman is proud of his cult following – and the freedom that comes with it. “I change musical styles. I’ve done electronic, orchestras, jazz – you name it. When you see the live show, it all makes sense,” he says. Staying independent has allowed him to remain true to his evolving interests. “I could have gone with a major label, but I wanted to follow what inspires me in the moment. Music has changed hugely in the last decade, but I try to keep that old thing – some kind of integrity with what you do.”
Hanly concurs: “I’ve seen Jack perform in different genres, but the experience is always the same – it’s fun, captivating and thoroughly enjoyable.”
Lukeman jokes that his ultimate goal is to expand his following “until the UFOs come”.
From busking to Bernie
His deep connection with audiences dates back to his days busking across Europe – though Bratislava was never on that original route. “Audiences are the same all over the world – music is the universal language,” he reflects. “Busking taught me how to engage people, how to perform.”
Lukeman’s shows are the antithesis of passive. Far from the shoegazing stereotype, his performances are high-energy and interactive, often ending with whole-room singalongs that leave the audience buzzing.
His recent appearance for Bernie and Jane Sanders in Athy, Ireland – Jane’s ancestral town – was a standout moment. Performing the traditional Irish song Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya, which traces its origins to the same town, was especially poignant. “Bernie’s a big fan of critical thought and empathy – the only sane politician in America,” Lukeman says with a smile. “It was very emotional – lots of music and craic.”
Lukeman poses with US Senator Bernie Sanders (source: Jack Lukeman)
Why Bratislava shouldn’t miss it
Lukeman’s CV is stacked with highlights: opening for Sting in Germany, a decade touring with Jools Holland, and sharing stages with the likes of The Proclaimers and Page & Plant. He even performed for blues legend John Lee Hooker – testament to his range and credibility.
Yet for all the acclaim, it’s the connection with the audience that keeps him grounded.
On 20 June, that connection comes to Bratislava. With Rebecca Mack’s stirring opening set and Lukeman’s rich, unpredictable performance, the V-klub gig promises a musical escape – equal parts intimate and exhilarating.
As Hanly puts it: “Even if you’ve never seen Jack before, you’ll feel the energy of the concert, enjoy it, and want to join in.”
