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Evan Dando, frontman of the iconic alternative rock band The Lemonheads, performed a stripped-down solo show at Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda North Wales , as the first date of his forthcoming UK solo tour taking the audience on a nostalgic journey through his decades-spanning career. With just an old well used acoustic guitar in hand, Dando captivated the crowd, blending raw vulnerability with a laid-back charm that only he can deliver.
For those unfamiliar, The Lemonheads are one of the defining acts of the ’90s alternative rock scene. Known for their infectious mix of punk energy and melodic pop sensibility, the band’s 1992 album It’s a Shame About Ray remains a cult classic, with its title track and their cover of Mrs. Robinson solidifying their place in the indie rock canon. Over the years, the band’s lineup has shifted frequently, but Dando’s unmistakable voice and songwriting have always been the core of The Lemonheads’ sound.
In 2023, Dando and The Lemonheads released Varshons 2, a follow-up to their 2009 cover album Varshons. The new record shows a deepening of Dando’s long-standing affinity for reinterpreting other artists’ work, offering a series of eclectic covers that span from country to new wave. While fans have been clamouring for a full-length album of original material, Varshons 2 is another showcase of Dando’s ability to inhabit songs that aren’t his own, making them sound as personal as his originals.
In 2023 Evan Dando and The Lemonheads released a brand new single “Fear Of Living where Evan played all the instruments on the recording, which was recorded and produced by Apollo Nove at A9 Audio in São Paulo, Brazil. Evan is also currently working on the first Lemonheads songs since 2006.
‘Fear Of Living’ was written by the late Dan Lardner of QTY and Evan Dando. Dan was a close friend of Evan’s who passed in June of 2023
Taking to the stage of what i consider a hidden gem of a venue. Neuadd Ogwen , brilliantly set up, small, and intimate. I love venues like this.
Dando’s setlist was a mix of Lemonheads classics, deeper cuts, and a handful of covers which included Whitney Houston‘s “How Will I Know” the classic cover of Simon and Garfunkel‘s “Mrs Robinson” which was a massive surperise as its a song not often played by Dando, a very quick rendition of The Smiths ” How Soon Is Now “, ” Your Home Is Where Your Happy” originally written by Charles Manson, and his version of Nick Cave’s “Nobody’s Baby Now”, was one of my highlights of the night showing Dando’s ability to inhabit the emotional depth of others’ songs just as fully as his own.
There were many highlights of the evening but my standouts were his acoustic renditions of “It’s a Shame About Ray” “Being Around” and “My Drug Buddy” they were brilliant, their stripped-back arrangements emphasising the wistfulness and intimacy of the lyrics. Dando’s voice, slightly weathered with age but still hauntingly beautiful, wavered between tender and ragged, as if reflecting the ups and downs of a life lived on the road.
The simplicity of the solo acoustic format worked in Dando’s favor, drawing attention to his storytelling. Songs like “The Outdoor Type” and “Into Your Arms” became quiet anthems, with the audience singing along softly, creating a communal, almost cathartic atmosphere. What makes Dando such a compelling live performer is his casual, unguarded demeanour. It wasn’t a polished performance—Dando stumbled over a few lyrics —but these imperfections only added to the charm.
Seeing Evan Dando live in this intimate solo setting was a reminder of his enduring appeal. He’s never been a flashy performer—there’s no elaborate production, no theatrics—just a man with a guitar and a catalogue of songs that speak to the heart. The rawness of the performance felt like an antidote to the hyper-polished, over-produced shows that dominate the modern music scene. At times, it almost felt like you were sitting in Dando’s living room, listening to him play for friends.
What made the evening truly special was Dando’s ability to connect with the audience. As he moved through his set, it became clear that this wasn’t just a greatest-hits showcase; it was a reflection of his journey as an artist, from his early days as a slacker rock poster boy to a seasoned songwriter still grappling with life’s complexities.
For fans of The Lemonheads, this solo show was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. But even for those less familiar with Dando’s work, it was an intimate portrait of an artist who wears his flaws on his sleeve, making his music all the more resonant. As Dando closed the set , it was evident that while the mainstream may have moved on, his devoted fanbase remains as passionate as ever. And for those who were there, last night felt like catching up with an old friend—still melancholic, still melodic, and still unmistakably Evan Dando.
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
