Yann Tiersen - Barbican Center - London - 19 April 2025

I’ve been a long-time admirer of Yann Tiersen and have attended all his concerts in London over the years. Each time, I left feeling inspired and always promised myself I’d return again and again. Tonight, however, was the first time I felt a bit let down. While I completely respect and appreciate that he chose to focus on his new album — and I understand the artistic choice behind it — I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness that not a single piece from his earlier work was included. For many of us, Yann’s older work is deeply intertwined with emotional moments and memories. That music holds a special place in our hearts. The new compositions are clearly personal and experimental, and I admire the courage it takes to explore new creative directions live on stage. Still, it would have been meaningful to hear just one or two pieces from his past albums — a small bridge between the old and the new.