November 13, 2025 – Union Transfer in Philadelphia was packed shoulder to shoulder as the crowd settled in early, filling every spot on the floor. People were clearly curious to see what Dove Ellis would bring on his Getting Killed Tour, his first time playing shows in the U.S. The room had that quiet buzz you get when an artist is just starting to build momentum and people want to catch them before things take off.
Photos + Review by Steve Cerf @stevecerf
Irish singer-songwriter Dove Ellis walked onstage to a loud welcome, easing into the night with the confidence of someone who knows exactly why he’s here. With his debut album Blizzard dropping December 5th, this run feels like the true beginning of what could be a big jump forward in his career.
Once he started, it was clear every song meant something to him. Each track was delivered with real passion, and you could feel it in every lyric. The crowd picked up on it right away; people leaned in, phones down, actually listening. His performance stayed fun and energetic, and the audience hung on every word.
Up front, girls in their late teens and early twenties packed the barricade and didn’t move during his entire performance. They looked googly-eyed, the pupils in their eyes turning into little hearts every time he spoke between songs with that endearing Irish accent.
Throughout the set, there was a mix of warmth, introspective moments, and a strong vocal focus that carried the emotional weight of the songs. With everyone seeing him for the first time, the connection landed fast.
Ellis left the stage to a loud, well-earned applause, his mix of genuine emotion winning over a room hearing him for the very first time. The reaction said it all, even without knowing any of the songs, he connected immediately.
Seeing him now feels like one of those moments you’ll look back on years from now and say, “I remember when he was just starting out.” It had that kind of early energy. It’s exciting to be on the ground floor as he starts moving toward real star status.
