The creative spirit of Brighton was on full display as singer-songwriter Paul Diello celebrated the launch of his brand-new album Firework Sky at Ironworks Studios. The afternoon-to-evening showcase went far beyond a traditional album release, blending film, dance, live music, and visual art into an unforgettable event. A Visual Prelude at the Bar Guests arriving […]
The creative spirit of Brighton was on full display as singer-songwriter Paul Diello celebrated the launch of his brand-new album Firework Sky at Ironworks Studios. The afternoon-to-evening showcase went far beyond a traditional album release, blending film, dance, live music, and visual art into an unforgettable event.
A Visual Prelude at the Bar
Guests arriving at Ironworks Studios were welcomed with a rolling video installation projected near the bar. The reel showed Paul Diello at different stages of his life and career — younger, older, in a variety of personal and professional contexts. It served as a moving reminder of his creative journey, setting the stage before audiences even entered the auditorium.
Set One: The Visual Album Experience
The show opened with the visual album premiere of Firework Sky. Each track was paired with powerful video art, immersing the crowd in Diello’s vivid storytelling. This cinematic first act established the emotional core of the evening, with songs and imagery unfolding in perfect sync.
Set Two: Dance Performance
The second act shifted the focus from screen to stage with a live dance performance inspired by the themes of Firework Sky. The dancer’s movements gave physical form to the album’s energy and emotion, offering a strikingly different yet complementary artistic perspective.
Set Three: Full Band Collaboration
After a 15-minute intermission, Diello returned for the third and final set. This time, he was joined on stage by a full ensemble of musicians, all performing together throughout the set. Guitars, percussion, keys, and other instruments blended seamlessly with Diello’s soaring vocals, creating a rich, layered sound that filled the auditorium.
The setlist included highlights from his earlier work, notably Make Heaven Motherland, which was being performed live for the first time since lockdown. The combination of fresh material and fan favourites made for a powerful finale that brought the whole event full circle.
Famous Faces in the Audience
The launch also drew members of Brighton’s artistic community, adding to the sense of occasion. Among the crowd were Jenny Castell, along with two acts from the recent Björk extravaganza. Their presence underscored Diello’s influence and connections across the city’s thriving cultural scene.
Visual Storytelling Beyond the Stage
Adding another layer to the event, photographer Paul Jackson presented a digital exhibition of images chronicling Diello’s career. The photographs highlighted the artist’s evolution and provided a visual thread that tied together the music, film, and dance of the evening.
Accessibility and Atmosphere
Running from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the event offered a pay-what-you-can ticket model, starting from just £1 and capped at £10. The accessible pricing, along with step-free venue access, made the launch welcoming to all. Diello even joked that the early finish meant fans could still “be tucked up for an early night,” a line that earned warm laughter from the crowd.
Why It Stood Out
Three-act structure: visual album, dance, and full-band set created a dynamic journey.
Full-stage collaboration: every musician played together, giving the finale extra power.
Brighton’s creative community: notable local figures and artists turned out in support.
Immersive storytelling: from the entrance video to the final song, the event was a narrative in itself.
Final Verdict
Paul Diello’s Firework Sky album launch was more than a gig — it was a multi-sensory celebration of music, art, and community. From the rolling video that greeted fans at the bar, to the visual album premiere, the dancer’s interpretation, and the full-band finale, every detail was carefully curated to immerse the audience.
With famous Brighton creatives in attendance and a crowd swept up in the spectacle, the night confirmed Diello’s place at the heart of the city’s cultural life. Firework Sky isn’t just an album — it’s an experience, and Brighton was the perfect place to see it take flight.
. 
