Shy Sinead O’Conor plays her first hometown gig in five years - VIDEO

Joined by reggae artist Natty Wailer

By: EVELYN TIERNAN | Published Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 4:15 AM | Updated Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 8:09 AM

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor took to the stage on Saturday night in her hometown for her first Irish gig in five years.

The 44-year-old "Nothing Compares 2 U" singer, after eight albums and a 25-year recording career, chose the seafront bandstand in Bray, County Wicklow where she lives, for her Irish comeback.

Reggae artist Natty Wailer joined the singer onstage and performed a number of reggae covers.

Speaking to the Irish Independent she said "I really enjoyed it," she said afterwards. "I've been here in Bray for five years and have always been a bit jealous of bands I've seen here. It's everyone's childhood dream to play on a bandstand."

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The informal set was a 'warm-up' gig for her appearance at Ireland's largest music festival Electric Picnic in Stradbally, in September, where she will be accompanied by a full band.

Dressed in a modest black trouser suit, with a large crucifix around her neck, O'Connor seemed almost shy, taking a a less prominent position on stage alongside two other backing singers, reports the Irish Independent.

Adding that by the third number, any initial nerves seemed to have dissapeared when O'Connor's unmistakable voice could be heard clearly, harmonising beautifully with the other two backing singers.

There were huge roars from the crowd when Wailer called on the singer to take the lead on a number of songs including 'War and Vampire' then joining the Hammond sisters Karen and Aoife for 'No Woman No Cry'.

Ending the night with the crowd calling for more with a version of 'Get Up Stand Up'.