Similar to his exploration of genres, the subject matter of Ahern's set also varies wildly from track to track, perhaps summed up perfectly by the self-explanatory title of 'Heartache and Love'. Throughout the set, he offers mini-anecdotes and motivational introductions, but the overwhelming message is that Ahern is an artists for who live music is an inevitable lifeblood. Aside from being flattered at the warm reception he receives, Ahern is just grateful to be back on the stage doing what he does best.
At times the song content veers into darker territory, not least with 'Broken Jaw' which "explains what happens when you mess around with another man's wife". Whether biographical or not, you certainly get the feeling that Ahern might know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a jab or two.
After exploring a stunning cover of The Clash and gifting an audience member with a signed vinyl, Ahern brings his set to a close with 'Highway of Life'; a perfect fullstop from a true punk journeyman. It feels good to have people like Ahern back on the road and bringing their music back to our doorsteps and there are times tonight when it feels like nobody truly appreciates that quite as much as Jesse Ahern himself.