Gigs for 2025 - post your reviews here

Ouch! Tbf, i wouldn't have had them down as your cuppa.

Lael Neale tonight in the Workmans Cellar. Very much looking forward to it.

Lael Neale in the Workmans Cellar was just wonderful. Support came from Entrance/Guy Blakeslee, who i was a fan of some of his material in the mid-noughties (unfortunately he didn't play Grim Reaper Blues tonight). I mention him because he's her producer and was playing guitar and keyboards this evening. Lael herself was on omnichord, guitar and keyboards at various stages. A just about 1 hour set (after she was convinced to play a couple more songs) of dreamy VU vibes. I was beaming from start to finish and she didn't even play any of the three songs i really wanted to hear. One of my most enjoyable gigs this year so far.

I may not be engaging with the right audience here - but I have to say that Tate McRae last night in 3Arena was some show. I've never been to one of these Britney Spears type gigs - costume changes, all dancing, backing dancers, possibly bit of miming (I'm not sure about that one). But it was spectacular when you see it up close. The timing of the dancing, and the physical effort of it all for nearly 1.5 hours. And there were several stages that she was performing on which just appeared throughout the 3Arena. It was great stuff. I was there with my daughter and her friend (the two of them cried with excitement for the first hour, but composed themselves for the finale). But I would happily go again - except a Dad on his own would definitely look a bit weird in a room full of approximately 13,000 teenage girls.

The crowd were belting out every lyric as if it was going to be the last sentence they could ever utter. I think most of it was about ex-boyfriends., and how they should all go to hell. But it certainly touched a nerve with the fanbase last night. They were ecstatic.

Only catching up on this now. I went and thought they were brilliant. Took a few videos and sent them to my 17 year old daughter. She texted back to say she'd love to see them, so booked it again for the button factory.

I've been listening to them for a while and they certainly didn't disappoint live. Lyrics are funny and they had a great stage presence. Just 2 lads messing like they don't give a f*ck.

Highly recommend seeing them live if you can.

Wine Lips in the Grand Social was a fine night's entertainment. 60 minutes of Garage psych/punk a la Osees, King Gizz etc. Barely a moments rest as they ploughed through their set to an appreciative, decent sized crowd.

Support came from Bucket which pleased me as i haven't seen them in about a year. If, like me, you've looked at all the Gilla Band acolytes of recent years and thought 'i wish they were heavier/noisier or had a psych element to them', then Bucket are the band for you. Sure, a lot of the time it's just noise and volume but sometimes that's enough. Found them most effective when they slowed things down. At that point they became less chaotic and more psychedelic. Plus, none of them want to be Ian Curtis, so that's a bonus right off the bat!

Message to young bands: Other pedals are available.

Grand Social sold next to damn-all booze last night. Really strange.

Back to another sold out Whelans tonight for Earth. A cracker of a gig. Nearly 90 minutes of slow, ponderous instrumentals could be torturously dull in the wrong hands. Thankfully, Dylan Carlson and co are experts in their field. In fact this may well have been my favourite gig by them. The set was all 2005-onwards material. New track 'Scalphunter's Blues' was a particular highlight. In the zone for most of it and, yet again, i felt my eyelids getting heavy about three quarters of the way through. Not out of boredom but they put me in such a relaxed state it seems to happen everytime i catch them. One of the few bands i'd like to watch whilst sitting down! Their first time playing here in 11 years and if i heard Carlson correctly at the end it sounds like they'll be aiming for a return in autumn 2026.

A good weekend for Foggy Notions & Umack. Long may they continue.

Went to the Scissors Sisters in the 3 Arena tonight. It was a great gig. Jake Shears is some front man with note perfect vocals. Sang all the favourites. My only criticism is more Jake less female singers with him. I felt they hogged the limelight a bit. It was the last show of 10 gigs around the UK & Ireland. Not a sell out but 80% full.

Back with a review of Supergrass tomorrow night. Two concerts in a row. I’m living for it.

Supergrass we're great tonight, for the casual fan the setlist was a bit 'uh' but was enjoyable. Outside of the album hits 'Richard III', 'Grace', Moving' and of course 'Pumping Up Your Stereo' were amazing

Next up locally 'Dave Lofts in the Theatre Royal' on the 31st . He's playing the Academy on the 30th. What a gig awaits

https://www.ticketmaster.ie/dave-lofts-dublin-30-05-2025/event/18006175C8AB9DE4

Supergrass were incredible tonight in the Olympia. I got in early & enjoyed the warm up act also - Matt McMenimen.
Gaz & the boys sang all the first album plus amazing stuff from other albums also. I loved every minute of it apart from plonkers going in & out to the bar during the show. Next time I’ll get a standing ticket. I love the Olympia. Such a beautiful venue. I don’t get to go to it often so when I do I appreciate it. I’ll be dreaming of Gaz tonight.