Gig Reviews - 2026

Gloomtastic! · 03-01-2026 01:07AM #1

Don’t see a thread yet so here we go…….

Whelan’s hosting Ones to Watch once again this year over 6 nights. An impressive 20 acts on tonight, I managed to catch the first couple of hours.
An honourable mention to main venue openers Kapayja, North Dublin alt rock band, they had a great vibe about them.

Anyone catch the later bands?

I’ve a ticket for tomorrow night but thinking of giving it a miss as everyone I’ve listened to who’s playing is too MOTR for me*. However, I can’t see anything on anywhere else that might be more my style. (There’s a BDSM event on in The Sound House but my leathers are still at the dry cleaners so won’t get in without them). 👀

*I know there are loads of Mumford & Sons fans on here so you should try and catch Jamie Dalton - he sounds just like them. 😉🫣😝

dublingreen · 06-01-2026 07:21PM

Any one go to the Phil Lynott tribute on Sunday? Annoyingly only heard about it today.

Gloomtastic! · 10-01-2026 12:29AM

Typical. You wait patiently for a decent band to appear at Ones to Watch then five appear on one night.

Got there just in time to catch Grenade Sports upstairs. Predominately from North Dublin with one sole Sligonian, great rock sound, I would have been happy enough to have just caught them but downstairs For Nina then took over with some fantastic catchy numbers, didn’t miss the bass at all.

Upstairs for a musical masterclass in prog jazz noise rock from Dublin-based Plum Texes. You think they’re playing independently and improvising when all of a sudden they would just come together - ecstasy! Definitely the most interesting band of the evening.

Mad dash downstairs to catch the last song from punk influenced Pretty Police. Shame to miss the full set

Finally, Ria Rua took activism through music to new levels of anger. When I was researching the bands this afternoon, I sort of guessed what she’d be like from her only song on Spotify but was very impressed with the noise of it all.

Great night. €6 very well spent. Place was packed. What a showcase.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MDQCswurtJyl1bigqfzki?si=tosnw8LcSlKePiNXpG4QDQ

Stillill42 · 10-01-2026 01:27AM

Got freebies from Singular Artists to Scott Levi Jones in Bello Bar. To be honest, wasn't sure if I'd bother my arse having listened to a few tunes on Spotify but how glad I am that I made the trek. Sounded very much the country side of alt country on Spotify but played with a full band and they were absolutely deadly. Amazing Austrian lead guitarist playing his 2nd gig with them, fantastic set of funny, poignant folk songs, super warm, funny band, sitting 2 yards away at one of those front tables in Bello bar. Really lovely night. They've had it tough on tour by the sound of it and loved tbe response from a great crowd. Talked to all of them after and they were so sound. Ond of those nights when you're reminded why you go to gigs. Loved it.

The Nal · 10-01-2026 10:55AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124134554#Comment_124134554

Was there too! And my experience exactly. A really good band.

Met them after too. Told Scott he needs to get a few better quality videos up on youtube. Important we get out to these Nashville ish based acts now theres direct flights. Be great to get more of them like in 2025.

Also the Guinness is killer in Bello Bar.

Stillill42 · 10-01-2026 11:53AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124134870#Comment_124134870

Yeah, agreed. Just sent an email off to the Kilkenny Roots. These boys would be perfect for that They're upin Belfast this week doing the 'Your Roots are Showing' showcase thing. If any of ye get the chance to catch them up there, do it.

BAABAA96 · 10-01-2026 01:00PM

Biffy Clyro in Belfast last night

Top top gig last night, well worth the spin up from Dublin as I can’t get to tonight. Stage production, set list and energy all brilliant

Hoping they announce something bigger and outdoors after the arena leg of the tour the show is well suited to it! ATN festival maybe??

Electric Nitwit · 11-01-2026 01:05AM

Wasn't quite right today but took myself to Whelan's as I really wanted to go. Had to bail early but I was really impressed with Niyl, he's got an amazing voice and he's born for the stage, with some good PR he could really go places

Mirrors were very good too, few times I had Cranberries vibes from them but mostly a bit rockier, very good

Bailed early though, so just those two highlights, still worth the trip in

Gloomtastic! · 11-01-2026 10:25PM

It’s First Fortnight festival time again so a visit to the Abbey Theatre to hear Declan O’Rouke chat to Deirdre O’Kane and sing a couple of his most popular songs. The interlude was a heartfelt 30-odd minute performance from soul singer Toshín. What a voice!

Homesick Alien · 12-01-2026 12:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124135091#Comment_124135091

Went to the Dublin show on Saturday and I have to say as a show I thought it was totally bloated. The two support acts (The Armed and Soft Play) were both brilliant and had zero gimmicks on stage. Meanwhile Biffy Clyro had this ridiculous stage set up with stairs and side stages and curtains and it was really distracting. I also couldn't get over the level of iconography around Simon Neil - images, silhouettes and videos of his face constantly being shown on screens and projections. I counted six different mic positions that Simon went between. I dunno it felt like they were give a big budget and threw absolutely everything at it. Definitely a sense that they're drinking their own Kool-Aid at this point.

COH · 13-01-2026 02:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124140412#Comment_124140412

They put on too much of a show?

Bizarre take imo.

Fanirish · 13-01-2026 03:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124143780#Comment_124143780

not really. Sometimes a show can be too distracting and over produced.
The spectacle can overwhelm the music itself

Homesick Alien · 13-01-2026 04:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124143911#Comment_124143911

Exactly this.

For example the start of the show was delayed by 15 mins while they were trying to hang this curtain in front of the stage and then the curtain is dropped halfway through the first song anyway. What a waste of time.

I'll admit some of it was me just going off them a bit, songs all sound quite samey now, and felt like they were trying to compensate for that.

BAABAA96 · 13-01-2026 08:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124144077#Comment_124144077

the curtain thing is common in shows, the problem setting it up bound to be due to the fact it’s the 2nd show of the tour

felt the theme of the new album Futique (and the meaning behind that word) are very much represented in the graphics and stage set up

Would have thought Biffy are known for a big show (lights, confetti, pyro etc) so felt it was all within their style

Homesick Alien · 13-01-2026 11:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124144827#Comment_124144827

This is a gig review thread, feel free to post your own review of the gig if you feel strongly about it. My own view is that both support acts played them off the stage with nothing but good songs, stage presence and crowd interaction (literally coming down into the crowd) and it kind of made Biffy look a bit silly tbh.

Granite Head · 17-01-2026 12:36AM

Bren Berry - Whelans. Good but not special - I think the sound desk let him down - he's soft spoken so needs amplification! 28 years since his last Whelans gig (Revelino). Stories / background to songs entertaining - wrote two great songs in 4 days during Covid. Audience studded with (Irish) stars from music, film, comedy but venue not sold out - upstairs closed.

My first gig post hip surgery so had planned for upstairs being open and perching myself on a stool - alas no. So standing for an hour and half was a stretch and may have tempered my review, but still at least i'm back up on the horse😎

I was at the back (for self preservation) but there was unfortunately a lot of "chat" from the bar - maybe because of a broad guest list.

KawaKris · 17-01-2026 11:27PM

It was a quite year compared to previous years but still a nice few gigs and festivals.

Radiohead - London. It was brilliant. Feel privileged and thankful to be there.

Fontaines at ATN - I've seen them many many times through the years and I thought this was their best.

Twenty One Pilots - 3 Arena - They are great live band.

Iron Maiden - Malahide - For me it wasn't the best I've seen them but even so, they were good.

Fat Dog at ATN - That was one mad crazy gig and night to be fair.

Maribou State, Viagra Boys & Lord Huron at Ep - Three great gigs for me, hard to separate them.

Getdown Services - Jaysus, I love them guys.

Matt Berninger, Bicep, John Grant, For Those I Love, Gurriers all honorable mentions.

Hell of a lot more lined up for 2026 and looking forward to it so much.

Kicking off emotionally at Bello Bar on 31st.

Electric Nitwit · 18-01-2026 05:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124158017#Comment_124158017

"Kicking off emotionally at Bello Bar on 31st"

Is that for Bold Love? Heading too. Tried to see them twice last year and failed twice (sick kids once, late once 🙈) so looking forward to this one

KawaKris · 19-01-2026 07:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124159401#Comment_124159401

Yep, you won't be disappointed.

KawaKris · 21-01-2026 05:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124158017#Comment_124158017

I just copped that I put this in the wrong thread 🤭. Should have been in gigs of the year. And I shudda had Oasis in there. Can it be moved ?

Esel · 21-01-2026 11:45PM

^ You could copy/paste it into the correct thread yourself. Be easier.

Electric Nitwit · 26-01-2026 12:00AM

Sprints in Whelan's was everything you'd hope Sprints in Whelan's would be 🙂

Took a few songs for the crowd to kick in, then it was a nonstop sweaty mosh pit, loved it!

Shadow of Doubt was probably the highlight, but it was all excellent

Gloomtastic! · 26-01-2026 08:23AM

^ Gutted I missed it. Well done on getting a ticket.
You got any videos you can share please?

Electric Nitwit · 26-01-2026 10:24AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124180829#Comment_124180829

Afraid I'm old school, my phone stays in my pocket 😋

Didn't even take a single photo

Gloomtastic! · 26-01-2026 10:51AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124181011#Comment_124181011

I video the first minute of most bands I see, just for the record, then put it away. (Unless there’s an interesting mosh moment).

Anyone else got a video clip of last night or seen one on YT?

Gig-wise last week, I did Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night at The Next Big Thing in The Workman’s.

The standout moments were on Thursday night with Glasseyed and DigDeep (that’s one word).

DigDeep (that’s one word 😉) are so close to making it happen. They have the frontman, the tunes and the energy. Just need the audience now…..

https://youtube.com/watch?v=/AqzoF9lx_-I?si=Zh7-JtaYOCZtTyqf

Electric Nitwit · 26-01-2026 11:10AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124181094#Comment_124181094

That looked good. John Barker and the gig guide person on his show (forget her name 🙈) are big fans of DigDeep.

LLamachara · 26-01-2026 11:17AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124180555#Comment_124180555

Agree with all that. They are so good live. Great to see them in Whelan’s. Band sounded amazing and she’s a brilliant front woman.

Gloomtastic! · 26-01-2026 11:44PM

Another wet, cold, miserable night in Dublin so headed into Whelan’s for a triple bill headed by Bruiser.
My favourites were middle band A Dead Human (ADH). A three-piece punk band that were just a wall of loudness.
However, the headliners redeemed themselves when one of the lead guitarists had to switch instruments and revealed something I think we’re all feeling at this moment in time.

Dreamweapon · 27-01-2026 04:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124183404#Comment_124183404

He won't have that attitude on day three of a festival.

Granite Head · 28-01-2026 12:02AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124185138#Comment_124185138

At Craig Finn tonight and "F@ck ICE" was very much front & centre. They're from Minneapolis so I would respect their perspective on current events. Terrible that Trump invades every conversation at the moment.

Buddly · 30-01-2026 12:19AM

Yann tiersen at the button factory. A very enjoyable gig except for the photographer who disrupted those nearby. I wouldn't begrudge anyone a few photos but when it's an intimate gig and all we can hear is click and beep, it's bad form. Thankfully they moved on from us after one song (to annoy someone else!), but unfortunately that was one of his best from this album. Shame.

Gig Reviews - 2026

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