There’s something magical about a warm summer evening in Dublin, especially when it’s paired with a heavy dose of synth-pop nostalgia. On August 22nd, Collins Barracks played host to an unforgettable night of retro-futuristic sounds as part of the Wider Than Pictures summer concert series. The fourth night of the series brought together two iconic names in British electronic music: Blancmange and headliners The Human League. With a sold-out crowd and a setlist packed with synth-driven anthems, it was a celebration of a genre that continues to endure and evolve.
Blancmange: Still Vibrant, Still Vital.
Kicking off the night was Blancmange, now helmed by original frontman Neil Arthur. While the lineup may have changed, the energy certainly hasn’t. Arthur commanded the stage with charisma and conviction, backed by a tight live setup that modernized the band’s sound without losing its vintage charm. Tracks like “Feel Me” and “Blind Vision” reminded the audience why Blancmange were one of the most unique voices in the early ’80s new wave scene.
The clear highlight, however, came near the end of the set with “Living on the Ceiling.” That unmistakable Eastern-influenced synth riff sent the crowd into a frenzy. It was a euphoric, unifying moment an early climax that proved how deeply this music still resonates.
The Human League: Flawless and Full of Hits.
As twilight settled over the historic venue, the unmistakable opening notes of “The Sound of the Crowd” kicked off The Human League’s set. It was a bold, brilliant opener that set the tone for the evening, a non-stop parade of hits that had the audience dancing, singing, and cheering like it was 1982 all over again.
This was my fifth time seeing The Human League live, and once again, they delivered a flawless performance. The band, led by the ever-stylish Philip Oakey and long-time vocalists Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley, struck a perfect balance between polished showmanship and heartfelt authenticity. Their chemistry, honed over decades, remains electric.
The setlist was a dream for any fan of the genre. “Seconds” brought a dark, brooding energy, while “The Lebanon” injected some guitar-driven urgency into the evening. “Love Action (I Believe in Love)” and “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” had the whole crowd moving in unison, reliving the glory days of synth-pop with pure joy. Of course, no Human League concert would be complete without their biggest hit, “Don’t You Want Me,” which closed the main set with an explosion of lights, cheers, and collective nostalgia.
But the band wasn’t done yet.
Returning for a two-song encore, they launched into the early classic “Being Boiled,” one of their most experimental and underrated tracks. It was a reminder of their roots in avant-garde electronica, before mainstream success came calling. Then, as the final notes of the night rang out, “Together in Electric Dreams” brought the evening to a shimmering close. Originally a side project of Oakey’s, the song has since become a staple of The Human League’s live shows and the perfect closer for a night like this.
A Night to Remember
The atmosphere at Collins Barracks was electric from start to finish. The sold-out crowd wasn’t just there to watch they were there to party, to relive memories, and to celebrate music that has stood the test of time. And The Human League, along with Blancmange, gave them exactly what they came for, an evening of synth-pop perfection.
After five times seeing The Human League live, I can confidently say they’ve never disappointed and this show might have been their best yet.
Blancmange photos:
The Human League photos & set-list:
Set-list:
The Sound of the Crowd
Mirror Man
Heart Like a Wheel
Louise
Soundtrack to a Generation
Seconds
The Lebanon
One Man in My Heart
Love Action – I Believe in Love
Tell Me When
(Keep Feeling) Fascination
Don’t You Want Me
Encore:
Being Boiled
Together in Electric Dreams (Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder cover)
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic