A soldout crowd packed into 3Arena for an evening that celebrated both classic Britpop nostalgia and the energy of a new generation of indie rock. Headlined by Richard Ashcroft, the show delivered exactly what fans had hoped for, soaring anthems, emotional singalongs, and a reminder of why Ashcroft remains one of the most compelling frontmen of his era.
The atmosphere inside the arena built steadily from the moment DJ Wayne took to the stage. His warm up set perfectly balanced indie classics and crowd pleasing tracks, setting the tone early and keeping energy levels high throughout the night. He returned between acts to maintain the momentum, ensuring there was never a lull in proceedings.
Support came from rising Welsh indie rock outfit The Royston Club, who delivered a confident and lively performance that won over many in the crowd. Their sharp guitar work, catchy choruses, and youthful swagger felt perfectly suited to the occasion. Despite the enormity of the venue, the band played with confidence and enthusiasm, proving why they are quickly becoming one of the UK’s most talked about emerging acts.
When Richard Ashcroft finally appeared, the reaction from the audience was immediate and deafening. Backed by a tight and polished band, he launched into a 14 song set that leaned heavily on the timeless catalogue of The Verve. Eight of the night’s songs came from The Verve’s back catalogue, and every one of them was greeted like an old friend. Massive singalongs echoed around the arena as fans passionately joined in to classics that have lost none of their emotional power over the years.
Ashcroft’s voice remains remarkably strong, carrying the same raw emotion and intensity that defined his peak years. He moved effortlessly between reflective moments and full scale arena anthems, commanding the stage with understated charisma rather than theatrical excess.
One of the standout moments of the night happened during an extended version of “Music Is Power.” What began as a familiar performance evolved into a sprawling, largely improvised ending, with Ashcroft completely absorbed in the moment. The jam like finale added an unpredictable edge to the show and highlighted the musical chemistry between him and his band.
By the end of the night, the soldout Dublin crowd had witnessed a performance that balanced nostalgia with genuine passion and vitality. Richard Ashcroft proved that his music, both solo and with The Verve still carries enormous emotional weight in a live setting.
The Royston Club photos:
Richard Ashcroft photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Weeping Willow
Space and Time
Music Is Power
A Song for the Lovers
Break the Night With Colour
Velvet Morning
Hold On
Play Video
Lover
The Drugs Don’t Work
Lucky Man
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C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)
History
Sonnet
Bitter Sweet Symphony
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic