Jason Isbell brought a lot of Muscle Shoals spirit to Dublin, transforming the 3Olympia Theatre into his own version of the Ryman Auditorium for an eager and attentive crowd.
Before the show began, the audience was politely asked not to use their phones for photos or videos. This was a night about being present in the room with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, a night of loud, unapologetic guitar solos and world-class musicianship.
And yes, Jason seemed to bring every amp he owns to Dublin. The backline filled the Olympia stage, with two drum kits, one dedicated to percussion and manned by Will Johnson, who also handled rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Jason’s guitar rack, packed with Chase Bliss pedals, is now approaching David Gilmour territory. A sophisticated switching unit sat front and centre on stage, highlighting the complexity of his setup.
The stage layout created an intimate environment where each band member was only a few feet apart. Jason made the most of it, whether trading indulgent solos with Sadler Vaden, locking into a groove with Anna Butterss on electric and upright bass, or checking in with Derry deBorja on keyboards and piano.
Band Line-up
Jason Isbell – lead vocals, guitar
Sadler Vaden – electric guitar, backing vocals
Derry deBorja – keyboards, accordion, backing vocals
Chad Gamble – drums, backing vocals
Will Johnson – percussion, rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Anna Butterss – electric bass, upright bass
The night opened with “24 Frames”, the perfect choice thanks to its instantly recognisable guitar hook. It moved into “Something More Than Free” before an electric version of “Crimson and Clay”. “Children of Children”, the fourth song of the night, marked Jason’s first switch to acoustic guitar. “Bury Me” took on a wonderful bluegrass feel, particularly through Anna’s upright bass work and Sadler’s mandolin playing.
Midway through the set, Jason encouraged the audience to spend the evening with him and the band rather than filming entire songs on their phones “with a shitty mic”. He reflected on performing to an empty room and a camera during lockdown, the excellent “I So Lounging” sessions, still available on YouTube, are well worth revisiting. He brought the message home by reminding the audience that none of us are guaranteed to be here in six to eight weeks. Touring with such a masterful band, he also appeared fully aware of the current administration back home and the broader state of the world.
Before the show, I spoke briefly with Paul and Laura, who had travelled from Northern Ireland and secured a spot front and centre at the barrier. They were eager to see what the on-stage setlist contained. Throughout the night, there were plenty of fellow music obsessives in the audience, studying Jason and Sadler’s seemingly effortless guitar work. The finesse of the musicianship was matched by the precision of the guitar technicians side-stage, whose flawless instrument changes kept everything running seamlessly.
If I had one minor criticism, it was that the keyboards and Hammond organ occasionally became overwhelmed by the sheer volume and firepower of the guitars. This was post opening three songs, once I had returned from the pit to my seat in the Circle to enjoy the rest of the show with my girlfriend. Speaking of guitar solos, “Decoration Day” featured one of the finest solos of the evening, if you absolutely had to choose just one.
As the night drew to a close, the encore featured a beautiful version of “If We Were Vampires”. An upside-down, almost deceptive introduction saw the band facing the drum kit, momentarily throwing the audience off the scent before easing into the song. Haunting keyboard strings and guitar-driven pad sounds underpinned a familiar yet refreshingly different arrangement compared to their 2022 performance at the same venue, when Jimbo Hart delivered an unforgettable bass solo.
Finally, “King of Oklahoma” sent the audience home on a high. Jason and Sadler’s duelling guitar solos channelled shades of Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, and Joe Bonamassa into the sacred Ryman — or rather, the stage of Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre.
For one night at least, the Olympia truly felt like Nashville.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit photos:
Set-list:
24 Frames
Something More Than Free
Crimson and Clay
Dreamsicle
Children of Children
White Beretta
Bury Me
Maybe It’s Time
Traveling Alone
Overseas
Super 8
Open and Close
Live Oak
Alabama Pines
Danko/Manuel (Drive-By Truckers cover)
Outfit (Drive-By Truckers cover)
Decoration Day (Drive-By Truckers cover)
Cast Iron Skillet
This Ain’t It
Cover Me Up
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If We Were Vampires
King of Oklahoma
Photos & words – Wayne Polley @hawkeye_polley_photography