Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger turn The Academy Dublin into their own living room on the 19th of June 2026
On a weekend where Dublin was dominated by the colossal presence of Metallica and the first night of their much anticipated No Repeat Weekend shows, it would have been easy to assume that any other rock concert in the city might struggle to find its audience. However, anyone standing inside The Academy on Friday night witnessed a different story, as Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm proved that true talent and an intimate connection with fans can stand proudly alongside the biggest names in heavy music.
Before the headline duo took to the stage, Irish outfit For Nina warmed the crowd with a beautifully stripped back acoustic performance that perfectly matched the tone of the evening. Trading amplification and distortion for raw emotion, the band delivered a heartfelt set featuring tracks such as “Swallow,” “Labour Of My Love,” “Low,” and a brand new song, “Silver Spoon.” Their closing number, “Jesus I Care,” brought their set to a fitting and emotional conclusion, leaving the audience more than ready for the main event.
From the moment this show was announced, Lzzy and Joe faced what could have been considered an uphill battle for ticket sales, with Metallica’s arrival in Dublin inevitably drawing much of the city’s rock and metal attention. Yet looking around The Academy on this night, it was clear that the pair had conquered that challenge. Whether officially sold out or just a handful of tickets short, the venue was packed with devoted fans ready to experience something special.
Taking to the stage with smiles and a sense of humour, Lzzy and Joe immediately acknowledged the elephant in the room by launching into a cheeky verse of a Metallica song, earning laughs and cheers from the crowd. With the joke made and the atmosphere firmly set, they got down to the business at hand, opening with the haunting “Familiar Taste of Poison.”
What followed was a masterclass in how powerful music can be when all unnecessary layers are stripped away. The pair journeyed through a collection of Halestorm favourites in their most vulnerable form, allowing the songwriting and musicianship to take centre stage. For those familiar with Halestorm’s thunderous electric performances, this acoustic setting offered a different perspective, but no less impressive. In fact, without the wall of amplifiers behind her, Lzzy Hale’s voice became the undeniable focal point of the evening.
Her vocal performance was nothing short of astonishing, showcasing a range, power, and emotional depth that filled every corner of The Academy. As Lzzy herself joked during the night, it felt less like a concert and more like sitting in their living room having a massive sing along with friends. Judging by the crowd, who enthusiastically sang every word back to the stage, there was no argument.
In a city occupied by giants, Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger proved that sometimes the most memorable moments come from the most intimate performances.
For Nina photos:
Lzzy & Joe photos:
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic