A Lazarus Soul – live gallery and review from Trad Fest at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin 24.01.2026

Seeing one of my favourite bands, A Lazarus Soul, perform inside Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on January 24th, 2026, as part of TradFest 2026, felt less like a conventional gig and more like a once in a lifetime event. Unsurprisingly, the show was completely sold out, with anticipation hanging thick in the air long before the band took to the stage.

From the opening moments, the setting played a central role in the experience. The cathedral’s vast interior was beautifully lit throughout the performance, casting warm and dramatic tones across the stone arches and stained glass. It was visually spectacular and immediately set the tone for what would be an atmospheric and deeply affecting night (see photos).

The band opened in familiar fashion, with Joe and Brian alone on stage, easing the audience in with “New Jewels.” The song’s restrained intensity worked perfectly in the cavernous space. This was followed by the fan favourite “Black & Amber,” which drew an audible swell of recognition from the crowd. Even at this early stage, the acoustics of the cathedral added a new dimension to the band’s sound, giving the music a sense of scale and weight.

Once Julie and Anton joined the lineup, the set expanded both musically and emotionally. Tracks such as “Blue Murder” and “Glass Swans” filled the cathedral with layered textures, the band sounding confident and assured as they navigated the unusual but rewarding venue. The audience remained respectfully still throughout, fully absorbed in the performance.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came with the surprise appearance of two guest musicians: Colm Mac Con Iomaire on violin and Mary Barnecutt on cello. Their arrival elevated the set even further, adding richness and elegance to songs including “Lemon 7s,” “The Flower I Flung Into Her Grave,” and “Long Balconies,” among others. The additional strings blended seamlessly with the band, enhancing the emotional depth of the material without overwhelming it.

By the end of the night, it was clear that this was no ordinary concert. A Lazarus Soul rose to the occasion, delivering a powerful and memorable performance that felt perfectly suited to its extraordinary surroundings. It was a reminder of how transformative live music can be when the right band meets the right space.

A Lazarus Soul photos & set-list:

Set-list:
New Jewels
Black & Amber
Settled Kids
Only Say The Word
Blue Murder
We Strat Fires
Glass Swans
Lemon 7s
The Dealers
Factory Fada
Decade For Believing
The Flower I Fung Into Her Grave
Mercury Hit a High
Funeral Sessions
Long Balconies
Diver Walsh

https://mcgigmusic.com/superheaven-balance-and-composure-soul-blind-live-gallery-and-review-from-the-academy-dublin-22-01-2026/