The What Lies Within Tour rolled into Dublin on February 28th, 2026, with a stacked bill that turned the 3Arena into a cathedral of soaring vocals, crunching riffs and arena sized hooks. With Sevendust and Daughtry in support, anticipation was already at fever pitch before headliners Alter Bridge even set foot on stage.
Opening duties fell to Sevendust, who wasted no time in igniting the crowd. Launching straight into “Black,” they established a ferocious tone that would define their seven song set. The Atlanta veterans proved why they remain such a respected force in modern metal, delivering tight musicianship and unrelenting energy. “Is This the Real You,” “Praise,” and “Face to Face” landed with particular impact, their grooves locking in as the audience responded with raised fists and roaring approval. It was an opening statement that didn’t just warm up the room, it set the bar high for everything that followed.
Daughtry followed with a polished and powerful 12 song onslaught that leaned into both their radio friendly hooks and heavier edge. “The Bottom” and “Heavy Is the Crown” showcased a muscular sound, while the ever popular “It’s Not Over” had the arena singing back. Mid set, the pace shifted for an acoustic rendition of “Home,” a stripped back moment that allowed the emotional core of the song to shine. The band also surprised fans with a rousing cover of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by Journey, transforming the classic into a punchy, modern arena anthem that had the crowd fully engaged.
By the time Alter Bridge took to the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Opening with “Silent Divide,” the band immediately asserted their dominance, Myles Kennedy’s unmistakable vocals soaring over Mark Tremonti’s razor-sharp riffs. The 16-song set was a masterclass in dynamics and power. Tremonti stepped into the spotlight on vocals for “Burn It Down,” while a partially acoustic take on “Wonderful Life” offered a rare, intimate moment amid the bombast. “Silver Tongue” and the ever thunderous “Metalingus” drew some of the loudest reactions of the night. Closing the two song encore with “Isolation,” Alter Bridge left the Dublin crowd exhilarated, capping off a night that celebrated the very best of modern hard rock.
Sevendust photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Black
Denial
Is This the Real You
Enemy
Praise
Crucified
Face to Face
Daughtry photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Divided
The Bottom
The Day I Die
Separate Ways – Worlds Apart (Journey cover)
It’s Not Over
Home – Solo Acoustic
Antidote
The Dam
Pieces
Over You
Heavy Is the Crown
Encore:
Artificial
Alter Bridge photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Silent Divide
Addicted to Pain
Cry of Achilles
What Lies Within
Fortress
Burn It Down – Mark Tremonti on vocals
Open Your Eyes
Tested and Able
Broken Wings
Wonderful Life – Partial, acoustic
Watch Over You
Silver Tongue
Rise Today
Metalingus
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Blackbird
Isolation
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic