February 22nd, 2026, Franz Ferdinand brought their unmistakable indie rock energy to The National Stadium as part of their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange 2026 tour, and from the moment the doors opened, there was a clear sense that this would be a special night for fans in Dublin.
Opening the evening were Home Counties, who delivered a sharp and confident 35 minute set that immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. Their eight song performance featured highlights like “Bethnal Green,” “Spain,” and “Uptight,” each played with tight precision and a cool, understated swagger. They managed to warm up the audience perfectly, with their punchy rhythms and catchy hooks earning enthusiastic applause from both longtime fans and those discovering them for the first time.
When Franz Ferdinand finally took the stage, the venue erupted. The band opened with “The Dark of the Matinée,” setting the tone for what would become an electrifying hour and a half. Frontman Alex Kapranos was as charismatic as ever, confidently owning the stage and keeping the audience engaged throughout. One of the funniest moments of the night came when “Black Eyelashes” was jokingly introduced as “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” drawing laughter from the crowd before the band launched into the track with full force.
The setlist was packed with fan favourites, including the iconic “Take Me Out,” which sparked one of the loudest sing alongs of the night. The crowd moved in unison, dancing and shouting every word back at the band. “Hooked” was another standout, showcasing the band’s tight musicianship and ability to maintain relentless momentum deep into the set.
They closed the night with “This Fire,” a perfect ending that left the audience buzzing with excitement. The entire stadium seemed alive, with fans jumping, clapping, and refusing to let the moment end.
As always, Franz Ferdinand proved why they remain one of the most exciting live bands to come out of Glasgow. Their energy, humour, and connection with the crowd made this Dublin date an unforgettable experience.
Home Counties photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Take You Back
Bethnal Green
Humdrum
Spain
Wild Guess
Meet Me in the Flat Roof
You Break It, You Bought It
Uptight
Franz Ferdinand photos & set-list:
Set-list:
The Dark of the Matinée
Walk Away
Night or Day
No You Girls
Do You Want To
Audacious
40′
Build It Up
Evil Eye
Jacqueline
Black Eyelashes
Michael
Love Illumination
Take Me Out
Outsiders
Encore:
Ulysses
Hooked
Evil and a Heathen
This Fire
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic