Gossip’s return to the stage at Dublin’s historic Collins Barracks was nothing short of electrifying, a triumphant celebration of their long-awaited comeback. The performance was part of the Wider Than Pictures concert series, and the band—Beth Ditto and Nathan Howdeshell, joined by the incredibly talented Christina Files on drums, Bijoux Cone on keyboards/guitar and Teddy Kwo on bass—seized the moment to reconnect with their fans, showcasing their latest album, Real Power.
As an avid concert goer I love a well curated opening act and the choices last night did not disappoint, each bringing their unique energy and style to the stage. Nation of Language captivated the crowd with their synth-driven, post-punk sound, delivering a polished and emotive performance that resonated deeply with the audience. Sprints, on the other hand, brought an intense, raw edge with their gritty punk-rock vibes, igniting the venue with their fierce energy and commanding presence whilst acknowledging the need to use their platform to rally behind meaningful causes. Together, they created an unforgettable buildup to Gossip’s explosive set.
Opening with the dynamic energy of “Listen Up!” Gossip immediately set the tone for the night. Beth Ditto’s powerful vocals and commanding presence were as captivating as ever, reminding everyone why she remains a queer icon and a force of nature in the music world.
The setlist was a mix of new material and beloved hits, with tracks like “Heavy Cross” and “Standing in the Way of Control”—delightfully mashed up with “Smells Like Teen Spirit”—igniting the crowd. However, it was the songs from Real Power that stood out, particularly “Crazy Again,” which Ditto described as a song about love and safety—a perfect representation of the album’s theme of resilience and renewal. The band’s new music felt like a natural evolution of their sound, retaining the raw edge that made them famous while also embracing a more mature, reflective tone.
The audience’s response was nothing short of euphoric, with the historic venue adding an extra layer of significance to the night. Collins Barracks, with its storied past, provided a striking backdrop to a concert that was as much about looking back as it was about moving forward. Gossip’s performance was not just a reminder of their past glory but a bold statement of their enduring relevance.
One of the highlights was Ditto’s interaction with the crowd, her humor and warmth making the vast space feel intimate. She delivered moments of banter between songs that ranged from life anecdotes to wardrobe malfunctions and spoke candidly about the struggles of the past few years and regaining a sense of normalcy, reaching the point of tears and an embrace from the audience. This authenticity, coupled with the sheer power of the performance, created an atmosphere of celebration and connection.
The show concluded with a lively encore that left the audience wanting more, a perfect encapsulation of Gossip’s unique ability to blend punk energy with soul-stirring emotion, with Ditto staying back with Files to dedicate “I Wrote The Book” to Brazilian fans that traveled all the way to see them. Their Dublin gig was more than just a concert—it was a powerful reminder of why Gossip remains one of the most exciting live acts around. With Real Power, the band has not only reclaimed their place in the music world but has also proven that they still have plenty to say, and we’re all ears.
Sprints photos:
Gossip photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Listen Up!
Four Letter Word
Act of God
Love Long Distance
Your Mangled Heart
Men in Love
Give It Up for Love
Get Lost
Turn the Card Slowly
Move in the Right Direction
Jason’s Basement
Coal to Diamonds
Crazy Again
Heavy Cross
Encore:
Dimestore Diamond
Yesterday’s News
Standing in the Way of Control / Smells Like Teen Spirit
Photos Carl Foran – @carlforanphotography
Words Carla Prati – @gurixxa