Nearly two decades after first bursting onto the UK pop scene, JLS proved at Dublin’s 3Arena on Tuesday night that their energy and charm remain remarkably intact. Performing to a 4000 strong crowd, the quartet Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, JB Gill, and Oritsé Williams, brought a slickly produced, nostalgia-driven show that balanced their trademark boy-band polish with moments of genuine vocal prowess. Supported by the British musician Example, the evening offered a spirited blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
Example opened the night with a lean, high-energy set, revisiting hits. His performance was technically strong, and the pulsing electronic beats set a lively tone.
When JLS emerged to the thunderous opening chords of “The Club Is Alive,” the atmosphere shifted instantly. The group’s choreography was precise and dynamic for three members as Aston Merrygold is still on crutches and at times sits things out, a testament to their enduring professionalism. Crowd favorites like “That’s My Girl” and “Proud” drew euphoric singalongs, while the addition of live instrumentation lent a welcome richness to their polished pop sound. Merrygold’s vocals were particularly impressive, delivering sustained power without sacrificing clarity, while Humes’ smooth harmonies anchored the group’s blend.
Visually, the production was lavish LED screens, pyrotechnics, and confetti canons accentuated the sense of spectacle. Yet, at times, the emphasis on choreography and lighting overshadowed the emotional depth of their music. Mid-tempo ballads such as “Love You More” provided moments of intimacy, but transitions between songs occasionally felt mechanical, as if the show were driven more by precision than passion.
Still, by the encore of two songs, JLS had reaffirmed their enduring appeal. Their ability to bridge youthful nostalgia with a polished modern sensibility speaks to their staying power in the ever-shifting pop landscape. While the night occasionally leaned on formula rather than reinvention, it delivered exactly what longtime fans came for: a confident, feel-good celebration of one of Britain’s most beloved pop acts.
Example photo:
JLS photos
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic
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