It’s been a long time coming, but Los Campesinos! finally returned to Dublin, and judging by the crowd snaking its way down the street and around the corner—almost reaching the Millennium Bridge—their Irish fans had been waiting for this. Passersby kept stopping to ask, “Who’s playing?” and “Are they any good?” The answer? Yes, and you’re missing out.
The gig sold out almost instantly when it was announced. Social media post were buzzing about the massive queue, and the energy inside the Button Factory reflected that excitement from the moment doors opened.
Kicking things off was Lilly “Long Neck,” a solo act from the U.S. who had just got her visa a couple days beforehand. Having toured with Los Campesinos! before, she felt right at home on stage and even manned the merch stand, chatting with fans between sets. She had a great rapport with the crowd—funny, engaging, and, most importantly, an incredible voice. You could tell she was genuinely grateful to be there, which only made the audience warm to her more.
The moment Los Campesinos! hit the stage, it was full throttle. This was no short-and-sweet set; the band made up for lost time with a packed setlist spanning their career. The energy was relentless, and the crowd gave it right back to them. Opening with Renato D’all Ara before jumping into the massively popular Romance is boring they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. The venue was packed, at times it was impossible to move around the standing section.
Midway through, frontman Gareth took a moment to reminisce about past Irish gigs, mentioning the band had played here a couple times before, including a show at Whelan’s. When he asked who had been there, just one person in the crowd cheered. Then he threw out a question that had the seated section reeling: “Who here was born after 2006?” A deafening roar followed, as many fans weren’t even alive the last time Los Campesinos! played Dublin. Cue some shocked expressions from the older members of the crowd. As the night wore on, Gareth made a triumphant declaration: “We’re into the bangers section of the show now.” And he wasn’t lying. The latter half of the set was pure chaos in the best way possible—mosh pits, fans losing their minds, and even some cheers (and jeers) for fans who had flown in from the UK just for this show.
Just when it felt like the night was over when the band exited the stage after tracks like Straight in at 101, My year in lists and KMS, Los Campesinos! returned for a four-song encore that felt like an extra gig. By the time they launched into the final song, nearly the entire venue was on its feet. The band themselves were having a blast—cans of Heineken littered the stage, and their energy never wavered.
Before leaving, Gareth apologized for taking so long to return to Ireland and promised it wouldn’t be that long next time. “We’ll see you again soon,” he assured the crowd, and if the response was anything to go by, they’ll be greeted with another instant sell-out whenever they do.
Los Campesinos! came back to Dublin, and they did not disappoint.
Long Neck photos:
Los Campesinos photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Renato Dall’Ara (2008)
Romance Is Boring
Holy Smoke (2005)
By Your Hand
What Death Leaves Behind
I Broke Up in Amarante
A Psychic Wound
Avocado, Baby
Long Throes
Feast of Tongues
Straight In at 101
Knee Deep at ATP
My Year in Lists
KMS
To Hell in a Handjob
Heart Swells/100-1
I Just Sighed. I Just Sighed, Just So You Know
We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
The Sea Is a Good Place to Think of the Future
Hung Empty
0898 HEARTACHE
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You’ll Need Those Fingers for Crossing
Clown Blood; or, Orpheus’ bobbing Head
You! Me! Dancing!
Baby I Got the Death Rattle
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography