On February 11th, 2026, Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre became the starting point for Of Monsters & Men’s The Mouse Parade tour, and what unfolded was nothing short of magical. The Icelandic indie folk/rock band choosing the iconic venue for their opening night, setting the tone for what promises to be a deeply special tour.
The evening began with fellow Icelander Árný Margrét, who delivered a half hour acoustic set. Her delicate vocals and thoughtful songwriting created a warm, reflective atmosphere, drawing listeners in with understated confidence, well those that were listening and not talking loudly at the back. It was a perfect opening, gentle yet emotionally resonant, preparing the audience for what was to come.
When Of Monsters & Men finally took the stage the magic started. Over the course of eighteen songs, the band demonstrated exactly why they’ve remained such a beloved presence in indie music. Their sound felt expansive yet intimate, effortlessly blending folk textures with soaring rock elements. From the first notes, there was a sense of connection between band and audience that only grew stronger as the night progressed.
Standout moments included the haunting beauty of ‘The Towering Skyscraper at the End of the Road‘, the playful energy of ‘Mouse Parade‘, and the atmospheric intensity of ‘Styrofoam Cathedral‘. Yet, truthfully, trying to single out highlights feels almost unfair, the entire set flowed so seamlessly that every song felt essential. Each track carried its own emotional weight, moving between quiet vulnerability and powerful crescendos with remarkable ease.
What made the performance especially memorable was the band’s warmth and sincerity. Between songs, they shared smiles and gratitude, clearly touched to be launching the tour in Dublin. Their harmonies were pristine, the instrumentation tight, and their stage presence understated but deeply compelling. Rather than relying on spectacle, Of Monsters & Men let the music speak for itself and it spoke volumes.
By the end of the night, it was clear that this wasn’t just another tour opener; it was a carefully crafted experience. The crowd left buzzing, having witnessed a band fully in command of their artistry while still maintaining the humility and charm that first drew fans to them.
If The Mouse Parade tour continues with the same heart and intensity shown at the 3Olympia, audiences are in for something truly special. Of Monsters & Men created a moment.
Árný Margrét photos:
Of Monsters & Men photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Television Love
Dream Team
King and Lionheart
Tuna in a Can
Alligator
Human
The Towering Skyscraper at the End of the Road
The Block
Mouse Parade
Dirty Paws
Empire
Crystals
Styrofoam Cathedral
Ordinary Creature
Little Talks
Visitor
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Love Love Love
Fruit Bat
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic