Paul Heaton’s gig at Dublin’s 3Arena last night felt like catching up with an old friend who still knows how to throw a great party. Whether you were a lifelong fan of The Beautiful South, The Housemartins, or Heaton’s solo work, it was an evening packed with classics, surprises, and a whole lot of crowd participation.
The night kicked off with the Lightning Seeds. They had the 3Arena bopping and the atmosphere was great as fans began to pour into the Dublin venue. Paul Heaton with his full band and very special guest Rianne Downey took to the stage in the most fitting way possible as “Molly Malone” played out around the arena. The crowd all joined together and flashlights from fans’ phones lit up the stage. From there, Heaton rolled through a mix of tunes spanning decades, starting with “Just Another Family” before diving into The Housemartins’ “Sheep,” which got an early roar from the crowd.
Heaton has always had a knack for picking songs that hit home, and this gig was no exception. “Old Red Eyes Is Back” and “Bell Bottomed Tear” were as powerful as ever. In between songs he took time to engage with the crowd and remarked “Dublin, County Dublin..so good they named it twice”. The room swayed, danced, and sang along to every word. Paul Heaton doesn’t just perform; he shares moments. Whether through witty banter or heartfelt thanks, it felt like he genuinely enjoyed being there just as much as the crowd did.
A major highlight was of course “Caravan of Love.” As soon as the first notes rang out, the arena turned into a massive choir. “Perfect 10” and “Don’t Marry Her” had a similar effect, songs that have aged like fine wine, still able to get thousands of people singing at the top of their lungs.
By the end of the night, there was no doubt, Paul Heaton is still one of the best in the business. He doesn’t need gimmicks or over the top flashy production. Just great songs, an incredible band, and an audience that’s more than happy to sing along. If last night proved anything, it’s that his music is still as alive and well as ever.
The Lightning Seeds photos:
Paul Heaton photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Just Another Family
Sheep
Old Red Eyes Is Back
(The Beautiful South song)
Play Video
Bell Bottomed Tear
Quicksand
The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death
A Little Time
H Into Hurt
Five Get Over Excited
Silly Me (Sung by Rianne Downey)
You and Me – Were Meant to Be Together
Fish ‘N’ Chip Supper
Song for Whoever
Small Boats
Me and the Farmer
I’ll Sail This Ship Alone
Don’t Marry Her
Heatongrad
Happy Hour
Perfect 10
Good as Gold – Stupid as Mud
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One Last Love Song
You Keep It All In
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Rotterdam – Or Anywhere)
Caravan of Love (Isley Jasper )
A Place in the Sun (Stevie Wonder cover)
Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography