Paul Weller / Esmeralda Road – live gallery and review from Fairview Park, Dublin 28.06.2026

After a football-inspired chorus of cheers from the crowd warmed up the marquee, the evening took a more reflective turn before a note had been played. Irish activist Piaras O’Brien, speaking on behalf of Gaza Go Bragh, thanked Paul Weller for his continued support before introducing Weller and his band to the stage. It was a poignant reminder and a welcome reality check of the events unfolding beyond the rock and roll bubble of Fairview Park’s outdoor marquee.

Once the music began, however, Paul Weller wasted little time reminding the Dublin audience why he remains one of Britain’s most respected live performers. The set moved effortlessly between different eras of his career, with classics such as My Ever Changing Moods, Wild Wood, The Changingman and You Do Something to Me sitting comfortably alongside newer material. There was also room for nods to his days with The Jam and The Style Council, giving long-time fans plenty to celebrate without the show ever becoming simply a nostalgia trip.

Backed by a superbly tight band, Weller delivered each song with confidence and understated charisma. The atmosphere inside the packed marquee was electric, combining the intimacy of an indoor venue with the open-air feel of a summer concert in Fairview Park. The enthusiastic Dublin crowd responded in kind throughout the night, singing along to the favourites while embracing the newer songs with equal warmth.

It was another memorable Dublin performance from an artist who continues to evolve while honouring the music that has made him one of Britain’s most enduring and influential songwriters.

Support act Esmeralda Road played a 40-minute support set that started out with I Think , Esmeralda ,and Park It, for the 3 songs I got to
see their on stage energy was fantastic with lots of interaction between the lead singer and the bass player , a must to see live again on my list.

Esmeralda Road photos:

Paul Weller photos & set-list:

Set-list:
Rip the Pages Up
Precious
Move On Up
Come On/Let’s Go
The Weaver
Strange Town
Man in the Corner Shop
Up in Suze’s Room
That Pleasure
Hung Up
Village
Broken Stones
My Ever Changing Moods
Have You Ever Had It Blue
Shout to the Top!
Stanley Road
You Do Something to Me
Long Hot Summer
Can You Heal Us (Holy Man)
Out of the Sinking
More
That’s Entertainment
Shadow of the Sun
Peacock Suit
______________________
All the Pictures on the Wall
The Changingman
The Eton Rifles
Wild Wood
Rockets
Town Called Malice

Photos & words – Wayne Polley @hawkeye_polley_photography