Taking Back Sunday  / Babyrat – live gallery and review from The Academy Dublin 20.05.2026

Opening the night at The Academy, Cork’s own Baby Rat immediately set the room ablaze with their distinct, fast-paced sound. Frontwoman Zoe Callanan owned the stage with an undeniable swagger, delivering sharp lyrics over infectious musical hooks. The rest of the band wove gritty, propulsive riffs together while keeping the manic pace locked in perfectly. Despite being the support act, they performed with the confidence of a seasoned headliner, proving exactly why their name has been buzzing across the festival circuit lately. They perfectly primed the Dublin crowd, leaving a visceral impact that suggests they won’t be playing the support slot for much longer.

When Taking Back Sunday finally took the stage, the anticipation in the venue instantly transformed into pure, unadulterated catharsis. The veteran alternative rock outfit brought an intense, nostalgic vibe that resonated deeply with the packed Dublin crowd. Frontman Adam Lazzara was in classic form, employing his iconic microphone-swinging theatrics while delivering every line with raw, emotional intensity.

The band’s familiar dual-vocal dynamic remained as sharp and evocative as ever, anchoring their powerful live performance. The musicianship felt incredibly tight, navigating through explosive choruses and intricate bridge sections without missing a single beat. The crowd matched their intensity right back, turning the floor of The Academy into a surging sea of fans screaming out the lyrics. The sheer passion pouring from the stage showcased a band that refuses to rest purely on their legacy. They played with the urgency of a group still fiercely dedicated to their craft and deeply connected to their loyal audience. Ultimately, Taking Back Sunday proved that their brand of emotive rock is truly timeless, delivering a stellar masterclass in live performance.

Babyrat photos:

Taking Back Sunday photos & set-list:

Set-list:
What’s It Feel Like to Be a Ghost?
Liar (It Takes One to Know One)
Set Phasers to Stun
The One
Error: Operator
Tidal Wave
Up Against (Blackout)
Flicker, Fade
You’re So Last Summer
Divine Intervention
A Decade Under the Influence
My Blue Heaven
S’Old
Timberwolves at New Jersey
You Can’t Look Back
Lightbringer
Miami
Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team)
MakeDamnSure

Photos & words – Zoltán Szabó @mrzoltanphoto