The Dead Daisies brought their brand of classic, no-frills rock to a sold-out Limelight in Belfast, proving once again why they are still a must-see live act. The air was thick with anticipation and an oven like heat as the crowd packed in for a night that promised to be all about the riffs, the swagger, and the pure, unadulterated joy of hard rock.
The evening kicked off with a powerful set from Liverpudlian powerhouse vocalist Dan Byrne. Formerly of Revival Black, Byrne wasted no time in commanding the stage, delivering a set of melodic, high-octane rock tunes. His formidable voice and the tightness of his band impressed the early arrivals, and it was clear that they were more than just an opening act; they were there to set a precedent for the entire night. They did an excellent job of warming up the crowd, getting heads nodding and feet tapping with their energetic performance.
Following Byrne was the red-hot Welsh rock outfit, Scarlet Rebels. They took the stage with a confidence that spoke of their growing reputation and devoted following. Their set was a masterclass in melodic, catchy, and highly addictive rock. The band’s performance was praised for its raw energy and a sound that is both radio-friendly and built for a live setting. They left a lasting impression, winning over new fans with their solid musicianship and a frontman who knew how to work the crowd, especially when they had ‘technical difficulties’ with the bass guitar.
By the time The Dead Daisies took the stage, the venue was at a fever pitch. The supergroup, featuring a lineup of rock veterans, launched into their set with a ferocity that was breathtaking. The collective talent on stage was undeniable, with each member from Doug Aldrich’s blistering fretwork to the thunderous rhythm section showcasing their years of experience and skill.
Frontman John Corabi was the charismatic ringleader, his signature growl and engaging stage presence drawing the audience in from the first note. The setlist was a perfect blend of the band’s own hits, like the crowd-pleasing “Long Way to Go” and “Rise Up,” with some well-chosen covers that showcased their classic rock influences. A particularly memorable moment was Corabi’s stripped-back acoustic performance, which highlighted the quality of their songwriting, and his voice. The crowd sang along at full volume, their voices a testament to the band’s connection with their fans.
What stood out most was the sheer fun and professionalism of the show. The Daisies’ performance felt effortless, a well-oiled machine that delivered a punchy, high-energy spectacle from start to finish. The band seemed to be having as much fun as the audience, and that infectious energy spread throughout the room. By the time they played their final notes, the Belfast crowd was left exhausted but exhilarated, having witnessed a true night of rock ‘n’ roll magic. The Dead Daisies, along with their brilliant support acts, proved that classic rock is alive, well, and thriving.
Dan Byrne photos:
Scarlet Rebels photos:
The Dead Daisies photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Long Way to Go
Rise Up
Dead and Gone
Last Time I Saw the Sun
Light ‘Em Up
Bustle and Flow
Drum Solo
I Wanna Be Your Bitch
I’m Gonna Ride
Take a Long Line (The Angels cover)
Black Betty (Lead Belly)
Going Down (Don Nix cover)
Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Get a Haircut (George Thorogood & the Destroyers cover)
Mexico
Midnight Moses (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover)
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Resurrected
Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)
Photos & words – David McEneaney @experimentzero