After eight years away from the stage (excluding the two warm up shows in The Academy), The Original Rudeboys made a thunderous return last night at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre, and what a homecoming it was.
The night kicked off with a bang thanks to Doody, whose high-energy DJ set, set the tone for the evening. He warmed the crowd up perfectly, getting people dancing with some of his own unreleased songs and other great dance tunes. Next came Kyla Belle, who delivered a stunning performance filled with heartfelt original songs. Her rendition of Coldplay’s “Fix You” was a standout moment, to bring her back to her busking days which was raw, emotional, and powerful enough to get the entire crowd singing in unison.
But the real explosion came when the Original Rudeboys finally hit the stage. From the first beat, the audience was all in, every lyric shouted back, every beat matched with movement. It felt less like a performance and more like a shared celebration.
A standout moment of the night came when Seán Arkins jumped off the stage and into the crowd mid-song, mic in hand. He passed it around, letting fans sing along, a perfect symbol of the connection between the band and their audience. It was intimate, electric, and unforgettable.
After nearly a decade away, the band didn’t miss a beat. If anything, they’ve come back stronger. Last night was a reminder of just how much they’ve been missed—and proof that they’re not going anywhere again.
Welcome back, Original Rudeboys. Dublin’s been waiting for you.
Kyla Belle photos:
The Original Rudeboys photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Blue Eyes
Written Songs
Feel It In Your Soul
Bringing Me Down
Me And My Mind
Big Boy’s Don’t Cry
Hypocrite
Sunny Days
Crazy World
Traveling Man
Running
Live Your Life
__________________________
Never Gonna Walk Away
Stars In My Eyes
Photos & words – Erica Keogh @ericasnapz