After six long years, the legendary Brooklyn band LCD Soundsystem made an explosive comeback on the 26th of June to Dublin as part of their European tour. Seeing the Brooklyn natives live had always been on my musical bucket list, but they broke up in 2011 before I got the chance. I, along with many others, thought we would never get to witness them work their magic after their sudden departure while in their prime. What better place to host the king of disco-punk, James Murphy, than at Malahide Castle? Especially since it was the biggest solo gig they have played in their entire career, performing to a massive crowd of 20,000 people.
I was overwhelmed when I first learned of the three support bands that would take the stage before the main attraction. It was a phenomenal and diverse lineup consisting of Irish musician and DJ, Shit Robot, Scottish hip-hop group, Young Fathers and my personal favourite, IDLES.
It was a treat for me to get a sneak peek of IDLES live before their headline gig in the 3Olympia in November; the day couldn’t have come soon enough. While queuing to get some well-earned pints, I could hear frontman Joe Talbot instructing the crowd to get ready for a mosh-pit and when I turned around I could just see a swarm of bodies colliding while they played some of their most notable songs like Never Fight A Man With A Perm, Gift Horse and Mother. The boys showcased the power of music as a platform for social commentary at Malahide Castle. With their punk roots and focus on political issues, they fearlessly highlighted the struggles of both Palestinian people and immigrants worldwide through their song Danny Nekeldo. They even dedicated the song to Irish immigrants, emphasising solidarity and empathy across borders. Their lively and intense performance was perfect for warming up the crowd for the eagerly anticipated main event.
LCD Soundsystem truly ignited the stage with a vibrant energy that pierced through the overcast sky, infusing the crowd with a luminous spirit that outshone the dreary weather. They set the night ablaze with the electrifying Us V Them, where the fitting lyrics of “The time has come, the time has come, the time has come today” resonated deeply amongst fans who thought the day would never come again. The crowd embraced those words, feeling the weight of anticipation lifted, making this reunion even more special. James Murphy appeared more radiant than ever, looking sharp in his black suit, revelling in the spotlight once again.
The band performed banger after banger, and the 13-track setlist was packed with fan favourites such as Dance Yrself Clean, Losing My Edge and Yr City’s a Sucker. In their eccentric fashion, the group decided to spice up what may be deemed as “filler tracks” with extended jam sessions, unexpected musical transitions and improvisational elements, providing a thrilling experience for the entire night. As if it was scripted, a double rainbow stretched across the Malahide Castle grounds, setting the perfect scene for the emotionally stirring performance of Someone Great.
Shortly after, Murphy announced to the crowd that we were the biggest gig to date that was not a part of a Festival. In true Murphy fashion, he took off his suit jacket to reveal a shirt with the Irish flag that said, “I will perform for a passport”. A playful and unexpected moment that made the night even more memorable and special for me.
LCD Soundsystem’s show was an absolute spectacle, living up to the hype with a performance that left me in awe. The audience, a mix of varying ages, was treated to a perfect blend of high-energy anthems with ethereal disco melodies, creating an unforgettable music journey. The way their music synced with the lighting and visuals at the show was just magical. The iconic disco ball that has become a symbol of their unique sound added that extra touch of nostalgia and glamour to the stage. It was truly a visual and auditory feast for the senses.
The evening that began with a dull and dreary sky transformed into a mesmerising golden dreamlike spectacle, accentuated by a double rainbow. The weather even seemed to dance in harmony with the show, perfectly mirroring the vibe and occasion of the performance. It was a magical alignment of nature and music, making it an unforgettable experience for me.
To close the night, the band paid tribute to Sinéad O’Connor with Nothing Compares To You, earning loud and heartfelt responses after a night that was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a jam-packed day, it was a relief that I knew the Dublin Bus had a concert service waiting outside for me, a fantastic initiative from Malahide and Dublin Bus. For just €15, concert-goers can avoid the crowded DART and enjoy a comfortable ride back to the City Centre. This collaboration not only enhances the overall concert experience but prioritises the convenience and safety of attendees and should be implemented in more concerts like this.
It was a pleasure getting to be a part of the largest crowd to date for one of my favourite bands of all time. I truly enjoyed every second from the moment I arrived. It was a perfect venue with a great set-up, an amazing and energetic crowd, with an array of diverse and incredibly talented support acts. I can easily say this was one of my top 3 gig experiences and if you ever get the chance to experience LCD Soundsystem live, then you are in for a serious night of dance-punk and infectious beats.
