Live Report: Louis Tomlinson delivers an energetic and confident show at 3Arena.

Walking up to the 3Arena on Thursday night for Louis Tomlinson’s gig, the excitement is palpable. Donning anything from yellow cowboy hats in honour of the colours of the How Did I Get Here? album, to custom Tomlinson jerseys, the fans would seemingly support the former boy band star to the ends of the earth.

Louis Tomlinson at 3Arena on April 30th, 2026. Copyright Zoltan Szabo/www.hotpress.com

In the 2010s, Tomlinson rose to fame as a member of the wildly successful One Direction. While everyone gets settled for the evening, you can sense the nostalgia for the glory days of the band, who split back in early 2016. The crowd waits for the openers, bursting into renditions of One Direction classics: ‘What Makes You Beautiful,’ ‘Best Song Ever’ and ‘No Control.’ Later, the pit roars to life as someone lifts an old Louis Tomlinson Barbie doll in the air.

After the fans spend time reconnecting with their love for Louis, it is time for the night to get underway. ADMT, a singer-songwriter from Doncaster (Tomlinson’s hometown), takes the stage first. His set is filled with pop songs that tackle topics such as mental health and heartbreak. In stark contrast to his lyrics, ADMT is filled with energy and gratitude as he bounces all over, warming up the crowd. Not long ago, ADMT was getting his career started busking across Yorkshire, so he made it clear that he was honoured to be on tour with Tomlinson.

Pale Waves supporting Louis Tomlinson at 3Arena on April 30th, 2026. Copyright Zoltan Szabo/www.hotpress.com

Next up, Manchester rock band Pale Waves jolts the 3Arena to life. Their loud tunes, driven by a roaring electric guitar and steady drums, have the audience on their feet. But what really brings the set together is when they break into their cover of ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries. Immediately, all sections are screaming every lyric like their lives depend on it.

Then it is time for the main man Louis Tomlinson to take the stage. Piercing screams fill the arena as the lights flash and the band begins to play ‘Lemonade.’ Suddenly, Tomlinson appears with a giant grin, ready to take fans on a journey through his discography. His voice sounds steady and confident as he navigates the stage surrounded by colourful lasers and flashing lights.

Of course, the Louies (Tomlinson’s fans) showed up to hear their favourite songs live, but also to soak in the moments with Tomlinson himself. By far the most beautiful part of the show is the relationship between Louis and his fans.

“I feel like I can just be exactly who I need to be on every show and that means the fucking world to me so thank you,” Tomlinson shares.

Louis Tomlinson at 3Arena on April 30th, 2026. Copyright Zoltan Szabo/www.hotpress.com

On raw and emotional songs like ‘Dark to Light’ and ‘Defenseless,’ the crowd gets quiet, listening closely to the words. Tomlinson is no stranger to loss, tragically losing his mother, sister and most recently his former bandmate, Liam Payne. When guitar and drum-heavy rock songs like ‘Kill My Mind’ and ‘Silver Tongues,’ fill the room, everyone is on their feet, shouting lyrics at the top of their lungs. The Louies never fail to meet Tomlinson right where he is.

After a brilliant 22-song setlist, the night draws to a close with his 2017 single ‘Miss You’ and finally ‘Palaces,’ a high-energy indie rock song off Tomlinson’s latest album. The post-concert depression seems to sink in immediately as fans slowly file out of the arena singing One Direction’s ‘No Control’. It is a beautiful reminder of the community built at the Dublin stop of the How Did We Get Here? tour.