The velvet curtains of the 3Olympia Theatre concealed the stage as the crowd buzzed with excited anticipation for Somebody’s Child, also known as Cian Godfrey. Touring in support of his self-titled debut album which dropped in February 2023, the occasion marked the Dubliner's biggest hometown headliner to date.

Declan Welsh and the Decadent West opened proceedings. Their crescendoing melodies and Welsh’s extensive vocal range delighted onlookers, the Glaswegian electro-rockers leaving the crowd rearing to go after a dynamic, dance-inducing performance. Having continually called for a ceasefire and to end the conflict in Gaza, as well as a Free Palestine, the group also decided to hang a Palestinian from the keyboard on stage, which stayed up throughout Somebody’s Child’s performance.

Declan Welsh and the Decadent West supporting Somebody's Child at 3Olympia. Copyright Emily O'Brien

Then it was time for the main event.

Upon striking the opening chords of ‘Broken Record’, the two guitarists had the full attention of their spectators, before main-man Godfrey ran out to centre stage. As he reached for the microphone, a spotlight revealed him to be dressed in black pinstripe trousers and white tank top with a black button up layered on top. With devotees having filled up the 3Olympia, it was his first time playing for an audience this large.

The ensemble were clearly up for the occasion, as they threw themselves into the music. Godfrey sang, ran, jumped and danced across the stage. At one point he even tripped over a speaker and fell onto his back, but he kept singing nonetheless.

Somebody's Child at 3Olympia. Copyright Emily O'Brien

"It feels like the first time we're written music that is unequivocally us," Godfrey said when talking about the album Somebody's Child. The album is critically acclaimed and is referred to as  having "a real richness to the record" by Hot Press' Molly Cantwell in her album review. Hearing these songs performed live truly brings the music to life.

His control over his voice is immaculate, his composure allowing him to remain calm without losing compromising any of his vibrancy. This was evident with the soul-stirring number ‘Lost’ which, as Godfrey noted, is usually omitted from live sets due to the lack of a keyboardist. Fans were also treated to a performance of Somebody's Child's, newest release ‘Oh Emily’. Its opening drumbeats elated supporters, who jumped and cheered upon hearing a live rendition of the track for the first time.

The musicians looked and played the part of a classic indie band. During the ripping guitar solo of 'I Need Ya', Godfrey jumped over the barricade into the standing area of the crowd, where his fans made space for him to join them for a dance.

Somebody's Child at 3Olympia. Copyright Emily O'Brien

When the song ended, Godfrey and co. lapped up the applause before disappearing off stage, prompting the crowd to burst into chants of “one more tune”. The lights at the top of the stage reignited, revealing the colours of the Irish flag. The band were welcomed back with open arms, as they grabbed their instruments to pick up where they left off with a smashing performance of hit 2019 single ‘Jungle’.

Godfrey introduced his final song by saying “this song is about peace not war,” asking the crowd to stand for the people of Palestine as the lights on stage displayed the colours of the Palestinian flag. Bolstered by the over a thousand voices in attendance, Godfrey sang the distinctive opening lines to ‘We Could Start A War’.

The theatre shook as everyone jammed out to the last track of the night, Godfrey smiling out to the audience and looking like he was having the time of his life. As the song came to a close, Godfrey gave one final wave to the crowd, before running off stage to let his band relish the final solo of the night.

Check out Somebody’s Child newest single ‘Oh Emily’ below.