Depending on who you ask, opinions of The 1975's Matty Healy generally fall into one of two categories: he's either one of the greatest performers and lyricists of our time, or, he's a pretentious "nepo-baby".

It was clear that everyone in attendance at the band's headline show in St. Anne's Park last night was strongly on the side of the former – and it was hard to disagree after witnessing the chaotic mastery of Healy's performance.

The 1975 taps into a distinctive youthful angst that has rarely, if at all, been replicated by any other pop-rock band in recent years. And of course, The 1975 are not a solo act – with bassist Ross MacDonald, guitarist Adam Hann and drummer George Daniel delivering masterful performances

Attendees at St. Anne's Park – including an inconspicuously dressed Jedward duo in the Golden Circle – were out in full force to experience the magic, rage, love and catharsis of The 1975's live show.

Matty Healy supporting The 1975 at St. Anne's Park. Wednesday 7th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

With the original opening act Caroline Polachek forced to pull out for health reasons, an announcement had been made the morning of the concert that The 1975 would be supported by... Matty Healy. While fans of Polachek may have been disappointed, the unexpected turn of events proved to be anything but underwhelming, as Healy emerged alone at 7pm to perform a stellar acoustic collection of songs on a stripped-back stage.

Starting off with the live debut of 'Then Because She Goes', a '90s-informed love song that made a very smooth transition to an acoustic set-up. The track was an exceptional start to the show, encouraging the many fans soaking in the sun at the back of the venue to join the crowded front-rows.

Live debut of Then because she goes!! #the1975
pic.twitter.com/dtrOfSH31e

— The 1975 News (@the1975_mfc) June 7, 2023

Following a beautiful cover of Colin Hay's 'I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You' and a tame version of The 1975's glorious soul-power ballad 'I Couldn't Be More In Love', Healy divulged the inspiration behind his song 'Woman', which followed – explaining that he had met a sex worker in a bar in Northern Ireland whilst still a teenager.

At one stage, Healy gave up singing altogether, choosing instead to walk around the stage, quickly working through a cigarette and pint of Guinness while the music played. He then spray painted the word 'sorry' across a white canvas on stage, before heading to the canvas again to add a question mark to the graffiti.

Before finishing his acoustic set, Healy proudly announced that he had received supportive messages about his music from Bono and Coldplay's Chris Martin recently: "Not to name drop." He went on to recall how Noel Gallagher had referred to him as a "slack-jawed fuckwit", but pointed out the difference between himself and the former Oasis star...

"...I do a series of interviews to promote an album, whereas he does an album to promote a series of interviews," Healy told the audience, prompting plenty of laughter. "We love you, Noel, get Oasis back together!"

The 1975 at St. Anne's Park. Wednesday 7th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Following a quick turnaround, the large curtain hiding the set was lifted and the band emerged. Bassist Ross MacDonald and guitarist Adam Hann were dressed smartly up front, emerging with pints freshly poured from the bar tap installed on stage. Behind them was drummer George Daniel, as well as a backup vocalist, conga drummer and saxophonist.

Matty Healy emerged in a white laboratory coat covering the usual shirt and tie affair, and the band launched into an energetic 'Give Yourself A Try', with the repetitive chorus allowing everyone in attendance to join in singing along.

Following 'Happiness' and fan-favourite 'Caroline', Matty found his signature ruby red electric guitar and lost the lab coat – perhaps feeling the merry effects of a few drinks backstage, but still delivering a truly masterful frontman performance.

The 1975 at St. Anne's Park. Wednesday 7th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

The crowd continued to cheer along to Healy's played-up antics, once again joining the singer for 'I'm In Love With You' and 'Me & You Together Song'.

The 1975 at St. Anne's Park. Wednesday 7th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Daniel exceeded in delivering rhythmic, moody beats for 'fallingforyou', and Hann brought electric energy for a rip-roaring rendition of 'People'. Through it all, the band were on top of their game and the eclectic crowd lapped it up, even singing along to a cover of 'I Want It That Way'.

The 1975 at St. Anne's Park. Wednesday 7th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Unlike some of their previous performances – which have been packed with theatrics – The 1975 let their music do the talking in Dublin, and that was more than enough.

The 1975 don't perform encores, but even after finishing  with 'Sex', the crowd were baying for more. Healy couldn't be accused of not giving it his all – regardless of his own personal difficulties, following his highly publicised split from Taylor Swift this week.

It was a stadium-sized performance from a band at the top of their game, and any attendee would have to agree with Healy's declaration – that, right now, The 1975 happen to be "the world's greatest band..."

The 1975 will grace Irish audiences with another live performance in Cork's Musgrave Park show next Tuesday 13 June. Tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.