Live Report: The Academic and BYRO captivate 3Olympia with spirited performances

On the heels of their Cork and Limerick shows, The Academic treated 3Olympia to a jubilant Thursday evening full of sing-alongs and candid moments.

The Westmeath band formed in 2013 and released their debut album Tales from the Backseat in 2018, which entered the Irish Albums Chart at No.1.

Their sophomore album Sitting Pretty came out in 2023, earning the group a second No.1 album.

Recently, they performed at Electric Picnic in August, marking their eighth appearance at the festival.

Before taking the stage for their last gig of the year, however, Laois indie rock band BYRO kicked things off with a riveting performance.

The group's second song – with its dark, ominous tone – put their genre-defying abilities on full display.

It opened with deep, creeping vocals and the occasional cymbal hit, creating an atmosphere that was full of foreboding. Green lights shone on the band as the song built, taking on a gritty, choppy feel with its walking guitar line, pounding drumbeats and belted vocals.

Just when you might have had them tagged as Gothic, BYRO took a 180, expertly delivering a number of pop rock style tunes, replete with carefree, playful beats and snappy vocals.

During their set, they shifted impressively between goth rock, pop rock, indie rock and even delivered a song with a distinct country twang. In sum, BYRO check all the boxes – put them down as ones to watch in 2026!

Byro supporting The Academic at 3Olympia Theatre on October 16th, 2025. Copyright Grace Swartout/ hotpress.com

The night continued with an ethereal performance from alternative rock band Dog Swim.

The lead singer's high register glided over the group's Shoegaze-style tunes, which includes a distinct mix of melancholy and hopeful songs.

Before long, the stage was set.

Dead on time, The Academic sauntered onto stage under plumes of fog. They kicked off the night with their September single 'Bye Bye Baby', its staccato notes and longing vocals finding new urgency live.

The night brimmed with infectious enthusiasm as the band ran through a set of upbeat, lively tunes, including the Gary Numan inspired 'Anything Could Happen' and the uplifting 'I Feel It Too', with its bouncy guitar riff.

Keeping the energy up, frontman Craig Fitzgerald danced along to the groovy 'Acting My Age', its raw, choppy lyrics echoed back by the audience.

A pair of heart shaped sunglasses slid across the stage, prompting the lead singer to immediately put them on as he finished the tune.

"Happy Birthday to you!" the crowd sang to Fitzgerald, as he put on yet another object thrown onto stage - a beanie reading "4 CRAIG".

The Academic at 3Olympia Theatre on October 16th, 2025. Copyright Grace Swartout/ hotpress.com

Sprinkled between the more energetic tunes, The Academic showed 3Olympia their softer side with the delicate 'Homesick'.

Purple and blue lights danced over the audience as gentle guitar strums filled the room, the singer sounding in awe.

Keeping a light mood, the night featured 'Girlfriends', reminiscent of Hozier's 'Cherry Wine' (without the dark undertones).

The Academic closed off the evening with their most popular tracks 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' and 'Bear Claws'.

Fans screamed along to the former, with Fitzgerald's angsty, breathless vocals taking on a country twang.

Meanwhile, Brothers Matthew and Stephen Murtagh took turns displaying their bayonet guitar and bass lines.

Returning for an encore, Fitzgerald riled up the crowd before breaking into the staccato 'Bear Claws'. The song took on a 2000s indie rock style with it's bright, catchy lyrics and pounding guitar chords, prompting a massive sing-along.

The Academic made 3Olympia feel at home with their engaging and uplifting performance – not a bad way to spend a Thursday night.

The Academic at 3Olympia Theatre on October 16th, 2025. Copyright Grace Swartout/ hotpress.com