Live Report: The Streets kick off their A Grand Don’t Come For Free tour in Dublin’s 3Olympia

Released in May 2004, The Streets’ chart-topping album A Grand Don’t Come for Free is an era-defining record of the 21st century, so getting to hear it live from start to finish for the very first time ever is truly special.

Walking out on the stage to a sold-out 3Olympia Theatre, Mike Skinner and his band are given a rapturous welcome. An identical, life-size bus shelter from the iconic album artwork stands at the centre of the stage, flanked by Skinner’s bandmates.

Album opener ‘It Was Supposed To Be So Easy’ gets a great reaction from the crowd as they sing each word with exuberance.

Dressed in a black Stone Island tracksuit, Skinner stands with his back to the crowd for ‘Not Addicted’ as he sketches out the words “I want a spice bag” on the window of the bus shelter with a blue marker.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Streets (@thestreetsofficial__)

At 47, Mike Skinner still has all the charm and effortless wit as he did when he burst on the scene in 2002 with his Mercury nominated, multi-platinum debut album, Original Pirate Material – a landmark album for UK hip-hop and garage music, that would go on to inspire countless artists over the past two decades. With plenty of young fans in the crowd here tonight, it’s clear Skinner’s lyrics of everyday life still resonate with kids growing up today.

22 years on, the lasting everyday romance of ‘Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way’ and the touching vulnerability of the Ivor Novello Award-winning song ‘Dry Your Eyes’ are testament to Skinner’s songwriting and cinematic storytelling. His songs are full of humanity and all that emotion is being poured back on Skinner here tonight in Dublin by his adoring fans.

As the album comes to an end with the final track ‘Empty Cans’, The Streets take a bow together before we are treated to a second set of songs from Skinner’s catalogue. The ensemble performance is full of special moments and stunning harmonies from the vocalists, including longtime band member, Kevin Mark Trail.

2021’s 'Who's Got The Bag' has the floor of the 3Olympia heaving, before Skinner jumps down into the crowd for ‘Don’t Mug Yourself’ and says:

“Let’s do this properly and then we’re gonna get a spice bag ok, 'cause that’s the only reason I’m here is for that fucking spice bag ok!”

As he stands surrounded by his elated fans, Skinner asks Cassell the Beatmaker to stop playing the drums as he playfully confides, “The amount of words in ‘Empty Cans’ it’s not a joke mate, it’s an unbelievably hard song and I have to sing the chorus as well...”

Birmingham’s finest delivers an unforgettable night, full of heart and swagger. His spice bag has been well and truly earned.

The Streets play The Telegraph Building in Belfast tonight, February 16.