This isn’t the first time Lewis Capaldi has told concert goers that Ireland is his favourite place to perform. After delivering a memorable show at Malahide Castle back in June 2022, the Scottish superstar returned to Dublin for an illuminating performance at 3Arena this week. Capaldi performed brand new songs off his second studio album, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, due to arrive May 19th this year, and adoring fans couldn't get enough of the new – and old – tracks.

This has been an exciting time in Capaldi’s career as his latest Dublin show comes on the heels of historic success. The singer-songwriter made history last year when his 2018 ballad ‘Someone You Loved’ became the UK’s most streamed song of all time and the smash hit currently has over 2.5 billion global streams on Spotify. In addition, the singer’s poignant new single ‘Pointless’ became his fourth No. 1 on the Official Singles Chart when it was released last month. With these grand accomplishments under his belt, the gifted performer returned to his loyal Irish fans.

Excitement filled the air as herds of fans rushed to get last-minute concessions before taking their seat at 3Arena. As concert goers were still finding their spots, Kildare pop artist Lea Heart took to the stage to warm the audience up for the headline act with an upbeat and infectiously catchy set.

Lea Heart supporting Lewis Capaldi at Dublin's 3Arena, January 31st. Copyright: Abigail Ring.

Heart danced across the stage performing her track ‘Mood’ and countless hands swayed in the air in unison during the singer’s refreshing rendition of Lily Allen’s ‘Not Fair’. The 22-year-old singer encouraged the crowd to forget about the stresses of life and remember to live in the moment before teaching the audience a series of “La la de da da’s” as she wrapped up her time.

UK songstress Raye was the next performer to grace the 3Arena stage, delivering stunning vocal belts while singing her track ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ as well as being brutally honest about the new direction of her music. The UK singer-songwriter took the tone down to open up about her journey from being signed to a record label that she said diminished her creative freedom to now being an independent artist with her first album on the way.

Raye quickly gained the love of the audience as thousands of fans cheered as she sang heartfelt lyrics tackling serious issues such as environmental anxiety, substance abuse and sexual violence. Ending on a more light-hearted note, Raye then gave different sections of the arena their own musical phrase to help her finale go out with a bang.

Raye supporting Lewis Capaldi at 3Arena on January 30th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

After a few minutes the arena lights go dark once again and a giant screen flashes images of an increasingly visible staircase from the cover of Capaldi’s new album. Suspenseful electro music sets the scene for the main act everyone has been waiting for. The giant screen covering the stage is dramatically lifted while bright lights excite the room, the audience screaming in anticipation. Capaldi soon emerges to the stage dressed in all white. Without a moment to spare, the chart-topper jumps into his 2022 single ‘Forget Me’, which showcases the Glasgow native's signature sound of vulnerability and power.

In no time at all the audience is already transported into the story of the song, singing every word back to the 26-year-old with passion. Capaldi’s raw tone shined in every phrase and he was equally supported by the audience. Near the end of ‘Forget Me’, Capaldi allows the audience to take the lead before jumping into the chorus again when bright lights and a huge confetti cannon go off. Depending on the mood of the song, Capaldi performed with various nature-themed backdrops, including in front of ocean waves, cloudy skies or both.

Lewis Capaldi at 3Arena on January 30th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

The audience erupts once the song finishes and Capaldi grabs his guitar before playing his 2019 fan favourite 'Forever'. The backdrop changed from a continuous staircase to a soft cloud of white, red and pink, while the confetti continued to fall.

In his first formal address to the crowd, Capaldi remarks: “Dublin, it feels so fucking good to be back. You all look terrific. Well, some of you.”

The musician goes along with more humorous remarks, such as by asking the audience if anyone was having sex that night. “No one in here is fucking tonight because it’s a Monday night and we’re all at a fucking Lewis Capaldi concert,” the artist remarked to thunderous laugher and screaming fans. “We’re all here to sing songs about people who do not love us, is that correct?” he asked to more screams.

Before continuing with the music, Capaldi finds a card on the stage and opens it for the entire audience to view. “You make my spidey sense tingle,” the singer reads to massive laughter.

The performer also felt it was important to address safety protocol, even if in a joking manner. He said his number 1 rule for this show is no fainting and his number 2 rule is no fighting. “I don’t know what it is about my music that makes people want to beat the shit out of each other,” he said. “Then I have to kick you out, and I feel ashamed of that, then I have to spend the rest of the night wondering who won.”

Lewis Capaldi at 3Arena on January 30th, 2023. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

He then performed his 2019 single 'Lost On You', delivering some of his most powerful vocals of the night. As he reaches the end of the track, the audience takes over. “Don’t try and fucking finish the song for me,” he joked. “I’m also furious that someone decided to start vaping,” he said, referring to the stage fog that has now appeared. “At least it’s a nice apple smell,” he said before finishing 'Lost On You'.

There were other stand-out hilarious moments from the show, such as when a signed bra and a pair of underwear reading “Pogue mahone” were thrown onto the stage. By audience demand, the singer wore both articles over his clothes. “They’re a perfect fit,” he said of the underwear.

The Scottish performer also acknowledged his Tourette syndrome diagnosis, which he publicly disclosed in September 2022, in case viewers were concerned about his frequent twitching movements. The audience cheered in support of the singer’s comfort sharing something so personal. “Thank you for cheering my disability,” he joked before performing his 2019 hit 'Before You Go'.

The artist ended with megahit 'Someone You Loved', leaving his fans more than happy (despite the downcast break-up themes at the core of his tunes).

READ - Lewis Capaldi: On unique humour, pop stardom, and his chart-topping debut album