Summary
On March 25, 2025, the author went to see Colin Meloy live — the lead singer of The Decemberists, performed solo at Vicar Street in Dublin, Ireland. Before the concert, they enjoyed fish and chips from Leo Burdock’s, a famous Dublin spot, while sitting near Christ Church Cathedral. The venue, Vicar Street, was cozy and perfect for an intimate show. Colin Meloy played a mix of songs, including hits like “All Arise!” and “O Valencia!,” new tracks like “Burial Ground,” and a cover of “1952 Vincent Black Lightning.” He swapped one song for another during the set, which added a fun surprise. The concert ended with “June Hymn,” leaving everyone happy. The author loved the night, combining great music with Dublin’s charm, and suggests visiting Dublin for its music and culture. You can watch clips on Vimeo or see the full setlist on Setlist.fm.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Hey there, fellow travelers! On March 25, 2025, I snagged a ticket from my good friends at Ticketmaster (affiliate link) to see Colin Meloy Live performing solo at Vicar Street in Dublin, Ireland. If you don’t know him, he’s the genius frontman of The Decemberists, an indie-rock band from Portland, Oregon, that kicked off in 2000. With nine albums, including their latest 2024 gem As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again, and a GRAMMY nod for “Down by the Water” in 2011, Meloy’s a big deal. Naturally, this intimate gig had me buzzing with excitement—and it totally lived up to the hype.
Kicking Off with a Dublin Classic
Before the show, I needed some fuel, so I popped over to the rightly-famous Leo Burdock’s for fish and chips. It’s Dublin’s oldest chipper, and let me tell you, it’s a must-try. With my hot takeout, I plopped down on the steps of the Leonardo Hotel’s side entrance, right across from Christ Church Cathedral. The evening air was crisp, the cathedral glowed gold, and the cod crunched perfectly. Honestly, it felt like the ultimate Dublin moment—simple, yet so memorable.
Vicar Street: The Perfect Spot for Colin Meloy Live
Vicar Street is a gem of a venue—cozy, vibrant, and packed with great acoustics. For a solo show like this, it was spot-on, letting us feel close to Meloy in a way you don’t get with the full band. As I found my spot, the crowd’s energy was electric. We all knew we were in for a rare treat: Colin Meloy live, unplugged, and sharing his songwriting soul.
The Setlist: A Musical Time Machine
The night kicked off with “All Arise!” from The Decemberists’ playbook, and the crowd was instantly hooked, clapping along. Meloy’s setlist was a treasure trove—fan favorites, hidden gems, and even a cover. “The Engine Driver” brought its haunting vibes, while “Make You Better” hit deep in its solo form. Meanwhile, new tracks like “Burial Ground” and “Don’t Go to the Woods” felt fresh yet cozy. Older songs like “We Both Go Down Together” and “Leslie Anne Levine” had longtime fans swooning with nostalgia. Then, “The Gymnast, High Above the Ground” wowed us with its poetic punch—Meloy’s tender delivery was pure magic. The place erupted for “O Valencia!,” a love-and-tragedy banger, and “Sucker’s Prayer” tugged every heartstring.
A Surprise Twist in the Colin Meloy Live Lineup
One cool moment? “The Reapers” swapped in for Tarkio’s “Tristan and Iseult,” which was on the original setlist. No biggie—Meloy’s adaptability just added to the night’s charm. It’s all part of the live music craic, right?
Encore Vibes: Folk and Farewell
For the encore, Meloy came back with Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”—a folk classic that showed off his storytelling roots. He wrapped up with “June Hymn,” a sweet, bittersweet goodbye. As we hummed our way out into the Dublin night, the glow of the show lingered.
Why Colin Meloy Live Stays with You
You can relive bits of the night on my Vimeo page or dive into the full setlist on Setlist.fm. But honestly, it was more than a concert. Pairing Colin Meloy live with Dublin’s simple joys—like fish and chips by the cathedral—made March 25, 2025, unforgettable.
Want more Dublin adventures?
Check out my Adventures in Dublin category for tips and tales.
Plan Your Own Dublin Night Out
If you’re an American dreaming of Ireland, this is your sign to visit. Colin Meloy live is a must-catch if he’s touring, solo or not. For more inspo, swing by my Favorite Destinations in Ireland page—tons of spots to explore! Dublin’s got music, history, and craic galore, so grab a pint and dive in.
Discover more from Dublin Yanks: American Travel Tips for Visiting Ireland
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