Icelandic Eurovision star Daði Freyr made his Irish debut on Thursday, the 2nd of June, performing to a sold out 3Olympia Theatre.
The shows, originally scheduled to be in April 2021 in the Academy Green Room but later rescheduled and upgraded, were supported by Mickey Callisto, who took to the stage at 8pm for a 25-minute set, with a high-tempo “space-themed set”, that had the crowd on his side from the first song.
Whether performing upbeat fast tracks, resulting in him dancing, spinning, and even doing press-ups, or a slower ballad, Freddy Mercury-like Callisto had the crowd dancing, cheering, and singing. The perfect act to open the show, showing early signs of what was to come.
Shortly after 9pm, out walked Daði, along with drummer Ylva Øyen and guitarist Hafsteinn Þráinsson; each holding a pint of Guinness, while Daði “split the G”, a drinking game where you attempt to drink the right amount of Guinness to line the pint up with the G of the glass, which he successfully did.
Daði played for about 80 minutes, with plenty of chat in between songs and crowd control, whether thanking the crowd, joking about, or speaking with his band.
Some highlights of the setlist included Werner Thomas’ ‘Chicken Dance’, Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’, Boyzone’s ‘No Matter What’ (which he said was a Dublin exclusive, for obvious reasons), and his own two Eurovision hit songs ’10 Years’, and ‘Think About Things’.
He played fan favourites as well as newer songs, some of which were in Icelandic, to which he prefaced with “we’re trying out some new material tonight, so if it’s not good just go get a drink or to the bathroom”.
The show was great all throughout, with the music of the band, along with the lighting, onstage energy, and general atmosphere.
Despite two sold out 3Olympia Theatres, Daði is still yet to fully break into the UK and Ireland market, so I highly recommend checking him out on tour whenever you get the chance. If you’re after a night of dancing, and a chance to let loose for a while, look no further than Daði Freyr.
Daði Freyr is back in Ireland on Friday, 29th of July, down in Cork playing Indiependence festival. Tickets are available here
For more information on Daði Freyr, click here
