Gig review: Olivia Rodrigo's gutsy performance sends 40,000 Irish fans wild
Rodrigo first gained recognition for her leading roles in the Disney series Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series , before her career skyrocketed with the release of her 2021 single 'Drivers License'.
The song climbed to No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and held the spot for eight weeks, making the American singer an international sensation.
The same year, she released her debut record Sour via Geffen Records, which featured the No. 1 hit 'Good 4 U'.
Now, 22-year-old Olivia Rodrigo is touring the world in support of her second album, Guts (2023), with 102 shows across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Brazil.
Wicklow rockers Florence Road were up first, en par with the theme of girl power that carried throughout the night's performances.
The all-girl quartet played original songs like 'Heavy' and 'Caterpillar', much to the delight of local fans in the audience. Lily Aron's soft melodic voice floated across Marlay Park, accompanied by the rhythmic ensemble of guitars, bass, and drums.
The four-piece closed their set with 'Goodnight', and after a quick rearrangement of the stage, second support act Beabadoobee further hyped up the young crowd. Beabadoobee supporting Olivia Rodrigo at Marlay Park on June 24th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring.
The indie rock singer, also known as Beatrice Laus, performed her viral 2022 hit 'The Perfect Pair', along with 'California' a track from her latest album This Is How Tomorrow Moves .
Combining elements of bedroom pop and space rock, Beabadoobee delivered a sound that was both ethereal and nostalgic. Beabadoobee. Copyright Abigail Ring.
After two phenomenal female acts, the horde of girls waiting for the main event of the night were humming with giddiness.
Self-made t-shirts with song lyrics scribbled all over (including minor grammatical errors), as well as cardboard signs reading 'We care!' and 'You will always be enough,' added to the wholesome atmosphere. Olivia Rodrigo at Marlay Park on June 24th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com
There was nothing that could have prepared me for the ear-splintering screams sounding through Marlay Park when the Guts singer finally appeared on stage.
Adjusting my earplugs to no avail, I watched as the crowd roared along to 'Obsessed', hands and signs in the air, welcoming Rodrigo to Dublin. Olivia Rodrigo at Marlay Park on June 24th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com
'Oh shit, look at this beautiful crowd. Hey, guys!' Rodrigo, dressed in a black leather and lace ensemble, greeted her audience.
Deafening, high-pitched screeching from all around.
'I see you all the way back there! I have a feeling tonight's going to be really fun. Are we ready to have a good time?'
'A good time' must have been the understatement of the century. Rodrigo's exceptional vocals were breathy, yet clear, when she delivered hit songs like 'Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl', 'Vampire', and 'Traitor'.
The vibrant tour concept was striking; digital collage art on the stage's backdrop, flashing lights, and unique camera angles that had Rodrigo crawling on a glass catwalk, performing for the camera below. Olivia Rodrigo at Marlay Park on June 24th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com
'Drivers License' proved to be one of the highlights of the show. Mellow piano notes blended with the singer's chest voice and falsetto, complimenting the ballad's poignant lyrics.
Nearing the end of her set, the singer surprised the audience with an unexpected treat when she confessed her 'obsession' with Dublin band Fontaines D.C.
'The reason why I love Dublin so much is because you guys have really amazing music here. There are so many incredible bands out of Dublin. And lately I've been really obsessed with this band called Fontaines D.C. I'm playing this song, like, alone in my room for fun, and I was wondering if it would be cool if I, like, played it for you guys.' Olivia Rodrigo at Marlay Park on June 24th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring.
Fans were quick to whip out their phones to record Rodrigo's cover of 'I Love You', featured on the band's 2022 album Skinty Fia . Her nod to the Irish music scene resonated deep within the hearts of her fans, with clips of her rendition being shared all over social media in the following hours.
With encore performances of 'Get Him Back' and 'Lacy', Rodrigo bid Marlay Park adieu, leaving thousands of hearts with a night to remember. I sure hope she enjoyed her well-deserved 'celebratory Guinness' backstage.
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