For their 25-year anniversary tour, Westlife have now been booked for a 13-night concert residency at the 3Arena next year.
This overwhelming demand checks out given that they hold the title as UK & Ireland’s top-selling group of the 21st century. With this appeal from Irish audiences, is it possible that more artists will follow in their footsteps in choosing Ireland as the spot for a concert residency?
With the 3Arena’s 13,000 capacity, it’s the perfect spot for an intimate yet energetic gig. Here’s our pick of some musical artists that would greatly and realistically suit an Irish concert residency.
1. Ed Sheeran
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We all know Ed Sheeran loves Ireland. Even more so following his surprise gig at the RDS with the Spotify Billions Club, which was exclusively for his most dedicated Irish fans. Ed has shared that Dublin is a special place for him musically and personally, so it would be no surprise for him to occupy the 3Arena for more than a few nights.
2. U2
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Following their Las Vegas residency at The Sphere, which was to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their album Achtung Baby – if U2 were looking to commemorate any more musical anniversaries down the line, the 3Arena would be the perfect spot for a more intimate residency closer to home.
3. CMAT
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Irish breakout star CMAT is set to perform 3 gigs for her EURO-COUNTRY Tour in Ireland this year. Due to great demand from Irish fans, perhaps a concert residency is the way to go.
4. Bruce Springsteen
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Over the years Bruce Springsteen has performed over 30 gigs in Ireland. He considers Ireland his ‘adoptive home’ and evidently loves performing for his Irish fans. Maybe the possibility of an Irish residency down the line is not too far-fetched?
5. Dua Lipa
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As Dua Lipa has yet to wrap up her Radical Optimism World Tour, her return to perform in Ireland may be far down the line. However, with her abundance of global hits an Irish residency would be a certified success.
6. Hozier
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As one of Ireland’s biggest musical acts, Hozier would be a realistic follow-up after Westlife’s Dublin residency. Given that he was a headliner at last year’s Electric Picnic, the demand is certainly there!
7. Adele
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Following her 10-night residency in Munich last year, Adele plans to take a long break from performing and has since put a hold on any residency plans. Once she makes her return to the stage, could Dublin be the perfect city for a more low-key and exclusive concert residency?
Words by Leah Foran