Live Review: Teddy Swims - The 3Arena, Dublin 13/03/2025
Teddy Swims has been maving waves since he posted cover videos on YouTube and was the frontman for a post-hardcore band in Atlanta, Georgia. Now, positioning himself as a renowned rockstar, he’s selling out arena’s and creating memories with his ever-growing fanbase.
Taking to The 3Arena, Dublin for a two-night sold-out show, Swins was supported by rising star Cian Ducrot. With smooth, funky power-pop hits that have quickly catapulted him to major star status, Teddy Swims has emerged as one of those singers who has transcended generations, as evidenced by a quick glance down the winding queue of ticket holders waiting to enter the venue.
The night kicked off with an electrifying performance by Cian Ducrot. As soon as the Irish singer-songwriter stepped on stage, the crowd was hooked, instantly joining in on the energy. Dressed in a sleek black suit adorned with a touch of sparkle and rocking tiny orange sunglasses, the Grammy-winning artist owned the stage with his commanding presence. His voice, rich and full of raw emotion, echoed through the venue, every note a reflection of his deep passion for music.
Ducrot’s setlist was filled with energetic tunes and heartfelt ballads, all while seeing his enthusiastic stage presence captivating the audience warming up for the forthcoming headliner.
Playing a mix of old and new songs, the heartfelt piano ballad ‘All For You’ struck a chord with the audience as he poured his soul into the lyrics about the heartbreak of a lost relationship. Mid-performance, he urged fans to scan a large QR code displayed on the screen, offering them a personal gift—a live recording of his track ‘What About Love?’ after the show.
Striding confidently across the stage, Ducrot's energy was infectious, building anticipation for his upcoming headlining gig at the venue this December. With an electrifying moment, he dropped to his knees, belting out a final note that sent a wave of excitement through the crowd, perfectly setting the stage for the headliner to come.
Following a brief intermission, Teddy Swims and his band stepped onto the stage, and the crowd erupted in excitement.
As the stage lights blazed to life and his four-piece band kicked off the music, Teddy Swims made a jaw-dropping entrance that immediately commanded attention. Swims, an acronym he coined to reflect his complex personality - Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes - created a wave of excitement that rippled through the vast, often impersonal arena. A massive curtain, which had concealed the band, dramatically fell, revealing Teddy himself rising up from a trap door on a platform. At that moment, I couldn’t help but think, “Now that's how you open a show”.
It doesn’t take long for him to warm up, and before we know it, he’s openly swooning over his singer-songwriter girlfriend, Raiche Wright, who’s also expecting their child. The heartfelt moment is perfectly captured in his tender performance of ‘She Loves The Rain’, a song that beautifully reflects the love and admiration he feels for her.
The backdrop visuals and stage lighting were spectacular, enriching the performance without obscuring the star of the show. The stage lighting and backdrop visuals perfectly complemented the music, enhancing the overall experience without overshadowing the star of the show. The production was a standout, proving that staging can make all the difference, especially for an artist like Swims, who relies solely on his powerful voice. With no dancers or choreography, the thoughtful design of the stage elevated the performance to new heights. The strategic use of LED screens and pyrotechnics gave the show a larger-than-life feel, transforming the arena into something that resembled a high-energy stadium performance.
Teddy Swims’ vocal talent was nothing short of mesmerizing. His soulful, raspy voice pulsed with heartfelt sentiment, smoothly shifting between R&B, soul, pop, and rock. With a diverse mix of covers and original songs, he kept the audience captivated from the first note to the last. But, what truly set him apart was the authenticity he brought to the stage. Every song felt deeply personal, and it was clear that his connection to the music—and to the crowd—was real and unwavering. A night of musical magic that will live in my memory for years to come was made possible by Swims' commanding voice and captivating stage presence.
Throughout the set, Swims had a variety of outfits that reflected the exhilarating theatrics of his dynamic and always-evolving act.
Stating he had a surprise in store, Swims sang the first few notes of ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ by Bonnie Raitt, before Ducrot returned to the stage to serenate the audience with their breathtaking vocal blend and engaging stage performance.
The concert was an emotional rollercoaster, each song offering a distinct journey that pulled the audience deeper into the experience. Fans sang along, swayed with the rhythm, and even wiped away tears during the more poignant moments, creating an atmosphere of raw connection. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a shared experience, one that bound everyone in the room together through the power of music and emotion.
Swims’ kept the energy soaring, never once losing its grip on the crowd. After a brief disappearance backstage, he returned for a highly anticipated encore. “Dublin, thank you so much! We’ve got just a couple more for you!” he shouted, igniting the room. Red confetti showered over the crowd, with fans eagerly scrambling to snatch a piece of the magic. Swims closed out the night with ‘The Door’, a standout track from his 2023 album ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1)’. All the way until the final note, he filled 3Arena with an electric surge of spirit and energy, leaving the crowd buzzing long after the set had come to a close.
Words by Danielle Holian
