This weekend, Irish fans will be treated to the first live performance of 1980s synthpop duo Soft Cell, known for timeless hits such as Tainted Love, Where Did Our Love Go and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye. After a long hiatus in recent decades, the band has toured extensively after what was supposed to be a final reunion gig in 2018, and soon released new music for old fans and new.
Marc Almond and Dave Ball of Soft Cell released four UK Top 20 albums in the early 1980s, cementing their place in the history of new wave synthpop. Lucky for them, cyclical music trends have brought their once chart-topping music back into playlists, and the band from Leeds have enjoyed a second coming of sorts. So what can you expect this weekend?
When do they play?
Soft Cell will play at St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin, on Saturday, June 3rd at 6pm. Supporting the synth icons will be English electronic band OMD (known for Enola Gay), Sophie Ellis-Bextor (Murder On The Dancefloor) and Heaven 17 – it’s shaping up to be non-stop new wave on Saturday.
What time should I arrive?
The gates open at 5pm and fans are advised not to turn up early as not to cause disruption around the area prior to the concert.
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How do I get there – and home again?
Allow at least an extra two hours travel time to and from the venue. As traffic and delays are inevitable you are strongly advised to use public transport. There are no parking facilities available locally, and towing will be in operation.
By Dart: The nearest stop to the venue is Harmonstown. Extra services will operate before and after the concerts. For timetable information Irish Rail’s journey planner
By bus: Several Dublin Bus services will bring you within walking distance of the concert site. Bus routes from Abbey St Lower include 6, H1, H2, H3 or 130. For more information visit dublinbus.ie
Approach Routes: Follow instructions on your ticket for entry to venue. Your ticket will outline which route/entry to take to the venue.
- Green entrance: Off Sybil Hill
- Blue entrance: At the tennis courts on All Saints Road.
- Ticket collection: Box offices will be located near the concert entrance inside the park. Organisers have advised downloading tickets to phones before the day of the event.
St Anne’s Park is a residential area, organisers have appeal to all concert goers to respect the local community by not littering, engaging in anti-social behaviour and parking illegally.
What will they play?
Soft Cell continued their 40th anniversary tour of their debut hit album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret earlier this year with a Berlin gig playing their hits from over the years followed by most of their debut album:
- Torch
- Bruises on All My Illusions
- Monoculture
- Happy Happy Happy
- Where the Heart Is
- Purple Zone
- Nostalgia Machine
- Loving You, Hating Me
- The Art of Falling Apart
- Martin
And then, the band played non-stop Non-Stop Erotic Caberet:
- Frustration
- Tainted Love
- Seedy Films
- Youth
- Sex Dwarf
- Entertain Me
- Chips on My Shoulder
- Bedsitter
- Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
- Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go
- Memorabilia
Are there any tickets left?
At the time of writing there are just a couple of tickets available at ticketmaster.ie. Concert-goers are advised to buy tickets from accredited sources only.
What’s the security?
Under 16s attending the concert must be accompanied at all times by an adult. The promoter deems that large outdoor concerts are not a suitable environments for children under five.
Allow time for security checks on the way in. Bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted. All bags may be searched, and this can be time-consuming, so consider going bagless for easier entry. There will be no cloakroom or storage facilities. No alcohol – or food – is allowed into the arena. An Garda Síochána says it will operate a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption in public areas, and for any illegal, criminal or anti-social behaviour.
Other banned items include umbrellas,, garden furniture, selfie sticks, flares, glasses or cans will not be permitted at the event.
Can I take photographs at the concert?
Smartphones and small digital cameras are permitted, but cameras with long or detachable lenses, or recording equipment, are not. GoPros and iPads are also prohibited.
What’s the weather forecast?
Met Éireann is forecasting a sunny but mild evening of about 13 degrees. But as this is an outdoor concert, be sure to dress appropriately for that volatile “Irish Summer” we know and love.