The Academy is an iconic north Dublin venue known for its intimate concerts.
It's also known for its Circus nights on a Saturday - with four floors, each for different music tastes. And we can’t forget the sign above the venue - which got a lot of attention during the pandemic.
The Main Room has a standing capacity of 650 people and there’s room for an extra 200 people on the upper balcony, perfect for a concert, and despite the relatively small capacity, it has hosted some legendary live acts and DJs.
Here’s some of the top stars who performed there over the years:
Read more: Sign of the times: The Academy grabs attention during year long pandemic closure
The Killers
Back in August 2008, The Killers played the small venue and sang their iconic hits including Somebody Told Me, Smile Like You Mean It, and of course, Mr Brightside.
Lily Allen
In 2009, if you were looking for a Paddy’s Day pre-drink, you could’ve had a bop and a pint while watching Lily Allen on March 16 of that year.
Calvin Harris
You could’ve seen the worldwide famous DJ for just €30 on November 6, 2009. Commenting on the live show back in the day, Harris said "My live band's gonna be even more rocking than the tunes.
"I'll be singing, but only because no one else in Dumfries can sing. I've got an extremely limited range. But I will be wearing a top hat made from the skin of a tiger."
Mumford and Sons
In September 2009, the band played a short setlist in the venue's basement. The songs included: Little Lion Man, Roll Away Your Stone, White Blank Page, Dust Bowl Dance and The Cave.
Prince
Back when the Academy was called Spirit, the music icon played a secret show in the venue in 2002 before his sold out Malahide Park gig.
Macklemore
Fans from 2013 will never forget Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ stage dive in the Abbey Street venue. The duo later skyrocketed to fame with the release of their mega smash hit Thrift Shop - and the rest is history.
David Bowie
On October 10, 1999 Bowie played at The HQ Club (now The Academy) with Placebo.
Sinead O’Connor
The Nothing Compares 2 U star performed at a charity concert to benefit Paul Newman's Barretstown Children's Camp at The Academy in March 2009.
Mac Miller
In 2016, the late Mac Miller took to the Academy stage. It was just €26.50 to see the American star.
Dua Lipa
The Hotter Than Hell Tour came to the Academy in October 2016. It was only €22.90 to see Dua Lipa back then, how things have changed.
Post Malone
In February 2017, the rapper played to a sold out venue in Academy.
Read next:
- Meet the wives of the Boyzone singers - from rocky patches to Covid reunions
- TikTok influencers rate 'crazy' affordable Dublin Airport lounge - take a look at everything you get
'Second hand shopping isn’t gross - the clothes are perfect and much cheaper'
Mum saves hundreds by ironing Nike logos onto Penneys clothes for teenage son
TikTok influencers rate 'crazy' affordable Dublin Airport lounge - take a look at everything you get
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
