My Bloody Valentine made a major return to live performance with a surprise concert in Dublin, marking the band’s first show in seven years. Billed under the alias “Isn’t Anything,” the reunion took place at a small venue and drew immediate attention from fans who recognized the lineup behind the pseudonym. The setlist featured songs spanning their three seminal albums, along with a rare track performed live for the first time. The show signals the start of a new run of scheduled dates across Europe and Asia. The comeback raises renewed interest in whether My Bloody Valentine will release new music following years of speculation.
What Happened in Dublin
My Bloody Valentine performed a powerful, high-intensity set during their unannounced appearance in Dublin this week. The concert revived material from “Isn’t Anything,” “Loveless,” and “m b v,” reaffirming the band’s signature wall-of-sound performance style. Fans reported that swirling lights and dense guitar layers filled the venue, creating the immersive environment long associated with the group’s live shows.
A major highlight came when the band played “Off Your Face,” a track from the Glider EP that had never been performed live before. Photos of the setlist circulating online confirmed the significance of the rare inclusion. This performance served as an early kickoff to a series of official shows scheduled at Dublin’s 3Arena, followed by additional dates across the UK, Japan, and Spain’s Primavera Sound festival.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Audience reactions described the performance as “electrifying but controlled,” with fans remaining notably quiet between songs as they absorbed the dense sonic textures. Industry observers also weighed in on the comeback, noting the importance of My Bloody Valentine’s influence on modern alternative music.
Rolling Stone previously quoted Kevin Shields hinting at experimental new work, describing upcoming material as “all over the place” compared to the band’s 2013 album. Analysts believe the renewed stage activity could mark the beginning of a new creative cycle, though no official announcements have been made regarding studio plans.
What the Reunion Means
The Dublin return reinforces My Bloody Valentine’s ongoing relevance within alternative and indie music communities. Their reappearance comes at a time when shoegaze has resurged in popularity among younger listeners. The live debut of a previously unperformed track suggests deeper engagement with their back catalog, which may influence setlists on upcoming tour dates.
For festival circuits and global tour promoters, the band’s return adds a major draw for 2026 lineups. The renewed activity also increases speculation about a potential follow-up to m b v, which would mark their first new release in more than a decade.
Upcoming Shows and Expectations
My Bloody Valentine will perform next at Dublin’s 3Arena under their official name this weekend. Additional concerts are scheduled throughout the UK, followed by Japan shows and a headlining appearance at Primavera Sound. While no new songs were performed at the secret show, fans remain hopeful that fresh material could appear later in the tour.
Ticket availability varies by region, with several European dates already nearing capacity. Further announcements are expected as the tour progresses.
