Moby in Dublin review: Old-school beats, bongos and floor-slaying dance escapism

Moby performed at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin on Friday, delivering a high-energy concert that showcased his eclectic musical style and deep connection to rave culture. The event took place at the venue known as Imma, drawing fans who have followed his career since its inception. The 60-year-old artist, known professionally as Moby, returned to live performances after a hiatus spanning over a decade, marking a significant moment in his artistic journey. The concert began with a powerful rendition of "Bodyrock," a track that blends techno elements with metal influences, setting the tone for what would be an electrifying evening. As the performance progressed, Moby transitioned into "Go," a 1991 release that became a staple of the underground house scene. This track, originally inspired by the eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks, featured a sample of the iconic "Laura Palmer's Theme" and quickly became a fan favorite. During this performance, Moby demonstrated his signature style, moving close to the bongo drums at the front of the stage, which heightened the intensity of the music and engaged the audience in a visceral experience. Throughout the night, Moby incorporated a variety of tracks that reflected different phases of his career. His set included a cover of "My Lovely Horse" from the Father Ted Eurovision episode, showcasing his ability to blend pop culture with his own musical identity. Additionally, he introduced elements from his earlier work, such as the opening riff of Nirvana's "All Apologies," demonstrating his versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. Moby's performance also highlighted his evolution as an artist. While he achieved commercial success with his 1999 album Play, which brought him into the mainstream spotlight, he has consistently maintained ties to the underground rave scene. The concert served as a form of reclamation, reinforcing his roots in the rave community and challenging perceptions of his work as being solely accessible to a broader audience. Fans who attended the event were predominantly of an older generation, many of whom had been part of the rave movement during its peak. The concert faced a minor setback with Moby's cover of David Bowie's "Heroes." The rendition, while well-received by some, was criticized for its overly sentimental approach, reminiscent of the more commercially oriented sound of his Play era. However, this critique was overshadowed by the final moments of the performance, where guest vocalist Jacob Lusk delivered a compelling version of "When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die," followed by a powerful rendition of "Natural Blues," a track from Play that solidified Moby's status as a mainstream artist. As the concert concluded, Moby returned to his early work with "Feeling So Real," unleashing a flurry of house piano and driving rhythms that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The energy of the night culminated in a chaotic yet celebratory exit, with attendees dispersing into the night, having experienced a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary dance music. The event at Imma underscored Moby's enduring influence within the electronic music scene and his continued relevance as an artist who bridges the gap between underground and mainstream audiences. As he continues to tour and engage with fans, Moby remains a figure whose work resonates with both longtime supporters and newcomers to the genre.