Unveiling the Tunes - The Maccabees' Journey
The Maccabees are set to make a comeback in Dublin, Ireland, with two performances at The Academy on August 17 and 18, 2025. Originating in London in 2004, the British indie rock band has a rich history in the mid-2000s UK indie scene, characterized by staccato riffs, adolescent themes, and an evolving sound that became increasingly adventurous over time.
Fronted by Orlando Weeks, the band's unique blend of post-punk energy and melodic indie rock has garnered critical acclaim, including a Mercury Prize nomination, an Ivor Novello award, and a UK No. 1 album. Weeks' emotive vocal style and expressive performances have been central to the band's identity, offering a sense of vulnerability that resonates with audiences.
Following a hiatus from 2016 to 2024, The Maccabees reformed, and Weeks has since returned to the stage with the band. For fans eager to catch their performance in Dublin, tickets for the first show on August 17 are available from Ticketmaster.ie, priced from €45.20. Unfortunately, the second show on August 18 is already sold out.
Orlando Weeks describes The Maccabees' music as "sad songs you can dance to," a fitting description for their blend of tender lyricism and tension-filled arrangements. Among his favourite lyrics is a line from Be Not So Fearful by Bill Fay: "Be not so nervous, be not so frail, Someone watches you, you will not fail, Be not so nervous, be not so frail."
For those interested in exploring more of Weeks' music or learning more about The Maccabees, local record stores offer a wealth of information, or you can search for him online on various social media platforms. If you were to ask Weeks what one song he would listen to for the rest of his life, he would choose Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic, under the condition that his son is with him. Currently, his favourite song is Cold Blooded Old Times by Bill Callahan.
Orlando Weeks now resides in Portugal, but his musical roots remain firmly planted in the British indie rock tradition, a legacy that continues with The Maccabees' upcoming performance in Dublin. The band has released four albums to date: Colour It In in 2007, Wall of Arms in 2009, Given to the Wild in 2012, and Marks to Prove It in 2015.
In an interview, Weeks shared that his first record purchase was either The Score by Fugees or a Now That's What I Call Music compilation, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped his music career. The Maccabees' forthcoming performance in Dublin in 2025 promises to be a memorable event for fans of British indie rock.
Tickets are available for those wanting to see The Maccabees' live performance in Dublin, with the band playing songs that blend post-punk energy and melodic indie rock, offering "sad songs you can dance to." For fans who miss out on the August 18 show, they can still catch The Maccabees on August 17, with music that has gained critical acclaim, including a Mercury Prize nomination and Ivor Novello award.
