Paul Heaton energizes 3Arena crowd with timeless voice

Paul Heaton performed at the 3Arena to an enthusiastic crowd. His voice, unchanged after 35 years, still resonates with fans. While Heaton has moved on from his early, more casual style, he still captures the audience with his music. Heaton, who started with The Beautiful South, has enjoyed a long career. After the band's split, he faced challenges getting his solo work recognized. He began a unique journey, cycling to pubs and small venues across Ireland and the UK. Now, he is touring all 32 Irish counties, with the 3Arena show attracting about 13,000 attendees. Heaton was joined by a nine-piece band, including Rianne Downey. Their duet on "A Little Time" brought a fresh flavor to the performance. He introduced new songs from his latest album, "The Mighty Several." Heaton's influences include iconic Irish acts like The Dubliners. This mix of sounds created an engaging and lively atmosphere. The set list featured fan favorites such as "Song for Whoever," "Good as Gold," and "One Last Love Song." Heaton's powerful voice shined during these classics. The show ended with a double encore, where he performed "Caravan of Love" and a cover of Stevie Wonder's "A Place in the Sun." His unique style and charm left a lasting impact on the audience, ensuring they would remember the night for days.