LIVE REVIEW: Snow Patrol’s Triumphant Return to Belfast’s SSE Arena

There’s nothing quite like a Snow Patrol homecoming gig, and last night at Belfast’s SSE Arena, the band proved exactly why they remain one of Northern Ireland’s most cherished musical exports. With an electric atmosphere and a setlist that spanned their storied career, the night was a masterclass in emotional connection and soaring anthems.

Support on the night came from Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt and Derry’s own Sister Ghost, who delivered impressive performances that set the stage perfectly for the headliners.

The tour, in support of their latest album, The Forest is the Path, saw the band deliver a perfect blend of old and new material, much to the delight of their hometown crowd. The opening chords of ‘Take Back the City’ ignited the arena, a fitting way to kick off proceedings. ‘Chocolate’ and ‘Called Out in the Dark’ followed, with frontman Gary Lightbody in fine voice, feeding off the energy of a euphoric audience who needed little encouragement to sing along. At one point, Lightbody forgot some of the lyrics to ‘Called Out in the Dark,’ laughing it off and playfully engaging with the crowd, which only added to the warm and intimate atmosphere.

‘All,’ a more recent track, nestled comfortably among the classics, proving that Snow Patrol still have a firm grip on what makes their music resonate. ‘Crack the Shutters’ bathed the arena in warmth, while ‘Set the Fire to the Third Bar’ delivered a haunting, delicate moment that left the crowd in silent reverence. As Lightbody sang along with Martha Wainwright, her image appeared on the screen behind the band, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the performance.

‘Run’ was a spine-tingling highlight, with Lightbody allowing the thousands in attendance to take over the chorus. A fresh addition in ‘The Beginning’ kept things exciting before the sweeping drama of ‘The Lightning Strike (What If This Storm Ends?)’ showcased the band’s more cinematic side.

The second half of the set didn’t let up. ‘Life on Earth,’ played for the first time on this tour, and ‘Open Your Eyes’ landed with raw emotion, while ‘Make This Go On Forever’ packed an emotional punch that reverberated through the arena. The crowd’s participation on ‘Shut Your Eyes’ was nothing short of magical, while ‘Everything’s Here and Nothing’s Lost’ provided a moment of introspection before the biggest singalong of the night arrived.

‘Chasing Cars’ remains one of the most powerful live moments in modern music, and last night was no different—an entire arena hanging on every lyric. ‘You’re All I Have’ closed the main set in an eruption of euphoria, but the night wasn’t over yet. Returning for an encore, Snow Patrol delivered the moving ‘But I’ll Keep Trying’ before bringing the night to a climactic finish with ‘Just Say Yes,’ ensuring that every person left the SSE Arena on a high.

Few bands can command a home crowd quite like Snow Patrol, and last night was a testament to their enduring appeal. It wasn’t just a gig—it was a communal experience, a celebration of music, memories, and homecoming glory.