John Grant will perform live in Belfast on 3 October 2025 at the historic Mandela Hall, delivering his trademark blend of emotional ballads and dark humour. Known for his genre-defying sound and dynamic stage presence, this concert is set to be an unforgettable experience. With tickets available from 30 August 2025, strong demand is expected due to Grant’s dedicated following and the venue’s limited capacity.
Summary: Key Points
- John Grant brings his unique mix of caustic wit and heartfelt music to Mandela Hall in Belfast on 3 October 2025.
- Tickets go on sale from 30 August 2025 and demand is expected to be strong due to the artist’s popularity and intimate venue size.
- This performance highlights Grant’s reputation for powerful live shows and his influence in the alt-pop and synth music scenes.
John Grant brings his distinct sound to Belfast this autumn
John Grant, long celebrated for his genre-blending brilliance, has announced an exclusive date in Belfast on Friday 3 October 2025, lighting up the stage at the iconic Mandela Hall. Known for fusing caustic wit with heartfelt balladry, the American singer-songwriter continues to surprise, and this upcoming concert in Belfast promises another chapter in his rich musical journey.
Grant first emerged as the charismatic frontman of The Czars in the late 1990s, before carving out a compelling solo career that established him as a singular voice in contemporary music. His ability to switch seamlessly from electronic pop to orchestral melancholy keeps audiences guessing—and coming back for more. If you have ever lost time in the haunting melancholy of “Queen of Denmark” or laughed nervously through the acerbic lyrics of “GMF,” you know exactly what to expect: the unexpected.
Speaking of surprises, I once saw him perform in Glasgow back in 2018, and I genuinely did not know whether to dance or cry. He opened with “Grey Tickles, Black Pressure,” and by the time he reached the chorus, half the audience looked like they were riding out an emotional storm. That is the kind of showman we are talking about—deadpan delivery, hypnotic presence, and songs that punch you in the gut in the nicest way possible.
Musically, Grant defies simple labelling. From electro-industrial beats on “Love Is Magic” to the Baroque gloom of “Marz,” his discography offers a panoramic view of human vulnerability. His lyrics often explore identity, trauma, and politics with raw honesty and a strange, biting humour. As The Guardian once described him, he is a “truth-teller in a world weighed down by performance.” You can read their full review here.
Set against the backdrop of a revitalised Belfast music scene, this concert feels timely. Mandela Hall, with its deep-rooted history and intimate acoustics, is the perfect venue for Grant’s emotionally intense performances. Expect a crowd of long-time fans, curious newcomers, and likely someone crying quietly during “Sigourney Weaver.”
For a deeper look into how Grant’s work fits within the evolving alt-pop and synth landscapes, NME’s feature on modern indie voices is worth a read.
Next, we dive into what makes Mandela Hall a stand-out venue and why ticket demand is expected to grow fast for this show…
Event Information
- Artist: John Grant
- City: Belfast
- Venue: Mandela Hall
- Event date: 03 October 2025
- Ticket sales opening: 30/08/2025
Categories and ticket prices
The pricing and categories of seats will be provided shortly.
