Rising alt-rock trio NewDad are set to perform live in Belfast at Mandela Hall on 4 November 2025. Their distinctive dreamy yet dark sound has earned praise from BBC Radio 6 Music and NME, with new EP Safe showcasing emotional depth. Known for emotive live shows and comparisons to Wolf Alice, this gig promises an atmospheric night in one of Belfast’s top indie venues.
Summary: Key Points
- NewDad will perform live at Mandela Hall in Belfast on 4 November 2025 as part of their headline tour.
- The venue’s intimate size and the band’s rising popularity mean tickets are expected to be in high demand ahead of the 27 June 2024 sale date.
- The band’s shoegaze-inspired sound blends moody textures and emotional lyrics, with strong praise from BBC Radio 6 Music and comparisons to Wolf Alice and The Cure.
NewDad to bring new alt-rock energy to Belfast this November
Galway's rising alt-rock trio NewDad are heading to Belfast in 2025 as part of their freshly announced headline tour, and they are set to take the stage at Mandela Hall on 4 November 2025.
The band, known for their dreamy guitar tones blended with a darker undercurrent, have built a loyal following since their early releases. With songs like “Blue” and “I Don’t Recognise You” gathering praise from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and NME, NewDad have carved out a distinctive space within Ireland’s indie rock scene.
Their latest EP, Safe, has pushed their sound further into moody textures and emotional themes, painting a portrait of adolescence with a shoegaze-tinged brush. The record swings between vulnerability and strength — like the musical version of fumbling through a dark room and finally finding the light switch.
The band’s live shows are every bit as raw and textured as their records. When I saw NewDad at The Button Factory in Dublin, I remember their haunting rendition of “Say It” sent a full-body chill through the room. Their stage presence is understated but magnetic — like a whisper that somehow fills the room.
With growing buzz and fresh material still echoing from their latest release, the Belfast stop is expected to attract fans both new and seasoned. Mandela Hall, located at the heart of the Queen’s University district, offers an intimate but electric atmosphere — an ideal setting for the band’s brooding yet beautiful sound.
Critics have frequently compared NewDad to genre heavyweights like Wolf Alice and The Cure, with vocalist Julie Dawson’s voice often likened to a younger Dolores O’Riordan. For readers less familiar with the band, the official NewDad biography on AllMusic offers a quick deep dive.
Belfast has long been a favourite stop for indie acts coming through Ireland, and with NewDad’s trajectory climbing steadily, this looks to be one of the must-see concerts of late 2025. For fans of moody melodies, layered guitars and intimate performances, Mandela Hall on 4 November is the place to be.
More on what makes Mandela Hall a fitting backdrop — and why ticket demand might be about to spike — in the next section.
Event Information
- Artist: NewDad
- City: Belfast
- Venue: Mandela Hall
- Event date: 04 November 2025
- Ticket sales opening: 27/06/2024
Categories and ticket prices
The pricing and categories of seats will be provided shortly.
