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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sophie McLaughlin

Wheatus: Teenage Dirtbag singer shares fond memory of enjoying kebabs while exploring Belfast

It has been 23 years since Teenage Dirtbag burst into existence and to this day, continues to be considered one of the most popular pop songs of the last two decades.

Whether a self-proclaimed teenage dirtbag yourself or a sucker for a catchy hook and lyrics, Wheatus' hit single will forever be a tune that follows you through life.

Headed up by singer and guitarist Brendan B Brown, Wheatus are coming back to Belfast later this year to give the people what they want - rock tunes, fantastic energy and that bit of 2000s nostalgia.

Read more: 30 big gigs coming up in Belfast this summer

Speaking to Belfast Live, Brendan said the band are excited to get back to Northern Ireland and resonate with our unique Belfast crowds.

He said: "We have been dying to get over there for a long time now, Covid obviously screwed everything up back in 2020 when we were trying to do an anniversary tour and now we are getting the chance to do it finally after all the craziness.

"We are so excited about doing it and it is all about to kick off soon."

Wheatus last performed in Northern Ireland back in 2018 when they took to the stage at the Empire Music Hall in South Belfast.

Fans can still get their hands on tickets for their upcoming show at Limelight on October 24.

Brendan continued: "Belfast people have the energy of the crazier crowds in Scotland and Wales that we come across but there is a bit more refinement of taste.

"More picky but just as poundy as everyone else - crowds really know what they want and it's one of those places in the world that will never let us have a bad show.

"We are just lucky to be there."

Despite always remaining on a tight schedule during tours, Brendan told of the time when he and the band snuck off to take in the sights (and tastes) of Belfast.

"We don't really have a lot of time off but we were fortunate enough to get out for kebab last time we played Belfast. Think it was a Friday night and it was pretty wild," he said.

"It reminded me a little bit of the place I'm from - a real hardcore crowd and felt like a real party town.

"The following day we went to Newry and played a wonderful show at a youth centre there. We are very fortunate as Americans to be able to visit places like this and in such a context of playing music - it feels wonderful."

Teenage Dirtbag launched the band into the hearts of the world over two decades ago and Brandon is still grateful to see it continue to resonate with all types of people all over the world to this day.

"We are so lucky to have a song that people know that is personally important to us. We are here to deliver it to people because they own it once we start playing it.

"It's the gift that keeps on going back and forth – it's an identity song that is built for everybody. It's about whether or not you can see yourself in the narrative and walk in the shoes of the song itself.

"In that regard, it's almost like you wrote it and it's your tune and I am happy about that," Brandon explained.

Fans heading to Limelight this year to see Wheatus can expect a completely unique show unlike any other performed on the tour as the band do not stick to a setlist and let fans help them chose the songs for the night.

"We are content to play the show that the people there want that night - we go for something fresh and whatever is in that moment that night."

For tickets and more information about the tour, see here

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