Electronic music pioneer Moby surprised fans during his August 21 set at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin by covering the beloved comedy song “My Lovely Horse” from the classic television series Father Ted, introducing the track by suggesting it as a potential new national anthem.
The Bottom Line:
- The Event: Moby performed a live rendition of the iconic Father Ted track “My Lovely Horse” toward the end of his Dublin concert at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on August 21.
- The Origins: The song was originally written by The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon alongside Father Ted creators Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews for the Father Ted episode “A Song For Europe.”
- The Historical Context: This followed a 2001 rendition Moby performed alongside Ardal O’Hanlon at Slane Castle in Ireland.
Dublin Setlist Highlights and a Comedy Tribute
Moby brought his European tour to Dublin this week, delivering a setlist that spanned his career. Playing at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on August 21, the musician worked through a sequence of his atmospheric electronica and dance anthems.
Among the well-known selections played during the show were ‘Bodyrock’, ‘Go’, ‘Next Is The E’, ‘In This World’, ‘In My Heart’, ‘We Are All Made Of Stars’, ‘Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?’, ‘Find My Baby’, ‘Flower’, ‘Lift Me Up’, ‘Honey’, ‘My Lovely Horse’ (The Divine Comedy cover), ‘Extreme Ways’, ‘Porcelain’, ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like To Die’, alongside ‘Natural Blues’ and ‘Feeling So Real’. The true surprise of the evening arrived late in the set. Introducing a sharp shift in tone, Moby addressed the Irish crowd directly before launching into an unexpected tribute.
“If you need a new national anthem, may I suggest this song?” Moby told the audience, before launching into a live cover of ‘My Lovely Horse’. The track originated from the Father Ted episode “A Song For Europe.” In that television storyline, Ted and Dougal attempt to represent Ireland in the fictional Eurosong competition, ultimately finishing with “nul points”.
The song itself was written by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, working alongside series creators Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews. It later found a home as a B-side on The Divine Comedy’s 1999 single “Gin Soaked Boy.”
A Nod to a 2001 Slane Castle Precedent
This was not the first time that Moby has played ‘My Lovely Horse’ live. Back in 2001, he performed it with Ardal O’Hanlon in front of approximately 80,000 people at Slane Castle in Ireland.
The timing of the performance coincides with a broader cultural resurgence for that specific Father Ted episode. In the wake of Ireland pulling out of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest regarding Israel’s involvement, the Irish network RTÉ broadcasted “A Song For Europe” instead earlier this year.
Moby’s Dublin stop forms part of a wider, ongoing European tour schedule. During an earlier concert on the current tour at Brighton Beach, the artist acknowledged the United Kingdom’s contributions to the growth of rave culture, explaining to the audience that British promoters and DJs helped shape house music into the shared community he first encountered on trips during the early nineties.
Studio Projects and Contemporary Commentary
Alongside his active touring commitments, Moby remains outspoken. He released his latest studio album, Future Quiet, in February, and recently described the Trump government as “the most corrupt, evil and incompetent” administration.
| Tour Stop / Event | Date | Key Highlight or Track Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton Beach Show | Recent | Praised UK rave culture development and early 90s house music roots. |
| Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin | August 21 | Performed a live cover of The Divine Comedy’s ‘My Lovely Horse’. |
| Slane Castle Festival | 2001 | Performed ‘My Lovely Horse’ live alongside Ardal O’Hanlon for approximately 80,000 fans. |
Whether he is reflecting on the formative years of house music on Brighton Beach, airing political critiques, or paying homage to cult-classic television comedies in Dublin, Moby continues to blend electronic nostalgia with unexpected cultural touchstones.
