Just two more reviews of the fabulous Christmas Reunion:
Review of Glasgow from The Irish Post
The Pogues Glasgow Academy
by Richard Purden
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The buzz around this tour far outstretched Britain and Ireland. Pogues fans gathered from around the world on genuine Pogues turf.
Although maturing in years they have never looked and sounded in better shape. Cait O’Riordan made a welcome return to the proceedings adding a touch of Irish glamour to I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday.
It was obvious that MacGowan loved having her up there with him as they waltzed around the stage during Fairytale Of New York which was a spell-binding moment and further proof that their mix of modern and tradition make them the most important Irish band of all time.
Celtic songs boomed out the audience with majestic clarity among Glasgow’s Irish as foreigners looked around a little perplexed.
Soon an eclectic soup of fans started swirling and frothing around at the front of the Carling academy as if they were spellbound by the non-stop primal energy of White City, Sally MacLennane and Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah.
While MacGowan may be the soul of The Pogues, the chemistry that is generated as a collective is distinctly unique. The band were a little tentative about how the first reunion was going to go but they come across like a well-oiled machine of monolithic unity.
Philip Chevron is edgy and passionate as ever on Thousands Are Sailing, while. MacGowan and Spider Stacy looked like a classic rock ’n’ roll double act during Dirty Old Town. Terry Woods stokes up years of Irish injustice on Young Ned Of The Hill as James Fearnley relentlessly hammers the accordion.
The Pogues celebrated being Irish at a time when the diasporas were demonised and shunned in the media and everyday life. They not only encouraged Irish culture to flourish but through their music and lyrics educated the world on how the country virtually colonised the world.
These shows are a multi-cultural commemoration of that triumph and a slap in the face to the doubters.
© 1998-2003 Turus Inc.
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Review of Manchester from Contactmusic.com
The Pogues with support from The Saw Doctors (MEN Arena Manchester 18/12/04)
by David Adair & Katherine Tomlinson
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It was an Irish reunion this pre-Christmas party evening, as two of the most vibrant bands from over the water joined a packed and jovial Manchester Arena a Christmas party to end all Christmas parties.
First up were Galway’s The Saw Doctors, who’s rooted rock and blend of country, punk, and pop, with a hint of rock and roll, made them the perfect choice to open for the equally diverse, The Pogues.
As the fun filled band played their way through crowd favourites including the vibrant ‘Tommy K’ and ‘N17’ they spread festive spirit amongst the ardent audience, as infectious dancing, clapping and singing spread around the cavernous venue, making it feel a tad more intimate .The melodic hooks and often-heartfelt lyrics were met with some upbeat Irish jig like music, which just added to the fun and generated some vibrant dancing amongst the floor area.
This vibrant and uplifting set came just in time for the festive season, and a good time was had by all. The end was by far not near, as one great band leaves us to eat drink and be merry, the way was paved for yet another party, and by the time you had been to the bar for your Guinness, you’d be ready to toast Shane McGowan and the gang.
It was a packed evening; the stage was full of musicians, with the original line up of The Pogues present and, the arena was brimming with merry hopefuls in search of a party to end all parties. Yet, one person stood out, quite why he stood out; well you had to be there. The larger than life Shane McGowan stumbled onto the stage and more or less fell into opener ' Streams of Whiskey ', but straight away all that had gathered jumped into their dancing shoes and the merriment had begun.
'It's good to be back in Liverpool.'
These were the first audible utterances from the main man McGowan, who was his usual inimitable self all night, with one of his memorable moments being when he found time to have a go at the Manchester United football team; calling them all "Puffs". For all his drunken exuberance and cockiness Shane McGowan didn't miss a line all night, this was by no means whatsoever a freak show, which some cynics would argue that a gig involving the eponymous Irishman is reduced to these days. Cait O'Riordan provided some glamour to the evening by joining the gang for a crisp version of 'I'm A Man You Don't Meet Everyday' and of course, she returned later for a stirring and breathtaking version of the classic 'Fairytale Of New York'. Highlight track on a vibrant, entertaining and enigmatic set was the anthemic Gaelic pub number; 'Irish Rover' that was sung with passion and spirit by the showstopper Mr. Shane McGowan. Let's hear it for Shane McGowan and the guys!
http://www.pogues.com
http://sawdoctors.com
© Contactmusic.com Ltd 2005
