Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:42 amAn electrifying performance by Shane, Sharon and friends
By: Evelyn Moran
Loais Nationalist
10 Dec 2008
Full URL
SHANE McGowan, Mundy, Sharon Shannon and the Renegade band rang in the new year in serious style with their Laois fans in the Heritage Hotel. Plenty of suit jackets and top hats were sported on the stage for the night. What a show. On a night like this queues are a reality, wherever you dare venture. The biggest night of the year brings out the biggest numbers, this is not a new phenomenon for the younger members of the audience.
When the beats began all was forgiven and forgotten. Dessie O’Halloran started off the show with a couple of tunes including Say You Love Me, joining Sharon, her sister Mary and the other renegades. The perfect kick start to the night. An electric performance from beginning to end.
The Irish people will have a lot to thank this smiling accordion player for in the years to come. She is a cultural icon who doesn’t get half enough praise. Along with some other incredible talents, she should be recognised as a driving force behind a revival of traditional music. (Bear in mind this comes at a time when the government continues to debate on whether or not to remove our language as a requirement in schools.)
There is of course more to this collection of musicians and the lady herself than just traditional Irish music.
The set, as with the album, was a mixture of jazz, hip-hop beats, reggae and other influences. The spine tingling sounds of the accordion, tin whistle, saxophone, fiddle, flute, drums, base and guitar among others demonstrate the eclectic mix of the group.
Mundy was the next guest to take the stage. His sound was no less than we have come to expect from the Offaly man and with songs as recognisable as July and Mexico the crowd were singing along with every syllable. Always a good man to get the crowd moving himself, the pairing was well originated. This brought in the new year and the traditional momentary lapse in to the land of arm swaying and old acquaintances.
The music continued after the count down with more from the renegades and then the next guest was announced. A kiss on the hand for the lovely Sharon and Shane was centre stage, sunglasses and all. The crowd went wild. Such an enigmatic character you couldn’t hope to find. He kicked off with The Irish Rover, followed by Bright Side of the Road and then the cult classic itself. I would have liked to see Sinead O’Connor appear from behind the spotlights to sing Fairytale of New York at this stage. I will have to wait until next Christmas I suppose!
The final few numbers saw Dessie O’Halloran return with the magical Courtin’ in the Kitchen. Mundy and the Renegades gave the crowd one they had been waiting for with Galway Girl. Shane McGowan returned to sing Rainy Night in Soho. The party rounded off with everyone joining in for the song Fiesta and what a fiesta it was.
By: Evelyn Moran
Loais Nationalist
10 Dec 2008
Full URL
SHANE McGowan, Mundy, Sharon Shannon and the Renegade band rang in the new year in serious style with their Laois fans in the Heritage Hotel. Plenty of suit jackets and top hats were sported on the stage for the night. What a show. On a night like this queues are a reality, wherever you dare venture. The biggest night of the year brings out the biggest numbers, this is not a new phenomenon for the younger members of the audience.
When the beats began all was forgiven and forgotten. Dessie O’Halloran started off the show with a couple of tunes including Say You Love Me, joining Sharon, her sister Mary and the other renegades. The perfect kick start to the night. An electric performance from beginning to end.
The Irish people will have a lot to thank this smiling accordion player for in the years to come. She is a cultural icon who doesn’t get half enough praise. Along with some other incredible talents, she should be recognised as a driving force behind a revival of traditional music. (Bear in mind this comes at a time when the government continues to debate on whether or not to remove our language as a requirement in schools.)
There is of course more to this collection of musicians and the lady herself than just traditional Irish music.
The set, as with the album, was a mixture of jazz, hip-hop beats, reggae and other influences. The spine tingling sounds of the accordion, tin whistle, saxophone, fiddle, flute, drums, base and guitar among others demonstrate the eclectic mix of the group.
Mundy was the next guest to take the stage. His sound was no less than we have come to expect from the Offaly man and with songs as recognisable as July and Mexico the crowd were singing along with every syllable. Always a good man to get the crowd moving himself, the pairing was well originated. This brought in the new year and the traditional momentary lapse in to the land of arm swaying and old acquaintances.
The music continued after the count down with more from the renegades and then the next guest was announced. A kiss on the hand for the lovely Sharon and Shane was centre stage, sunglasses and all. The crowd went wild. Such an enigmatic character you couldn’t hope to find. He kicked off with The Irish Rover, followed by Bright Side of the Road and then the cult classic itself. I would have liked to see Sinead O’Connor appear from behind the spotlights to sing Fairytale of New York at this stage. I will have to wait until next Christmas I suppose!
The final few numbers saw Dessie O’Halloran return with the magical Courtin’ in the Kitchen. Mundy and the Renegades gave the crowd one they had been waiting for with Galway Girl. Shane McGowan returned to sing Rainy Night in Soho. The party rounded off with everyone joining in for the song Fiesta and what a fiesta it was.
