Brixton review

[Zuzana]

A bit out of date, but anyway. From students' newspaper.

The Pogues at Brixton Academy
Wessex Scene Online, Monday, 13 February, 2006
Stephen Thompson

For those who are sadly unaware of The Pogues, they are without a shadow of a doubt one of the best classic punk bands to ever walk the earth. Their musical style combines traditional Irish folk music with punk rock to produce a unique and highly attractive sound. Lead singer Shane MacGowan is famous for three things: not having any teeth, drinking copious amounts of hard liquor, and lastly but most importantly being one of the most profound songwriters of our time.

Unfortunately as MacGowan’s alcoholism took over, his musical talents were sidelined. His famous blend of punk rock eventually turned to drunk rock, before finally becoming just drunk. When The Pogues reunited all their key members and took to the road just before Christmas, the question on everyone’s lips was would Shane turn up, and if he did, would he be in any state to sing?

The crowd soon forgot their apprehensions when The Dropkick Murphys took to the stage to play a blinding support slot. They really got everyone in the party mood and paid tribute to the late great Joe Strummer by dedicating the song ‘Forever’ to him. When it was finally time for the main band, the crowd were ready to explode.

As the band members came on one by one, my eyes scanned the stage looking for MacGowan’s unmistakable figure. As the they started up the music there was still no sign of him, and I began to realise that he was probably not up to the physical or mental challenge of completing such an extensive tour. But to his credit, he proved us wrong. With assistance, MacGowan made a welcome return to the stage, once again as front man for The Pogues. The set that followed formed part of what was one of the best gigs I have ever witnessed.

Although clearly worn by years of excess drinking, his performance was brilliant. The professionalism of his fellow band members compensated for any slip-ups he made. Renditions of classics such as ‘Sally MacLennane’, ‘Body of an American’ and ‘Sick Bed of Cuchulainn’ gave the crowd exactly what they wanted. ‘Dirty Old Town’ prompted a massive response, as did ‘Old Main Drag’ and ‘Fiesta’. Although this was very much a celebration of the work of a great band, it was also a time to remember two people who changed the world that after their deaths will be the same again. Both Joe Strummer and Kirsty MacColl were great friends with The Pogues, and the band honoured their memory and encouraged the audience to do the same through singing along to several slower songs.

A female singer whose name I have been unable to find, joined them during the encore to sing the hugely popular ‘Fairytale of New York’. Although she sang well, she would always be fighting a losing battle, as no one could ever sing that song the way MacColl did. During the final few bars, snow machines covered the band and the whole stage, framing what would be one of the most memorable nights of my life.

It was fantastic to see MacGowan still has it in him to put on a great show, even if he was supported the whole way by one of the most talented and professional bands the world has ever seen.

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Copyright the Wessex Scene, © 2006 Southampton University Students Union

[Sober]

I'm sick of those articles talking more about Shane behavior, oftenly exagerated, than of the band themselves and the music they make. I look forward reading an article that won't mention that Shane is toothless and that won't talk of his passion for drinking.

[Paddy Rolling Clone]

I'm sick of those articles talking more about Shane behavior, oftenly exagerated, than of the band themselves and the music they make. I look forward reading an article that won't mention that Shane is toothless and that won't talk of his passion for drinking.

That'll be the day.



Thanks Zuzana.