Fr. McGreer wrote:And the BAND played 'Waltzing Matilda'
And the band played Metropolis. And the band played Repeal and Thousands and Tuesday Morning.
The 'Singer' was just a wasted fucking shambles who couldn't even sit on a box without being held up by an assistant, let alone stand. He fell to the floor at least four times and had to be carried on and off stage throughout the whole gig. We all know who is supposed to look after the 'singer' and ensure he makes it to shows on time and in a reasonable state, well that person ought to be fucking ashamed of himself.
Don't anyone dare come back at me and say Shane is a living legend and he lives his life his way sometimes you get a good gig sometimes not......blah blah blah... Yeah yeah i know, God knows i've been to enough of them.
We were so looking forward to hearing Shane sing Boat Train, Waltzing Matilda and Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah. Not to be though folks. Seven musicians held it together as best they could and boy did they do an almighty job of it. Spider was rock solid, he sang Waltzing Matilda (the abridged versionfair play Spider) while Shane was comatose in his tent at the side of the stage. He sang whole verses of Broad Majestic Shannon. He stood in front of Shane counting in time to the music to try and get him to slur at the correct time. Darryl, Jem and the Brass section took their cues from James' theatrical over the top nodding of his head. Philip and Terry and Andrew were unflapable.
In fairness, Shane pulled it together for a few songs. Soho was ok and Poor Paddy was punk at it's purest. The lads hanginging on to Shane's every movement and screech to get the timing right at "Courdoroy britches".
I'm lucky enough to flying over to the Brixton gigs and will more than likely be treated a vintage performance. For a lot of people though, last night was the last time to see The Pogues play together. What a way to say FAREWELL.
EDIT:Great to meet Mats Per Johann and Aidan again
spot on Fr McGreer
