Manchester Apollo 17/12/10

[soulfinger]

I am surprised to say that this was even better than the previous night in Sheffield. The place just went berserk from start to finish. It felt like everyone had decided "this might be the last time...." and responded accorsingly. Soulfinger Jr who's now a veteran of 16 live pogues performances says this was the best he's seen. I'd pick the standout tunes if I could but they all stood out. I think the setlist was pretty much the same as thus far on the tour. My brother was finally persuaded to see the pogues lives for the first time last night now knows (and regrets) what he has been missing and he finally understands why I have been such a fanatic for the past 25 years.

Many thanks to Mr Chevron for the aftershow passes. It was an honour to shake your hand sir.

[philipchevron]

I am surprised to say that this was even better than the previous night in Sheffield. The place just went berserk from start to finish. It felt like everyone had decided "this might be the last time...." and responded accorsingly. Soulfinger Jr who's now a veteran of 16 live pogues performances says this was the best he's seen. I'd pick the standout tunes if I could but they all stood out. I think the setlist was pretty much the same as thus far on the tour. My brother was finally persuaded to see the pogues lives for the first time last night now knows (and regrets) what he has been missing and he finally understands why I have been such a fanatic for the past 25 years.

Many thanks to Mr Chevron for the aftershow passes. It was an honour to shake your hand sir.

Sorry it was such a brief meeting - friends and family, dontcha know. But did you meet Phro? I met Phro, yay!

[soulfinger]

I am surprised to say that this was even better than the previous night in Sheffield. The place just went berserk from start to finish. It felt like everyone had decided "this might be the last time...." and responded accorsingly. Soulfinger Jr who's now a veteran of 16 live pogues performances says this was the best he's seen. I'd pick the standout tunes if I could but they all stood out. I think the setlist was pretty much the same as thus far on the tour. My brother was finally persuaded to see the pogues lives for the first time last night now knows (and regrets) what he has been missing and he finally understands why I have been such a fanatic for the past 25 years.

Many thanks to Mr Chevron for the aftershow passes. It was an honour to shake your hand sir.

Sorry it was such a brief meeting - friends and family, dontcha know. But did you meet Phro? I met Phro, yay!

No worries, we could see most of you had friends and family vying for your attention. We were just glad to be there. Given I annoy everyone at work as I strive all day, everyday for brief meetings, I guess this was payback.

Phro was there and I didn't know. I am gutted!

[Kilmichael]

Superb gig. I thought it took a couple of numbers for the boys to warm up myself but maybe that was just me, but from what was the best version of 'Tuesday Morning' I've ever heard onwards it was just storming. 'Sunnyside' was awesome, 'Rainy Night' was awesome, the list goes on. I obviously hadn't studied the setlists from previous nights closely enough coz 'London Girl' came as a real surprise. Thought the brass section were great too and really added something. And Phil's funky spatz and even funkier dancing! And James's poor bloody knees!!! You were approximately 29.59 minutes late on tho, not that anyone gave a fuck! Agree the crowd were totally up for it, and the sheer childish joy of listening to 'Fairytale of New York' and then walking out into the snow was wonderful! Cheers boys, you've made it a classic Christmas already.

[RICHB]

I actually think that tops the manchester GMEX gig of a few years ago. Spot on show followed by a winter wonderland when we got out. Hopefully get to the New York and it will make my Pogues life complete

[Kilmichael]

I actually think that tops the manchester GMEX gig of a few years ago. Spot on show followed by a winter wonderland when we got out. Hopefully get to the New York and it will make my Pogues life complete

Rich, if you mean the gig with Cait I agree, that was awesome but last night topped even that. Waltzing Matilda sent shivers down the spine - it took my mate Nice Tony 5 hours to get back to Blackpool but he reckons it was worth if for that one song.

[RICHB]

I actually think that tops the manchester GMEX gig of a few years ago. Spot on show followed by a winter wonderland when we got out. Hopefully get to the New York and it will make my Pogues life complete

Rich, if you mean the gig with Cait I agree, that was awesome but last night topped even that. Waltzing Matilda sent shivers down the spine - it took my mate Nice Tony 5 hours to get back to Blackpool but he reckons it was worth if for that one song.

Dont think it was the Cait one (although that was a good night too). The were Billy Bragg opened. I think Philip was missing as I think Shane sang Thousands that night

[mctoon]

Dont think it was the Cait one (although that was a good night too). The were Billy Bragg opened. I think Philip was missing as I think Shane sang Thousands that night

I remember that gig, Shane had the lyrics on a piece of paper for 1000s, and he dedicated the song to Mr C, an awesome night as i recall, great venue

[RICHB]

Ps at any point if the band want to announce it was all a big joke and its not the farewell tour I for one wont be the slightest bit offended. You are the best band on the planet. I cant understand why you dont have global dominance in the music world I really cant

[RoddyRuddy]

Thank you to all for a great show last night , band crew etc.

[Mickeyjoe]

I felt i had to come on to post after that show last night;absolutely phenomenal. I have seen some brilliant shows on the 'reunion' tours (Dublin 01,G-mex 07 to name a couple)but i genuinely feel last night topped the lot. There seemed to be a real anticipation about the whole thing and the entire crowd seemed bang up for it from the word go. Everything fell into place,and,watching Shane smash everything he did,i cannot help but feel that the 2nd night in Dublin has benefitted the rest of the tour. I just loved every minute but special praise for a goosebump-inducing 'Matilda' and the tune we all seem to take for granted a wee bit these days,A fairytale of new york. Just beautiful.

I agree in the main that while the boys are taking great venues like the apollo to the cleaners with performances like last night,then long,long may it continue. If that does turn out to be the final time i see them,to be brutally honest,a small part of me would be just fine with it;a perfect send off.

I spoke with my brother in Dubai today,he too a massive fan. I touched briefly on the subject in another thread regarding seating at Pogues venues....My brother saw a gig at the apollo in the 80's and for some reason it was all seating. Unsurprisingly,the seats got ripped to hell and it turned into a standing gig!! He has always held it over me as a badge of honour. However,as i told him very proudly this morning..he may have seen the seats being removed,but i was there the night they took the roof off the f***er!!!!!

Thankyou The Pogues...and not just for last night.

[maureen]

Beautifully said, Mickeyjoe !

[RoddyRuddy]

The above story reminds me of the day I saw the Alarm at the Apollo mid 80"s when it was all seated.The sad youth that I was rushed down the front only to be met with a monkey mans outstretched arm that sent me to the floor .I jumped up and punched him to the ground . Some one much wiser than myself pulled me back a few stalls and gave me a look to just calm down . The bouncer jumped up to his feet unsure as to what had just happened .Then walked away to side and left everyone else to go down the front.
If you are that bouncer then I send you the up most apologises.

[RoddyRuddy]

Or indeed if you are that few stalls back man , thank you.

[RoddyRuddy]

Waltzing Matilda live by The Pogues just hits you .