Brixton 17th December 2006

[firehazard]

Wow. For once in my life I am lost for words. (Make the most of it, people...)

But let's just try. Last night at Brixton was just brilliant. That was The Pogues at their fantastic best, a band on tip-top form, as good as I've ever seen them. Shane, once his voice had warmed up, sang beautifully.

The band did what they do best: it was exhilarating, exciting, invigorating, life-affirming stuff. Made you realise that despite whatever pain and sorrow, life is worth living.

We sang and we danced and we punched the air. And we were (relatively) sober too.

Thanks to everybody who made it happen. Special thanks to Mr C for what you did for us last night. The smiles on the faces of my party showed how much it meant.

Thanks too to David for getting us there again. No thanks at all to the idiot who threatened the whole event by throwing beer over the mixing desk. As my old dad would have said, "If you can't hold your drink [literally in this case], it's better not to drink at all." You deserve your arse kicked. But it didn't ruin a wonderful night.

[SkaPunkAndOtherJunk]

i like to thank mr c as well for helping me out!

i thought "thousands.." was one of the best songs played that night. the other notable songs for me were: kitty, sunny side of the street, lullaby of london, sally mac, dirty old town and of course fairytale.

did anyone else think the drums and bass were extremely louder than the other instruments? maybe it was the side i was standing on, but thats what it sounded like to me. hopefully there won't be people throwing beer on the mixer for the other gigs.

[fogofogo]

It sounds great! I'm going on tuesday and I can't wait for it.

Are there any support acts playing?

Cheers

[SkaPunkAndOtherJunk]

Larrikin Love opened up the show. 2 songs I knew and liked, the rest I wasn't a fan of. but that's just me.

here's a shot of Shane I got last night (probably my best shot of the night too):

[Argie]

It was a magic night, it was my first Pogues gig ever!

Loved every minute, Thousands are Sailing was my favourite, and I almost cried with Rainy night in Soho!

Thanks for a magic evening!

[dublinrambler]

great shot! looking forward to tomorrows gig!

[Cornish Andy]

The sound was certainly buggered for many of the first few songs, so cheers to the knob who chucked the beer over the mixing desk. Loved Jem's comment: "Are you so rich you can afford to throw your beer at us? Tosser!".

There were some idiots in the audience last night too. 3 fist fights in my area of the mosh pit, something I've never seen in 15 odd years at a Pogues gig. Save yourself 30 quid and have a fight outside if that's your idea of a night out. You don't belong.

But many thanks to the band who, as usual of late, were at the very top of their game. Shane was great. And Phil, I think last night's Thousands Are Sailing was the very best, most passionate rendition I have ever heard. You made my night with that one.

How wonderful it was to hear Kitty and The Auld Triangle live. Both done brilliantly.

Same time next year then...Merry Christmas all.

[Guest]

what was wrong with brixton lighting - stage dimly lit - could hardly see the band - what a disappointment

[guest]

also no straight to hell intro, no backdrop, poor sound for a while 11... still the best band in the world, pity about all those problems ...

[MacRua]

The Pogues Play Brixton Academy (11 pics of Shane mostly)

[SkaPunkAndOtherJunk]

i think the reason why there was no intro was because of the 'tosser' who threw the beer on the mixer. it delayed the show and would have taken longer for the band to get on stage. plus it might cause some problems with people getting to the tube on time since the show was already delayed.

the lighting has always been low for the pogues gigs i've been at. but that's because the band probably wants it that way.

[Guest]

The gig was amazing as ever, but the sound was rather naff! There was a serious lack of clarity in sound resulting in only the drum and bass being heard.

The best song of the night was 'Thousands' such an emotive great song.... Well done Phil.

Like someone else mentioned, there was a bit of trouble in the audience...greatly achieved with the use of drugs, which was very prevalent where I was. Such a shame really as If the music cannot get you high, then dont go to a Pogues gig.

See you next Year and thanks for a great night!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kilkenny Cat]

I thought last night was up there with the best of the reunion gigs. I was down at the front for the whole gig on the right hand side and the atmosphere was really good. Much better than last year. Didn't see any trouble and all good natured.

Thre only downer was the tosser who thre beer over the mixing desk which held up proceedings. Didn't think much of the DJ either. I thought with the half hour wait he could have played a few songs to get the crowd worked up. London Calling anyone !

I agree with the others above. Thousands are Sailing was great. Phil put so much passion into the performance. I only managed to film one song all night and I'm glad it was this one !

I've just put it up on YouTube so enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncUWCzzxJ5Y

[Eric V]

I've just put it up on YouTube so enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncUWCzzxJ5Y

Thanks! Loved it.

[Bud Byrne]

Thanks Kilkenny Cat. Looking forward to Thursday Night more and more.