Chicago March 5th-6th 2007 - impressions, reviews, pics

[Gelco1]

I can't believe the Pogues played this dump. The sound was brutal I saw the Pogues in Vegas both nights, and the sound was superior to the Congress.

Also, I think they would sell a bunch more tickets if they played a decent sounding club in a decent neighborhood.

This band is was too talented to play in a place like the Congress.

[KathleenwithaK]

I can't believe the Pogues played this dump. The sound was brutal I saw the Pogues in Vegas both nights, and the sound was superior to the Congress.

Also, I think they would sell a bunch more tickets if they played a decent sounding club in a decent neighborhood.

This band is was too talented to play in a place like the Congress.

I totally disagree. I saw all the shows you refer to and have the opposite opinion. The House of Blues (each one i've been in) is a corporate machine. The Congress had some soul, some spirit and certainly some history oozing from its decrepit walls. I don't need a wiped down, spic and span place to see The Pogues. I also thought the sound was better than Las Vegas, where were you standing?

[Guest]

Awesome show last night! The band sounded great and Shane appeared to be in good shape.

Two comments though, who picks the opening acts? No offense, but Girl in a Coma or whatever their name was did not belong on that stage. Total amateur hour. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate anyone that can get on a stage a perform in front of thousands and applaud their effort but they are not ready for prime time.

Secondly, the merchandise table was a mess with no T-shirts ready for sale until almost 3/4 the way through the show.

Regardless, the wife and I had a great time. We drank a lot, danced a lot, and sang a lot.

That band girl in a coma where great! There actually signed to Joan Jetts label blackheart and have worked wih boz boorer of morrissey, frank black of the pixies and more. Spider is a fan of theirs... so he invited them to the show.

[Gelco1]

I was standing in front of the stage. My main complaint with the Congress was the poor sound.. I could care less if the place is clean as long as the sound is good.

The sound sucked. Maybe NY will be better.

[KathleenwithaK]

I was standing in front of the stage. My main complaint with the Congress was the poor sound.. I could care less if the place is clean as long as the sound is good.

The sound sucked. Maybe NY will be better.

Gotcha, I moved around a bit (no, not stupidly fake step dancing) and found the sound quite good in several locations. My favorite being the balcony up on Philip's side.

[Frances]

(no, not stupidly fake step dancing)

subtle.

[DaveR]

Joining in for the first time here. I saw my first Pogues show Friday at the Avalon in Boston. It was incredible. Too good for words. I honestly could not believe how good everyone sounded, and how on the music was. What a great time. I loved that Kitty, the Auld Triangle, White City, and especially Poor Paddy were in the repetoire. I spent most of the concert up front with my wife, and it was just thrilling to see that greatest band playing live right there before me. My wife's a new convert to the Pogues, but she's hooked now.
Philip, I thought you were perfect on Thousands Are Sailing. It is such a great song. I think it should be played at the Irish Famine Memorial down on School St. in Boston.
One question, does anyone have the full set list for the March 9 show?
Thanks for answering my question about why Fairytale was left out. It's OK, though, the other songs more than make up for it. I hope you guys come back to the East Coast again next year, I can't wait to do this again!

[Cdn Steve]

(no, not stupidly fake step dancing)

subtle.

-that was far too subtle for me, though. What the hell are you on about?

[Frances]

What the hell are you on about?

Why concern yourself with something you don't understand, huh?

[Cdn Steve]

What the hell are you on about?

Why concern yourself with something you don't understand, huh?

...but i WANT to understand, really...I'm just confused did I step(dance) into something?

[miked]

I have waited to cool down a bit to post regarding my 2nd night at the Congress - I had the same 8 foot 400 pound man mentioned before push me around on Tuesday - it was a bit upsetting...however - I did turn to him and shake his hand and introduce myself while he was bashing into me - this seemed to make him cool off and realize that I am here for the music and not to get into a fight. This was my only complaint for the entire evening - my take is that I am always going to run into a couple of people who don't appreciate the music - it was a shame that he wanted to start a fight...I am just glad that he took my friendly demeanor as a sign to cool down and not be such a jerk - he actually started listing to the music for one minute and then ran away - I just hope he didn't do the same with someone else...btw - I loved the venue and could not imagine a better place to see the band - the Vic, Riv, Park West, ect would never be able to accommodate this crowd...

One more thing - thank you so much to all that met up with me and my friends before the show - it was so amazing, and makes me realize how important this message board is...

[Zuzana]

More nice photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/canderson

[O'Brian]

Whoa, I was just about to post a link to my photos, but someone did it already!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wandering- ... 4574569449

Pics aren't great, at least compared to some of the others. Camera doesn't have much of a zoom and I was getting bumped a lot.

[Clash Cadillac]

I sense some irony between your handle and residence.
Are you "Arms Aloft" in Aberdeen?

Strummer rules...

The only arms aloft here in Aberdeen, South Dakota are used for hunting with pheasant being the most popular game bird. That is why I choose to raise my family here in this safe cultural void until my girls go off to college when my wife and I can move to a city with live music, theater, art museums and gourmet food... really not much thought in selecting my handle. I am a Clash/Mescaleros fan and I never get tired of hearing "Brand New Cadillac" performed by either band and the handle just popped in my head.

Just revisted Streetcore and realized the "irony" you mentioned. Your original post did not "click" in my head at the time. Can I blame it on old age, past drug use or both?

[territa]

Can I blame it on old age, past drug use or both?

Old age?! I'm taking that personally 'cause my guess is we're from the same era. Or I'm older. But I'd blame it on the high that is the post-Pogues concert euphoria.