March 5 & 6 2008: Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL

[Grievous Angel]

The ringing in my ears won't let me get to sleep just yet, so I may as well write a few lines about the concert.

Hands down, one of the best shows I've ever been to. The band sounded great, and Shane's vocals sounded much, much better than when I saw him with the Popes about 7-8 years ago. There was a flubbed line or two here and there, but nothing that set the band into panic mode or anything. Or if it did, they're such pros that I didn't notice it. He was really animated and talkative, which I also don't remember from the last show. It's nice to see and hear him doing to well.

The Pogues got on stage about a half hour late, which led to an impatient crowd. But when the lights dimmed and the boys came on stage, nobody cared. And it was a heart-warming moment seeing Phil Chevron come onstage, guitar in hand. That actually made my whole night. The show minus Phil would have still been great, but seeing the whole band and hearing Phil perform "Thousands Are Sailing" flawlessly... now I can say I've officially seen The Pogues In Concert.

I didn't do a setlist, but I think all the old favorites were well represented. "Love You Till the End" got dusted off, so Spider gets to show off his vocals on two tender love songs now. And I knew that he bangs the beer tray over his head in "Fiesta", but I thought it was just a couple times here and there. No, he's pretty much constantly bashing himself in the head. I winced a couple of times, at least.

This was my first Pogues show, and I wasn't sure quite what to expect. But I can finally understand what the fuss is all about. This is why fans make these shows a yearly tradition and fly hundreds of miles to attend them. Just a wonderful show all the way around. Phil, James, Spider, anyone else who reads this: thank you so much for coming to Chicago.

[firehazard]

... it was a heart-warming moment seeing Phil Chevron come onstage, guitar in hand. That actually made my whole night. The show minus Phil would have still been great, but seeing the whole band and hearing Phil perform "Thousands Are Sailing" flawlessly...

And that's the best news I've heard in ages. Excellent, Mr C.
Thanks for the report, GA.

[Frame]

That is awesome that Phil came back for 1000's. It was cool that Shane sang it during Christmas, but Philip has so much an optimistic tone to the tune. Going to all the New York Shows if weather permits this year. and Phil, if you read this, took my girlfriend to see the Lt of Inishmore in Houston last month and we were both very pleased.

[MJ1]

Great that Phil has made it back, fantastic news, really glad to hear that today!

[SkaPunkAndOtherJunk]

They played 'Love You Till the End?' Sweet!

[philofbelloni]

The Chicago Sun-Times music review stated the band opened with "Bright Lights." I think the reviewer confused this with another tune.
No mention of FTONY. The reviewer had to leave midway through the show to make deadline. Less than flattering review.

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/828785,CST-FTR-pogues06.article

Thanks,
Phil

[9daydrunk]

1 day to the POGUES!!!!!!!!

Slow goin' @ first, band was late, really late, BUT it's the Pogues, so they get a pass...I must say the show was a bit flat. Last years' Congress Theater show rocked compared to this one. I also think many fans got tired of waiting (aobut an hour and a half for the Pogues to come on) and by the end of the show were pretty pizzed off. In fact, nobody wanted to yell too hard, or work too hard for an encore, which the band most gracefully supplied.

So how pissed off am I about it? NOT AT ALL!! I feel lucky as hell to see my all time favorite band in the flesh!!! Something I never thought would happen beyond 1990...anyway I'll be back tonight @ the Riv to see the boys again. I have a sneaking suspicion thonight will be absolutely AWESOME though!!

[O'Loingseachan]

Shane was clearly having a grand old time last night; it was good to see him and the Pogues at the top of their game. Shane's screams in If I Should Fall From Grace With God were bloodcurdling...it was awesome. He also had a cool hat.

[guest]

hi! Kinda new here....i am going to the Philly show....can anyone who went last night tell me if they do Fairytale, Lullabye of LOndon and Rainy Night in Soho? Thanks so much for your replies..I am 16 years old, my name is Natalie and it will be my first time seeing them. Please be nice! I cant wait!!

[philipchevron]

hi! Kinda new here....i am going to the Philly show....can anyone who went last night tell me if they do Fairytale, Lullabye of LOndon and Rainy Night in Soho? Thanks so much for your replies..I am 16 years old, my name is Natalie and it will be my first time seeing them. Please be nice! I cant wait!!

Hi Natalie

"Rainy Night In Soho" is currently in the show, the other two are not. Hope you enjoy the Philly show.

Best regards

Philip Chevron

[philipchevron]

fans got tired of waiting (aobut an hour and a half for the Pogues to come on) and by the end of the show were pretty pizzed off.

In the interests of record, we were very late, and apologized accordingly. It is not so unusual for this to happen on opening night, but all the same, it shouldn't. However, we were NOT "an hour and a half" late. We came onstage exactly 35 minutes later than scheduled.

[Clash Cadillac]

Shane was clearly having a grand old time last night; it was good to see him and the Pogues at the top of their game. Shane's screams in If I Should Fall From Grace With God were bloodcurdling...it was awesome. He also had a cool hat.

I just got goosebumps reading this. Thanks.

Philip, how was the experience of last nights show for you?

[philipchevron]

Shane was clearly having a grand old time last night; it was good to see him and the Pogues at the top of their game. Shane's screams in If I Should Fall From Grace With God were bloodcurdling...it was awesome. He also had a cool hat.

I just got goosebumps reading this. Thanks.

Philip, how was the experience of last nights show for you?

It was good to be back.

[Clash Cadillac]

Shane was clearly having a grand old time last night; it was good to see him and the Pogues at the top of their game. Shane's screams in If I Should Fall From Grace With God were bloodcurdling...it was awesome. He also had a cool hat.

I just got goosebumps reading this. Thanks.

Philip, how was the experience of last nights show for you?

It was good to be back.

I bet it was. We can't wait for the Boston shows. Did you have a chance to watch Ike Reilly and if so what did you think?

[philipchevron]

Shane was clearly having a grand old time last night; it was good to see him and the Pogues at the top of their game. Shane's screams in If I Should Fall From Grace With God were bloodcurdling...it was awesome. He also had a cool hat.

I just got goosebumps reading this. Thanks.

Philip, how was the experience of last nights show for you?

It was good to be back.

I bet it was. We can't wait for the Boston shows. Did you have a chance to watch Ike Reilly and if so what did you think?

I am in "Elvis has left the building" mode at the moment. The imperatives of the post-cancer rest/recuperate regime mean I get to the theatre, do my job and leave the theatre. I heard good reports about Mr Reilly.