The Pogues - Hit the Harbourside!!!

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Irish legends get all eyes smiling

The Irish Punk Folk legends arrive in Bristol amongst rumours that this is last ever tour, you can see why that maybe the case they are getting older and the strains of excess are evident from the moment that Shane MacGowan takes the stage. Actually more accurately it is not just the strains of a lifetime of excess but that evening excess, basically as we have maybe come to expect he is very very drunk. But somehow he has managed to perform in that state for a number of years and tonight is no different breaking into, perhaps fittingly, ‘Streams of Whiskey’ as the opening number.

It was a great setting for a gig too, right by the river next to the large Lloyds building, a few members of staff had even stayed behind to watch from their desk. Even the first rain in a few weeks was not going to dampen the spirits of the small but enthusiastic crowds. If the Bristol Summer Series keep getting the big names in I can only see the crowds growing, not sure what they can do about the rain though.  It was always going to be a greatest hit set and ‘Girl with brown Eyes’ was causing the next sing along of the evening.

Possibly due to, erm, health issues Shane MacGowan left the stage every few songs, it was a shame to see such a songwriter and performer not looking well, along with the obvious excess of that night his whole demeanour was of somebody who was not at their peak. The rest of the band, as is he, are a talented bunch and keep it all together with a real blend of traditional Irish sounds. Still showing they have the political edge from their heyday there was a brief nod to Gerry Conlon from the stage by Shane at one point. This led into another sing along with ‘Dirty old Town’ getting a great reception.

‘Irish Rover’ was yet another that the whole crowd seemed to know and the whole set finished on the Spanish themed ‘Fiesta’. This last tune had literally the whole crowd dancing in appreciation of a great set, with the brass section doing their own dance across the stage and Spider Stacey doing his traditional head butting a beer tray across his head. Then they disappeared into the night, perhaps for another celebration drink of a wonderful evening with great tunes. If it does end up being one of their last gigs the crowd certainly were privileged to be part of the final chapter of a classic band.

Review by Jon Cooper and Images by Steve Owen (www.icarusphotography.co.uk)

Check Out! the Video for 'Dirty old Town' Below...