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| INCREDIBLE SHANE |
| Special thanks to reporters and the best regards to all Shane's fans all over the world |
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| This section contains the latest rumours, news, gossip, reviews I find rummaging about Pogues/Popes/music sites/messageboards/guestbooks and is dedicated to |
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| HOW I CAME TO LOVE THEM fans' love stories |
| According to The New Official Site Site Of Shane MacGowan (the most official one?) Shane's Doctors had advised him to rest completely for at least 3 -4 weeks, without working at all. Due to the above, his planned shows in Holland on 20th and 21st May, plus his gig in Spain on 22nd May HAVE NOW BEEN CANCELLED.. Shane hopes to reschedule dates for the near future. He also wanted to let us know that he has every intention of continuing to play live, and is excited about future projects including producing a new Swedish Pop band, The completion and opening of the film THE LIBERTINE, that he shot in March, with JONNY DEPP and JOHN MALKOVITCH, and is in discussion with a TV company about a new music show for Channel 4. DETAILS >>> 10.05.2004 Surprise !! :)) Well I think most of you have heard about Shane's passport photos put up on sale (Nobby3 offered them 30 Apr at official forum: "A close friend of mine who has an extensive collection of Shane/Pogues related memorabilia is thinking of selling a few of his rarities. Among the items he has up for grabs are Shane’s last three original Passport photos!! I kid you not. As you are probably aware, when you apply for a passport you submit two photos, one for the passport and the other to remain on the file. Don’t ask me how, but he has managed to get his hands on the file photo’s. (shane has had a lot of passports over the years, no doubt his manager kept losing them) . These photos are 100% genuine, that I can guarantee. Shane has signed the back of at least one of them.") The deal has been made by now as far as I know, but... Nobby generously gives us (true connoisseurs) a copy of the photos. Thanks, Nobby !! Just a month till RESPECT 2004 ETHNIC FESTIVAL (Prague, Czech Republic). MAP 05.05.2004 Balazs (forum @ Shane's official site) : Shane performed in Budapest indeed! The concert was great, as we could expect. Thanks for that great night (I mean 40 minutes )! Some pics about yesterday's concert: http://web.axelero.hu/matei/shane 28.04.2004 Concert Photos (first of all - 18 December 2003- Shefflins, Waterford) "THE INCIDENT" Shane was attacked in the toilets at The Joiners Arms in Soho Pogues singer Shane MacGowan injured in brawl The 46-year-old was assaulted at the Joiner`s Arms in Belgravia at around 6.30pm on Monday. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ``Officers found a man in his 40s had been assaulted by two men. He had received facial injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital. ``The motive remains unknown. No property was taken from the victim.`` Two men aged 20 and 21 were held for questioning. They were later released and will answer police bail later this month. The pub manager called the emergency services after the brawl broke out, according to Spirit Group which owns the Joiner`s Arms. A spokesman for St Thomas` Hospital said MacGowan was admitted on Monday night but left the hospital before receiving any treatment. He said: ``The patient came in, registered and left before he was actually seen. He didn`t receive any treatment and we don`t know the extent of his injuries.`` ATTACK ON POGUES FRONTMAN The Mirror 21Apr 2004 By Tom Parry SINGER Shane MacGowan has been beaten up in a pub, it was revealed last night. The Pogues frontman was left with serious injuries to his face. He was hit with a metal bar, kicked and punched. One of the pub's regulars said: "It was a totally unprovoked attack. "He was just having a quiet drink with his mates - and had even been chatting to one of the blokes who jumped on him." MORE (pic) >>> Singer in pub brawl By SUN ONLINE REPORTER A PUB brawl put ex-Pogues singer Shane MacGowan in hospital with facial injuries. The 46-year-old was hurt at the Joiner's Arms in London's Belgravia at around 6.30pm on Monday. A Scotland Yard spokesman said Shane had been assaulted by two men. "The motive remains unknown. No property was taken from the victim," he added. Two men aged 20 and 21 were held for questioning then released. They will answer police bail later this month. A spokesman for St Thomas' Hospital said the singer was admitted on Monday night but left before receiving any treatment. MORE (pic) >>> Even fewer teeth short of a mouthful, but is Shane MacGowan growing up? Sunday Independent, 25 Apr 2004 Victoria Mary Clarke A COUPLE of days ago, I got an alarming phone call. "Something's happened to Shane," the caller said. "But I'm not allowed to tell you what it is. He'll be calling you himself to tell you." Shane MacGowan, the person being referred to, is not a person who leads a quiet life and therefore the fact that something was up wasn't unusual. What was unusual was the mysteriousness of whatever was up. What could possibly have happened to warrant this level of secrecy? Had Shane been kidnapped? I lived with Shane for most of my adult life, so I was accustomed to strange goings on, but I got worried and insisted he speak to me immediately. A few moments later, Shane came on the phone sounding slightly sheepish. Plans for a trip that we had been making were being postponed, he announced, because of an "Incident". An "Incident"? I asked. What kind of an "Incident"? Shane had, he confessed, been set upon in a bar in Belgravia, a nice part of London. The man had followed him to the toilet and for no apparent reason had severely beaten him with what he described as a "bit of scaffolding". Shane suffered a fractured cheek and is nursing a black eye. Which will be all right, he assured me, because he can wear shades. For most people, the idea of a loved one being attacked and beaten up is a shocking thing and quite upsetting. And indeed, it was upsetting for Shane to have been hurt. But there was a time in the history of our relationship when Shane was more often than not causing the trouble; a time when I regularly saw him get involved in physical fights. Shane used to boast about the fact that he never backed down, no matter what they did to him. He wore what he wanted to wear, said what he felt like saying and didn't take shit from anyone. Shane hasn't changed on any of those counts, but something has changed. He wasn't happy about being beaten up. But he wasn't angry, either. He wasn't looking for revenge. He was simply bemused. After all, what had he done to these guys? Absolutely nothing. In the old days, that wouldn't have mattered. He would have been looking for an excuse for aggression. A way to get a few more teeth kicked in. Sadly, he's just lost two more teeth, which doesn't leave him with many. And he will need an operation to repair his cheekbone. But he does seem to have grown up a bit. Even punks have to do it. MORE (subscription) >>> Republic of Loose at Madame Jojo's Telegraph, 10 Apr 2004 Lessons have clearly been learnt from their last London gig at The Water Rats when ex-Pogue Shane MacGowan was allowed on to the stage only to repeat the same vocal line for seven minutes straight. MacGowan is here to support the Dublin boys once again, but on this occasion his portly frame is enthroned at the back of the venue from which position he receives occasional admirers. MORE >>> THE LIBERTINE Special Thanks: Christine (FoS mailing list) Depp's A Pal Sunday Mirror, 4 April, 2004 Step forward the man who has helped save the former Pogues singer Shane MacGowan from destruction-Hollywood star Johnny Depp. The pair are so close Johnny 40, wanted Shane, once arrested for possessing heroin, to appear in his blockbuster The Libertines. So legendary wildman Shane, 46, shot his scenes as a 16th Century bard at Hampton Court, West London, last week alongside John Malkovich. I am also told Depp, who has clubs in LA and Paris wants to open one in London. MACGOWAN TO NEW DEPP'S 6 April 2004 The Pogues' hard-wearing frontman Shane MacGowan has a real friend in Johnny Depp. The Hollywood actor apparently thinks it's important to keen the recovering heroin addict busy, so has awarded him a role in his new film, The Libertine. MORE >>> Daily Mirror, 6 April 2004 The singer (Shane MacGowan) has also been reunited with his movie star friend Johnny Depp with a walk-on part in his new film The Libertine. He said: "It's just one scene where I'm playing a ballad singer. It's set in the 17th century, but it's not like Pirates of the Caribbean. It's got lots of blood and guts and intrigue after Cromwell's death. "We made a film and had a good time. If I started worrying about public image, then music is no longer the primary interest so I've never worried about it." THE SHAME OLD SHANE Sunday Mirror, 11 Apr 2004 EX-Pogues star Shane MacGowan may be hanging out with Johnny Depp, but even the film star can't mend his wild ways. Shane, 46, worse for wear at a Kensington party, told a brunette: "People think my teeth were smashed through fighting - but it was from too much alcohol. Sugar rotted them away." Sort it out Shane! Toothless with Depp in the 1660s Irish Independent, April 18th 2004 SHANE MacGowan is acting up. Again. The great bacchanalian street-poet of Irish popular culture is to hit the silver screen next year. And I don't mean with a pint glass of brandy either. Shane's best friend Johnny Depp has asked him to play the part of a rowdy balladeer in Liberty, a movie about Lord Rochester, the half-brother of King Charles II. "It is a new film in which Johnny is not a pirate," laughed Shane from the set in London where he filmed his scenes last week. "Pirates of the Caribbean wasn't really my scene but this is a swashbuckling movie with blood, guts and intrigue set in scuzzville 1660s Moll Flanders-London." In one scene, Shane makes up a song to ridicule the king (played by John Malkovich). The former Pogues icon liked his costume so much that he asked Depp could he keep it. "So I've now got a big puffy pair of black velvet pantaloons." In return for the trousers, Shane is going to let Depp play guitar on his new album, out later in the year. I can hardly wait for the world tour. Expect the hellraisin' partnership to announce some future night in Toronto: "We saw a notice that said 'Drink Canada Dry' and we've just started . . ." THE ROAD TO PARADISE a tribute to Jimmy "Jinky" Johnstone CELTIC HERO JINKY WINGS HIS WAY TO A NO.1 HIT 4 Apr 2004 Billy Sloan The Lisbon Lion who is battling motor neurone disease duets with Jim Kerr of Simple Minds on a brilliant cover of the classic Ewan MacColl song. It's taken from the soundtrack of Lord Of The Wing, a new DVD about Jinky's career. The single also features On The Road To Paradise by former Pogues' frontman Shane MacGowan. And the DVD's title track is by Scots songwriter John McLaughlin. MORE >>> JOHNNY DEPP STARS IN VIDEO FOR CELTS IDOL The Mirror, 20 April 2004 Hollywood megastar Johnny Depp is to star in a fundraising music video for Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone's favourite charity. The screen hunk was desperate to help pal Shane MacGowan in his bid to help beat motor neurone disease. Pogues singer Shane and folk musician Phil Ferns have written a new single - On The Road To Paradise - for Lisbon Lion Jinky, who has battled against the illness since 2002. MacGowan persuaded Depp to lend a hand while the pair were filming period drama The Libertine in Gloucestershire. Now the movie idol - star of Blow, Donnie Brasco and What's Eating Gilbert Grape - is to appear with Shane and Phil in the promo for the song. Phil said yesterday: "Johnny Depp is set to be in the video to go with the song. "He and Shane MacGowan have become good pals since they started filming together. "So it wasn't too hard to get him to help out. "The song is fantastic - there's already a huge buzz around it and it's been getting heavy rotation on the Radio 2 playlist. "Jinky loves it and he thinks it will make a lot of money for charity." Hoops fan Phil, who co-wrote the Celtic song Best Days of Our Lives with Westlife songwriter John McLaughlin, said Depp was great to work with. He added: "Jinky's a total legend so if there's anything we can do to help him, we will." The Rolling Stones' horn section also play on the northern soul-style track, which is in the shops on May 3. And the double A-side features Jinky himself in a duet with former Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr, covering the Ewan MacColl classic, Dirty Old Town. All profits from the single will go towards the Jimmy Johnstone Motor Neurone Disease Tribute Fund. MND is a disease of the nervous system which kills five people a day in the UK. There is no known cause or cure Inspite of injuries Shane showed up in Glasgow last Saturday (24 Apr 2004). It was a premiere of new documentary of Jinky Johnstone. Shane:"It is an absolute privilege to spend the evening with Jimmy Johnstone" 14.04.2004 Shane MacGowan and The Popes The Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton 18/03/04 Reviewed by Jenny Jones Oh What A Night! Never mind the usual "Kick Up The 80's" rubbish - Shane MacGowan is really back! I'd heard good reports from the last tour when he came to Birmingham - and I was not disappointed. MORE >>> Shane MacGowan & The Popes: The Boys from County Hell! By Chris Polson 19/04/2001 Rumors are ugly things. They are rarely ever true, but they spread faster than fads or the common cold. This theory was tested in line outside The Catalyst last Thursday as comments about Shane MacGowan's health were passed along from person to person. Was he really sick? Did he require a doctor's care? Was he even here at all? Behind all these worries lay the true question every ticket-holder was thinking. Will the show go on? The Popes will carry on with the performance, with or without MacGowan, won't they? MORE >>> Shane MacGowan -- Turns the Showbox into Irish Pub Brian Stephens, The Daily University of Washington, 01/07/1998 Shane MacGowan has always represented something of an enigma; that of the drunk Irish poet. When MacGowan and his new band the Popes took the stage on Thursday night, the Showbox was transformed into a gigantic Irish Pub. MacGowan sauntered on-stage pissed, with fag in hand. Unprovoked, he carelessly flipped his cigarette at the accordion player. He then greeted the packed house in a drunken drawl and the band immediately launched into the Pogues standard, "If I Should Fall From Grace with God." MORE >>> AND A COUPLE OF PICS 09.04.2004 Shane MacGowan and the Popes @ the Barrowlands. Gabriel Rohonyi 01 Mar 2004 With no teeth and seemingly very little notion of what was actually going on, the legendary Shane McGowan showed up on stage some 2 hours later then scheduled. A big crowd (although not a full house) cheered as the Paddy Rolling Stone made his appearance, with a pint of lager on one hand, a fag on the other and a mouthful of mumbled swearwords, and occasionally a bit of melody. MORE >>> NICE PEGS, SHANE ABOUT THE FACE Post-Punk musical poet Shane MacGowan's been slurring out a few songs again. Belfast Limelight 15th March 2004 It's just before 1 O'clock on the 15th March. We're in the Limelight on Belfast's Ormeau Avenue and Shane MacGowan is in the building - apparently. It's a very full house tonight and most of the crowd have been waiting for the best part of two hours to see the main act, but the humour is good. It's two days before St Patricks Day you see, and the ceIebrations have started already. MORE >>> Shane McGowan Live at The Gaelic Club Sydney (pics) Shane McGowan and the Popes 22nd April 2003 Shane MacGowan & The Popes. Images of 2003 East Coast Blues & Roots Festival AND MORE PICKS 07.04.2004 "Paddy Rolling Stone" Interview with Shane from Record Collector January 2004 At first dismisses by the Irish rock'n'roll establishment as a walking clich? - an embarrasing drunken Paddy - Shane MacGowan has become one of the most loved and respected artists on the planet. Having already achieved cult status as frontman of the Nipple Erectors in the late 70s, he tumed to his own cultural backyard for inspiration and formed the Pogues with longtime drinking partner Spider Stacy. Inspired by life amid London's seething under-belly, MacGowan fused the ethos of punk with traditional Irish music, carrying off material that no one else could touch. Who else could sing about a struggling rent boy relieving old men at a fiver a pop and make it sound genuine? MORE >>> 'I'm clean as a whistle' says drug-free Shane Evening Herald, April 6, 2004 (scanned page, 349Kb) 05.04.2004 The Jools Holland And Friends show Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, 01 Apt, 2004 A Tale: "Shock of the night though, was the appearance of The Pogues lead singer Shane McGowan. A lesson on the effects of alcohol abuse, he stumbled onstage to face a shocked, silent audience... throwing an ashtray and a pint glass down onto Jools' piano, dressed in a very shabby buccaneers outfit, which did nothing to mask his bloated appearance, he actually sang pretty well, accompanied by Sam Brown. As a final florish, as he left the stage he told a cameraman where to go!" originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site by BigTom A Pic 1 A Pic 2 originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site "This Week" BBC 1, 01 Apr 2004 Shane can make an impression... - Anyone see Shane McGowan on This Week, BBC1 last night? Meant to be on to discuss the new smoking ban in public places in Ireland with Michael Portillo, Diane Abbott and Janet Street-Porter (political types Ray). He'd come straight from a gig, and was smoking and drinking in the studio. He was wearing a white shirt, but his face was (absolutely seriously) even more white. He was completely rolling drunk and utterly incomprehensible. Every time he said something, it was just a load of noise, and the others just looked at him, smiled awkwardly, said "yes, well..." and then made some point or another. Basically, he was totally smashed and looked like he'd been dead for five years. - I thought it was quite funny and lets be honest, Shane probably spoke more sense than your avarage politician they have on such programmes. I especially liked the bit when Janet Street Porter had to keep reitterating that Yes Shane, they are going to enforce this ban! I think he should have chinned Portaloo for patronising him though. Now that would have been good telly. - I couldn't understand a single word he said. how awkward for those 3 but funny to watch. I wonder who thought it was a good idea to invite him on the show? someone who doesn't like Janet SP I guess - He must have just come back from the Teenagers Cancer Trust gig at the Albert Hall last night. It was Jools Holland, his orchestra and friends, supposedly about 5 on the pre-advertising, and 18 guest artists turned up! It was an absolutely amazing gig with the exception of the very sad Shane. He was Absolutely out of it. Incapable. Even the outstanding Sam Brown at the side of the stage couldn't come anywhere near covering for him. http://www.qpr.org/cgi-bin/ns.pl?100&0&1&1&0&0 There was a discussion piece tonight about the ban on smoking in Ireland Who the F+++ invited him ( Shane something from the Pogues ?? ) to appear -hardly strung two words together and those that he did were totally incomprehensible, with his one tooth hanging down . Yeugh !!! :-) Was he the only Irishman they could find in London. Stuart , uk.media.tv.misc Newsgroup I've just been watching "This Week" on BBC One when a rather incoherent Shane McGowan was attempting to discuss this issue with Janet Street Porter, Michael Portillo and Diane Abbott. The jist of his argument was that the new law would ultimately be uninforceable as the overall community was against the legislation. However, I'd be inclined to disagree and believe that the smokers will get used to the idea just like in New York. Re the interview with Shane. In some ways, I felt that it was a shame to expose him in this way on the program. You could detect the barely concealed "smug grins" on the faces of the other participants. John, The Session >> Discussions >> No Smoking in Ireland's Pubs My Night of Shane Janet Street Porter, Independent I never thought I would write this but I am now for ever indebted to Mr Michael "Polly" Portillo....Shane arrived late, wearing a calico maternity smock and stained trousers, clutching a pint glass of what looked like brown milk, and a cigarette. The floor manager was too frightened to tell him smoking was banned and cowered in the corner of the room. When I asked Shane the big question, he looked blankly in the other direction, and made a strangulated moaning, followed by a couple of grunting noises. None the wiser, I brightly decided to decode these jungle utterings. "So you're upset Shane?" More silence and the odd "ooarrgh" type word emerged from the sofa. Polly sensing disaster, sprang into action, explaining patiently to me that Shane obviously thought such legislation would never get off the starting blocks in countries like Spain. Hoorah! At least now the chat was kick started and we could occasionally defer to Shane for a grunt or too. Even the ice maiden Ms Abbott thawed slightly.... Afterwards I had my picture taken with Shane and so did Michael, who seemed to have quite a long conversation with the legendary boozer - but in what langauge I cannot be sure. Forum @ Shane's Official Site I saw she on This week last night after the albert hall gig. He was sobor but looked like shit!!! Michael Portillo had to finish his sentences for Christ's sake!!!! As a long time fan it was painful to watch. You could see he had something to say but somewhere between mind and mouth it just got fucked up. I guess that is why he sings old stuff all the time, he can't write/remember the new stuff. It was so sad I have to admit I cried! originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site "Then, after media MPs’ Michael Portillo and Dianne Abbott have done their chicken entrails stuff on the Hughes resignation, Janet introduced the next item. "And nouow, fresh from the starge at The Awlbert Hawll, let me intradarce Shane MacGowan to tell ars just what he thinks of the bar and restawrant smarking ban in Awrerland… Comfy stupor becomes gobby smacked incredulity. Shane MacGowan! Is this the same Shane MacGowan who was last sober when God was a lad and when we still had an Empire? Am I that pissed? The Pogues bad boy is actually appearing to be on a political magazine programme – being interviewed by JSP. Yep, it's definitely the pointy toothed one all right. The camera zooms in on a sweaty, glazed Shane. He replies to Janet’s first searching question ….. eventually. "WhatIzinkof …..debannnizzzznotveymushhhhh" Michael Portillo and Dianne Abbott, watch attentively. Shane drones on "Oithinkitzzznawtroightzzzzzz ….. weallluvvasmoke…….." You can tell it’s going pear shaped. Mike and Di’ are trying to finish off his sentences – well, they would if they could understand a word he was saying. Janet’s a bit flustered. Fortunately, Shane comes to the rescue with a well timed pregnant pause – or is he asleep? The interview stumbles along, 5 minutes seems like 20, Abbott finds her shoes more interesting to look at. Portillo assumes a fixed stare. The sort of stare that says "Don’t talk to me and I won’t crack up into great fits of laughter"…. You can just imagine Beverley Hughes, sat at home thanking God for Shane and his diversionary words of wisdom….." http://alfredtheok.blogspot.com/ 23.03.2004 OPERA HOUSE Newcastle, UK, 22 Mar 2004 Just got back from Shanes Newcastle gig! As has been posted elswhere the band NEED that bit extra. Two banjo's isn't it, the music is flat without an accordian/decent whistle (Cashman whistling tonight, fucking awful what could be heard) IISFFGWG and Paddy Rolling Stone among a few others, suffered badly without the squeezebox! In general though it was a lot better than I anticipated after reading comments on here. The 2nd banjo player is actually quite good. Tom dissapeared about half way through and the new fella held it together very well (better than Tom in my view--- what happened to him, anyone know?)Where Tom was 'hacking' the tunes out the new guy was quite the opposite and played very well. I enjoyed it in the main and I think not too many would have felt they didn't get value for money, Shane was on top form and sounded very good (considering!) Hope the next time I see him the band are sorted into a more cohesive unit, perhaps it's Shane himself who needs to be making some hard decisions.That band are not good enough! Ajh, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site I was at the Newcastle gig last night and as you may of heard Tommy went off stage mid gig.He was inebriated to the point of being ill and had to walk off the stage leaving Brian Kelly to carry on alone.Kelly did a good job. Immediatley after the gig I was in the dressing room area, and overheard Paul McGuiness and Joe Cashman telling people that "Brian Kelly is our number one banjo player now..." How low can you go? As soon as Tommy's back was turned, they were stabbing him in it. They want him out of the band. Why? Because he confirmed to Shane that Mick O'Connell's post on this site was 100% true.Shane has seen it by the way. Now, they want him sacked.They want him out because he can threaten their little seat of power within the Shane camp. A pair of scheming liars. They need to be exposed for what they are. Concerned Fan, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site I was at Newcastle too and it was a great night but I've got to agree the band where not what they could have been - Great atmosphere and the man himself was on fine form but I miss the musicianship. Oh and the opening band MOSES where bloody great too Polly, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Just recovered from Monday night at the Newcastle Opera House. Now I don't really know the ins and outs of what's going on with Shane and the Popes at the moment but I'd like to say the great man himself was in fine form on Monday. I think we all realise that his current line up is not ideal but health wise Shane was better than I've seen him for donkeys years. To me that was all that was important. I sang my heart out from start to finish revelling in a MacGowan renaissance. I went with trepidation as to what state he would be in and I can truely say 'Tales of Shanes demise have been grossly exaggerated' (Thank God) A splendid time was had by all even down to the man on the door who gleefully informed me 'Yes Shawn (sic) is in the building' Jsm, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site I wasn't expecting much from Shane MacGowan last night. In fact me and the missus were expecting a toe curling hour of drunken pantomime. We were pleasantly surprised. Shane was only 20 minutes late on stage and could stand up unaided! His speaking voice is mashed to hell, but when he sings it's fine. Like he's on auto-pilot. He didn't forget a single lyric and seemed to be picking the songs as he went along. The audience greeted him like a new Messiah. The man is literally worshipped. The gig was in a really ancient opera house. It'a all fancy decoration and maroon suede seating. Shane came on stage and about 200 blokes pelted down to the front and immediately formed an enthusiastic mosh pit. The people sitting at the front nearly shit themselves. Shane would try and have a bit of banter with the locals inbetween songs by leaning forward and slurring, "Fucking Newcastle!" he'd then hiss a loud laugh through his front gums. Anyone else would have been glassed off, but Shane is allowed to insult any audience. In fact it's a bonus. He did about an hour twenty and then did a three song encore. I wasn't expecting him to do 45 minutes without passing out. And to think I was feeling sorry for him. There be life in the dodgy, old drunk yet. Rantus (originally posted to LiveJournal, with pics) ROCK CITY Nottingham, UK, 21 Mar 2004 Just got back from the Nottingham Rock City Gig, we were told the doors opened at 7pm, we were eventually let in at 8.40pm! What a shit hole! They have the award for the worst bloody toilets you could ever wish to use! Support by some local punk band called Panic! Not a bad band, but not my type of music, Anyway the gig was bloody amazing! Even better than Wolverhampton, Shane played for 1 hour 25 mins, didn’t even go off the stage once, no chair for him to sit down either, jigged around and really had a great crack with the crowd! Cashman came on and played his imaginary whistle again (you can never hear it?) The sound was fantastic, even the popes played well (bring back the squeeze box & proper whistle please) This was Shane on top form, probably the best I have seen him in the last few years! Well done Shane you rocked. Nige, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Manchester Academy Manchester, UK, 10 Mar 2004 Hail to The Popes manchestermusic Wednesday, 17th March 2004 Dave Tuxford THEY said that the Pogues’ lead singer, no stranger to alcohol and other narcotics, wouldn’t survive six months. They’ve said it for 20 years, through departure from his band because of drink-induced unreliability (their story) or because ‘they got very progressive’ (his story), through The Popes, through the 2001 reunion with the ‘progressives’ and right up to the present tour. But against all odds, Shane MacGowan hangs in there. For fans (he still has legions, judging from gig attendances), the late appearances on stage and variable performances when he eventually makes it are all part of the legend. And whilst part of the attraction for more objective observers is to see how much help MacGowan needs to make it through the night, ultimately the songs are the secret of his enduring appeal. In his youth, MacGowan read everything from JP Donleavy to George Orwell, and these literary forays informed his lyrical vision of the post-punk era. Years of serious drinking may have taken their toll - he sits down more during gigs, is apt to drift off mic and may even wander off stage - but, when performing ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’, this raddled genius can still move an audience to tears. Shane MacGowan and the Popes @ Academy manchestermusic live reviews Monday, 22nd March 2004 Mike Barnett FOR a few minutes at a packed Academy, things threatened to turn seriously unpleasant. The crowd, having been expertly warmed up by the "drinking songs" of Mark Radcliffe's Family Mahone, were growing impatient at the non-appearance of Shane MacGowan. The former Pogues man was due on stage at 9.15pm, it was by now 10.30pm, and MacGowan's band had been performing their thrash-punk Irish skiffle for half an hour. But MacGowan was nowhere to be seen. A rumour quickly spread round that he wasn't even in the building, and the box office was being besieged by angry punters demanding their money back. And then, at 10.40pm, MacGowan shambled on stage. He looked awful, but probably no worse than he has done for 20 years. Unsteady on his feet and slurring away in a state of semi-incoherence - you needed subtitles to decipher what he was saying - he somehow proceeded to rip through a repertoire of largely old Pogues material, such as A Pair Of Brown Eyes and Streams Of Whiskey. At bang on midnight, with the crowd chanting "there's only one Shane MacGowan," he departed. "You've been a great audience," he croaked, "and a patient audience." A triumphant Roman Emperor, having just addressed his loyal subjects, could not have put it better. Few comments MANCHESTER GIG - 20/03/2004 It's definitely time for Shane to hang up his mike. The Popes came onto the stage at 10pm, and announced that MacGowan would follow in twenty minutes. A few people in the audience booed, and the response was "Well we can entertain you for 20 minutes or we can piss off". I wish they had pissed off. To be fair to The Popes it wasn't their fault, and they must have been really annoyed with Shane. They did their best under the circumstances. With each passing song, more people left, and the remaining audience members were becoming more agitated. After about thirty minutes they were getting cans and bottles thrown at them and abused by the crowd. At 10.45 it was announced that Shane would be joining us (very nice of him). There was a l--o--n--g wait, then he appeared, staggering all over the place (you've got to love him though haven't you). He slurred a few undecipherable words and the band kicked into "If I Should Fall...". Shane sounded terrible. I left. Maybe someone else who could be arsed staying a bit longer might fill us in with the rest. I've seen Shane three times, and I've been to over 200 concerts. This was the WORST gig I have EVER been to. Just appalling. Give it up Shane. The Popes must be getting really pissed off with you. Ian, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site In the last few days I've been to both the London and Manchester shows and enjoyed both of them. I do have to admit to being annoyed at the start of the gigs as they were taking so long to come on stage. The differance at the London show was that the popes didn't bother to come on stage until Shane was ready, which after the manchester reaction wasn't such a bad thing. The popes do sound pretty shit when you haven't got shane on stage to take your ear off it. Maybe thats not fair, it was mainly the guitar and drums that sounded so bad. I always thought that was the reason for having roadies, someone to tune and set the levels on the instruments. Paul setting the levels on his guitar whilst Tom's in the middle of a banjo solo doesn't come across as being very professional. And as already pointed out they were stood on stage for a good ten minutes doing nothing other than acting as targets whilst waiting for Shane. But when he did take to the stage that all seemed to be forgotten, by atleast the majority of the crowd. What followed was a good hour and a half of rockin popes and pogues songs. I can't remember the set list other than it was the same as London with a good few more thrown in for good luck. The show finally finished on the stroke of midnight. As for Shane being to drunk to sing, I don't know where that is coming from. True, when he was talking between songs I could only make out one word in three but that doesn't really matter does it? The booing during the gig nearly back fired as at one point Shane told us he was ready to end it hear and now. (Well I think thats what he said!!!). As for starting late, if after only taking the stage at 10.30 he had only played half a dozen songs I would of been well and truely pissed off but that wasn't the case. We got a full set at both shows. When I saw Shane last year at the St. Pat's show I was sad 'cause I thought this was the end of Shane MacGowan but after seeing him this last week I am glad to say that the great man is back in great form. There was one big differance between the London show and the Manchester one. At Manchester I was sober because I was driving. So this isn't the review of some bloke who's was so pissed up anything by Shane would of done. Mind you, instead of driving, I could of caught the late train home, which does go past Poulton-le-fylde on the way to Blackpool. One last point, if the popes are going to play without Shane it might be a good idea for them to invest in one of those wire mess screens, like they had in the film the Blues Brothers!!! Hooley, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site there were some 1st class knobbers in the manchester crowd. yes we waited for shane for a long time. having siad that, no longer than i would expect to wait for him. i can only assume that they're not used to seeing him and therefore not used to waiting for him to turn up. when the popes came on mcguinness said macgowan would be about 20 mins so they would play some tunes while we waited. this turned out to be 7 or 8 songs and in fairness i think we were all restless but why shower the stage with cans, bottles etc. only one man to blame and it's shane-o. like the popes or not, it wasn't their fault and the behaviour of some was really fucking shitty. You want to see shane, people, then expect to wait. Good on the popes for sticking it out. I'd have fucked off when the first can hit me! Fuck 'em lads...keep up the good work and come on shane...sort your act out, lad. we love ya tommy, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Went 2 m/chester gig last night. Yeah i was was getting pissed off waiting for Shane & even worried it would be a no show .But want the cunts at that back did was out of order.A big hand for the popes for haveing bigger balls than any of them & staying on stage. You have to worry about who is manageing Shane when they can not even spell his name on the ticket let alone grt him to the gig ontime. I will go to see Shane agian. But also look forward to the Popes alone (as i have done in the past by travelling down from lancs ) who have gone up no end in my estimation. lets hear it for the lads (the popes) . Shane is still a God. roddy, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Was at the manchester gig was initially pissed off with how late Shane was but once he came on I thought he gave a great energetic performance and was in great voice. Was surprised the popes stayed on stage with al the cans flying at them so fair play to them for that. leeroy, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Great show last night, respect to the Popes, and apologies for the small number of intellectually challenged people within the crowd. Shane on top form asking the Manchester crowd “Am I in Liverpool”? and shouting half way through for his close friend Johnny Walker. A surreal night all we needed was chicken wire and Jake and Elwood to round it off! Every emotion was released to its limit, great value for money. Elfed, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site First of all coming on stage at 10.45 is inexcusable considering probably 100s of the 3000 strong audience had last trains or buses to catch. That said, those who stuck around were in for an extraordinary treat. The first few numbers, yes, Shane was warming up (thereby loosing more of the audience) but after that he gave one of the performances of his life. I am not joking. He knew he had a lot to make up and sang and performed with a furious energy I've not seem in a long time and I've been going 16 years, every year, to many gigs. He played a full set with at least an extra half dozen numbers than were played in London, plus we got half an hour of the popes solo. All in all 2 hours of live music. Of course this is no consolation to those who had to get the last train or got fucked off waiting. Second point, do not get nostagic for the 'great days' of 1997. For 90 per cent of the gigs then Shane was a stoned zombie junkie (check out his interviews on the BBC Great Hunger doc if you didn't catch him) who stood frozen at the mike mumbling until he was led of stage. Of course there were exceptions but most of the shows you watched a mumbling statue. Last night was a lively forceful performance 10,000 times better than the heroin years performances. Also, to whoever said one night Shane can be terrible and the next night he's so fucking good you can't believe it's the same person you're absolutely right. I didn't enjoy London, can't really put my finger on why, but the performance he gave (eventuly) in Manchester blew me away. Manchester Review number 20, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Civic Centre Wolverhampton, UK, 18 Mar 2004 Saw shane last night in wolverhampton and am pleased to report that he looked healthier and, dare i say it, more 'sober' than i've seen him in ages and ages on tv/video/the 'net....there was some bad feeling around the place as shane didn't roll up on stage 'till 10.15 and then (i think) had to play a short set - but in saying that he still played until about 11.30....if anyone else reading this was there, can they confirm that shane didn't play a thing off 'the snake' - ?! i'm pretty sure he didn't anyway! i was a bit sad to leave without hearing 'd express'! it was a great night - shane looked slimmer and happier than i expected and joked with the front few rows a fair bit - and even had a bit of a dance at times! shame the sound wasn't as clear as it might have been, but all the gigs seem to suffer from that at the moment...one point to note tho - cashman's tin whistle was inaudible, which was nice.....! i reckon anyone with a ticket for the rest of the tour ha a treat in store...cheers shane! ian, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Saw Shane at both Shep Bush and Wolverhampton (yes Ian nothing off the Snake) Only 1 hour in London dissapointing 1 hour 15 mins at Wolverhampton better but is an hour and a half minimum to much to ask for. Its cost me a bloody fortune but overall and you can call me a sucker it was worth it! Shane in top form i was right at the front last night and he was bantering all night. Started with fall from grace finished with south australia sorry cant remember order but all these and more sickbed, dirty old town , lend me 10 pounds and i'll buy you a drink, rock n roll paddy , paddy public enemy,sally mc,irish rover,pair of brown eyes,streams of whiskey,broad majestic shannon,mother mo chroi,bottle of smoke,rainy night in soho. No real cashman protests, no merchandise . That's all i can remember after a few light lagers. Chears! luke, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site went to the gig in wolverhampton on thursday. crowd getting restless after support band, the necks, disappeared approx 9ish. shaney did finally appear around about an hour later, and played the full set beginning with iisffgwg. fully enjoyed it myself, it was my first experience of him with the popes and not seen him live since sheffield city hall with the pogues many moons ago. i think the place itself detracted from the sound plus they badly missed an accordion player! Seamus, via FOS mail SHEPHERD'S BUSH EMPIRE London, UK, 17 Mar 2004 I guess I'll do the first London Report... Set list: IISFFGWG RnR Paddy Mother Mo Chroi Back in the County Hell A Pair of Brown Eyes Dirty Old Town Body of an American Broad Majestic Shannon Sally Maclennane Sick Bed Irish Rover encore: Angel of Death Bottle of Smoke South Australia Nancy Whiskey Second Encore: Boys From County Hell And somewhere in there was Streams of Whiskey, but I forget when, sorry. Considering he was latye, I think it was a pretty full set. Best and livliest I have seen him in a while. He did seem to make a point about Joey Cashman being there, I didnt get the sense that he was gonna fold on that any time soon. Cashman was DEFINETLY mentioned at leats 3 times and considering you cant usually understand Shane, it might have been more, or he put more effort into Joey's name to make a point... The Family Mahone were brilliant!!! Seriously! A great opening act for Shane and really a great act in and of themselves!!! Earlier I was lucky enuff to catch Neck who were also absolutely spot on!!! And even covered Sally Mac. Quite well I might add, they did lose thier fiddle player halfway through, but did just fine w/o her. Anyway, I had a rockin boppin St Paddy's Day thanks to Shane and Friends!!! Josh, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Mick, speaking as a fan .... and having just left the Shepherd's Bush Empire on a run of the mill St Pat's I can say you were a great credit to the band and your sound has been sorely missed. It is a fact that one of the main complaints - from the fans - about the Popes since you were gone has been the absence of squeezebox ... It must have been fuckin horrific having to face promotors .... Tonight, on stage, Shane referred to Joey to the audience as the "the Indispensable Joey Cashman!" Clearly a riposte to those wanting him to loose his job I for one, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Just back from Shepherd's Bush. I though that tonight was one of the best Shane and the Popes shows I have seen in a long while. Shane was on fantastic form, dancing, messing around, and he barely missed a word. He didn't seem too out of it. Dirty Old Town and Sally Mac were awesome, and the atmosphere in the crowd was great too. The band were OK - I'd still like to see a squeezebox back in there though. Shane introducing "the indispensible Joey Cashman" shows he doesn't really give a fuck about what's being said at the moment, but I don't think we really expected much else. All in all a great night for Shane fans, and the Family Mahone were a well cool support!!! Cornish Andy, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site As an old Pogues fan returning tonight for my first Shane concert in several years, it hurts me to see those songs performed so badly, so much lower than I could have imagined. I guess many will just point to Shane's genius, to how a mediocre Shane is better than the non-competition, and some may even love what I hated, but I'm allowed an opinion and that was like watching a shadow. My arms are round my memories. Family Mahone were cracking though. Jimmy from oop north, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site First of all, i'm pleased to report that Shane looked really well,the most lively i've seen him for a long time.I was so pleased to see him that way,as over the past years i've seen him on many occasions and you can see he sometimes struggles. Shane came on stage at 10.10 (not too late,compared to some other times!!) He played for only an hour which was slightly dissapointing.There were 16 songs,all expertly performed,and the crowd were loving it!!Shane hopefully realises how much the fans love him and want to continue to see him perform to this excellent level. The strange thing about last night was that about 40 minutes in, Shane announced that Joey Cashman would be coming on stage.A large proportion of the crowd(which obviosly knew about the petition) booed. Shane said it was up to us,he could just do the next couple of songs and go home if things were going to be like that.Anyway Joey did appear, and played the whistle on Irish Rover.Joey still didnt get a good reception to put it mildly.At the end of the song Shane again called for the crowd to acknowledge Cashman,but nobody did. Im pleased to say that Shane did finish off the set to more rapturous applause,but the point is that Shane seemed VERY HAPPY with Cashman and went to some lengths to show the crowd how he regards him. This, to me, all seems very strange after reading Shanes dad's statement and signing the petition.It has left me and all the fans i spoke to at the gig very confused as to whats going on??!! To sum up it was a great night, although definetly quality, not quantity!!!! Richard Mapes, via FOS mail OPEN-AIR CONCERT outside Belfast City Hall, 17 Mar 2004 Thousands of people packed the streets of Belfast on Wednesday in sunny March weather to enjoy a free open-air concert outside Belfast City Hall, the highlight of which was the appearance of Derry native Nadine Coyle and her pop group Girls Aloud. For others the highlight was Shane McGowan. In the wake of the Belfast celebrations SDLP Lord Mayor Martin Morgan, who had backed the event, was probably the loudest critic of the organisers for allowing the former Pogues singer to drink alcohol on the stage, when the concert had been billed as drink-free. Irish Emigrant On the one o'clock radio news we were informed that the situation in Belfast was much worse Shane McGowan arrived on stage in an unsteady state. There was then a lengthy interview with the Lord Mayor of Belfast on the possible consequences of such an outrageous public act. Irish Examiner Bomb alert disrupts Belfast Paddy's Day gig online.ie 2004-03-18 07:50:02+00 A St Patrick's Day concert at a pub in south Belfast was disrupted yesterday by a bomb alert. Scores of people were evacuated from the Menagerie Bar during the alert, which was sparked by the discovery of a suspicious device in a car just off University Street. A number of nearby houses were also evacuated. Former Pogues singer Shane McGowan had been due to perform in the bar at the time of the alert. He came on around 3-45 i think, looking good, set list was something like IISFFG ROCK&ROLL PADDY Sick Bed A pair of brown eyes Young Ned BM shanon IRISH ROVER. i might have left one or 2 out. good gig. the sound was shit. u could not her him for the first song. I have been watching the news and aparently people have been ringing up to complain about the drunking display they witnesed on stage. Bareing in mind it was a family day out. True it was a family day out, and i was there all day. i would rather watch a drunkin display than the fake, going no-where shity gay boy bands i had to fucking watch. all in all a good day, excellent wheather, its great to be IRISH. P.S. Shane shouted UP THE REPUBLIC at the end which went down a treat. Mitch, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Ok well I turned up late cus i had waited through 2 hours of boy band slush and thought I'd get a drink but when I heard Shane from a distance I ran as fast as I could. When I got there he started "A Pair of Brown Eyes" which is always a great song to hear live. Then there was "The Irish Rover" which I sung greatly to, as with the other songs, however I was beside a few people obviously only there for Girls Aloud as they made clear who told me to "shut up" and took great pleasure in "being funny" and clapping in my face, as is the custom among spides/steeks whatever you want to call them, to ruin people's enjoyment. It wouldn't stop me tho cos next was "Sickbed of Cuchualinn" my favourite Shane song which had a load jumping and singing along. I also noticed the references Shane made to Joey Cashman, saying after every song "this is Joey Cashman" who was playing the guitar. It was as expected a great time and despite the amount of bastards in the crowd there was also a lot more sound fellas, one who told me that Shane was "the greatest person alive". Naturally I shook the guys hand! So really a great fan base to return to, and maybe just maybe Shane will return to next year's St Patrick's event, hopefully with a longer set? Thanks for the show it was excellent! P?draic, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site THE OLYMPIA Dublin, Ireland, 16 Mar 2004 Shane MacGowan 16-Mar-2004 Shane MacGowan, the man who gave us The Pogues and The Popes and so many brilliant songs, plays The Olympia on the 16th of March. Shane MacGowan has turned in a few Paddy's day performances in Dublin over the last few years which have always delivered much carousing, rabble rousing, drinking, dancing and singing. His concerts with The Pogues recently found him in fine fettle and singing all the favourites in fine voice. So this concert in The Olympia, although the night before Paddy's day, promises to be whole lot of Shane-induced fun. MORE >>> went to the concert in the olympia last night! excellent stuff. better than the last night, he was standing up all night and dancin round at times!! a true legend! cant wait till he plays again Pete, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Was at the olympia on Tuesday. When shane came on the first words out of his mouth were something along the lines of "whos been signing the bloody petition then krshkshsshshsks" and all throughout the night he welcomed joey out onto the stage. "This is Joey Cashman. He's my manager he's the popes manager he's (pause) ksjshsksksksk" raptorous screams and applauds. Fantastic gig altogether but Joey should have had the sound turned up on his mic and why is he like a hunchback? He has the mic down by his waist and he bends over too play into it??? He also wouldnt look straight into the crowd. One things for sure is that himself and the band and shane get on great as they were all huggin joey all night obviously to clear the air bout all this petition carryon Pinapple Paddy, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Shane & Popes played to a large crowd(not a sell out) at Dublin's Olympia Tues Night St Paddys Eve. He looked healthy and played a full set.No new songs but hey what do you expect these days. However he made a big issue of making a big fuss over our friend Mr Joseph Cashman Esq. ( given the internet & media attention to said showbiz maestro) Calling upon Joey to present himself onstage on no less than 3 occasions during the show...Joey even managed to produce a Tin Whistle to accompany the band & Shane. Roy Foran via FOS mail THE LIMELIGHT Belfast, North of Ireland, 15 Mar 2004 SHANE MACGOWAN THE LIMELIGHT, BELFAST Stuart Bailie, BBC "He looks like a tired and greasy uncle at the end of a wedding reception. He is in fact, Shane MacGowan, a guy that’s given us so much poetry, sentiment and reckless entertainment over the years. Since the early days, there’s been danger in the gig, the feeling that we were set to lose a few pals along the way. And yes, there have been many casualties and stories of the darkest stripe. But Shane’s still there, shuffling and stumbling and slurring, in defiance of all medical wisdom." MORE (with pics) >>> Last night a few mates and myself headed to a bar in Belfast called the Limelight to see Shane MacGowan & The Popes. Shane MacGowan is a true living legend, although it is a true miracle that the man is still living. As usual the band where a wee bit late onto the stage, only 20 minutes, the first time I saw MacGowan and the Popes they were 2 hours late. Well I suppose MacGowan needs a small drink before he goes on stage. He was surprising sober, for him that is, he was able to walk onto the stage all by himself. The Limelight is a small place, it was packed and everyone was going ape shit. The support band where surprising very good, something similar to the ‘Dropkick Murphys’, they are from Belfast so I must find out their name and look out for their gigs. As usual MacGowan & The Popes where absolutely fantastic, they played all their best songs and a few others. Although I did feel awkward, when they started playing a song about an ex-IRA man was shot a few years ago as he was my mate’s uncle, that was until I saw my mate jumping up and down singing along. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable night! MacGowan is still one of the ugliest men I have ever seen, second only to Lemmy. Maybe ugly is a sign of greatness! Johner Limelight gig was superb. Shane, on time, on form, hair slicked, dancin and boppin. The man is definitely back in town! Those of you in Dublin or London I hope you're in for the same treat as we got tonight! Did Greenland Whale Fisheries, Angel of Death, Roddy MacCorley, fantastic stuff. Brian playin the banjo as well as the mandolin, and the obligatory cashman, though you'll probably see more of him than just dirty old town. There were a lot of boo's and chants, but as soon as 'Cashman Out, Cashman Out!' started, Tom said, "Fuck off" into the mic. Rock n Roll Paddy , originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Just to echo rock and roll paddys comments, the gig last night in Belfast was the best I've ever seen him and I've been going to his gigs with the popes for ten years. He came on stage with the hair slicked back teddy boy style, sideburns and freshly shaven and seems to have lost a few pounds. He was lucid throughout and in great form joking with the crowd and really let himself go. The band seemed tight apart from Tom who seemed to have a few problems with a broken string and a dodgy p.a, but in all a great fuckin night. The gig was sold out completly and the set list was the usual, no surprises there, highlights for me being Greenland Whale Fisheries and More Pricks Than Kicks. They played for a good couple of hours with one encore. Fuckin great night. Got chatting to Paul in the bar next door before the gig and he assured me that they will definatly be at the Sheperds Bush Empire on St Paddys night, even though they are playing the St Paddys Day Festival in Belfast on Wednesday Afternoon. But all in all, Shane seems back on top form, maybe hes finally getting his finger out of his arse. Nice one. Cheers. bigtom, belfast , originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site The Limelight Belfast. Well people what a night. i could not believe it- on time and everything. i was at the front and hopefully got some great pics. No t-shirts. i thought the set list was great. i was one of many people who stuck there fingers up at cashman, i was then shocked when TOM said FUCK OFF. Both the band and shane where in great form. i have never seen shane looking so well before. the gig was the best ever. the hooks did a good version of "i'am a man you don't meet everyday". Mitch, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site I have also visited the gig in Belfast. And it was the yourney from the Netherlands completely worth. Shane was in top condition, looked well and played almost one and a half hour. In my opninion the popes weren't that great. Tom had a lot of problems with the Banjo. And Paul I think is less then a middle guitar player. Shane still deserve better Rob Mestrom, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site Just got home from Belfast, back to Norway. What a gig at limelights, superb! Never seen Shane that happy, entusiastic, and not too drunk. Cool Roddy McCorley song, especially these days when they discuss the name of the new Toome-brigde. Best consert ever! Tor, originally reported to Forum @ Shane's Official Site 15.03.2004 Press on Forthcoming Gig Live music: The pints and the passion The Belfast Telegraph 12 Mar 2004 By Una Bradley Detractors may call him a wanton drunk, but Shane MacGowan is also a powerful poet. Una Bradley reveals why his words bring a lump to her throat A prophet is rarely recognised in his own time and the same, I'm afraid, goes for a genius. He may be pilloried as an ugly, foul-mouthed and feckless drunk - and doubtless, there's some truth in that - but Shane MacGowan is also a poet; a writer of words and music so beautiful they'd make a dictator weep. MORE >>> Shane's reacted to Petition The Sunday Times: "While a statement from the singer’s management last week dismissed the campaign, fans felt this had not been ratified by Shane because the singer was on holiday in Spain. After being traced to Barcelona by The Sunday Times this weekend, he said: “I don’t want to discuss this. My family is nothing to do with you.” Asked if he planned to change management, he said: “No, I am not going to sack Joey Cashman. It’s none of your business, but I’m not.”" Maurice MacGowan, a senior executive with C&A in Britain who retired to Tipperary in 1986, said he would like his son to set up a new organisation. “It’s Shane’s decision at the end of the day. We just give our views. Joey Cashman is an old friend and Shane is very loyal to his friends.” ancoistetumthacaorach. Guestbook @ Official Shane's Site INTERVIEW Shane did a 2 hour interview with dave fanning on 2fm yesterday. its an irsh radio station. Anyway fanning asked him a lot of the usual stupid fucking questions but Shane was definitly at his worst as he couldnt string a sentence together and forgot what he was saying. He was clearly blind drunk but that can be excused. He laid right into britain and america and had to be cut off some times too BUT he made clear that he loved the people of both countries. When asked "whats next" he said he only writes songs nowaday whenpeople ask him to and wasnt too sure bout a new album but said hes keepin on touring. He also stated that he WILL be playin both belfast and london on Paddys. I dont really know what to make of the whole interview meself. Twas fearly sad to hear him in such a bad way. Definitly the worst ive heard him. But onethings for sure, ill be gettin me tickets for the olympia today. Three_Shoppes Guestbook @ Official Shane's Site I remember him in much horrifying condition especially in 1997 "dead man talking" shape. Now he is much more alive. The thing I need more and more are subtitles as it is more and more difficult to understand him. Aleksandar Rakovic (Belgrade, Serbia) Guestbook @ Official Shane's Site 12.03.2004 The Limelight, Belfast Get hooked on Shane’s new friends Increasingly popular Irish band The Hooks will are set to join Shane MacGowan for this Monday’s gig at the Limelight. The Sligo-based band were formed in October 2001 and started off playing local venues. In February 2002 they were asked to play support to Shane MacGowan and The Popes in the Ambassador for two nights. They then did an Irish tour taking in Carrick-On-Shannon, Galway, Dublin, Letterkenny and Offaly. All well as Monday’s night’s gig with Shane and the Popes they will also be playing togeth |
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