Saturday 17/12/05 The Pogues @ MEN Arena, Manchester

Much has been said about Shane MacGowan leaving The Pogues or being too incapacitated to perform live. Indeed, when The Pogues are discussed there is generally too much talked about Shane MacGowan in general. In recent years the prospect of The Pogues playing live has deterioration into a sweepstake on the health of MacGowan. Gigwise is happy to report that Saturday nights show is far more than this.

Admittedly he is noticeably worse for wear to a degree that for most people would be a cause for concern. For Shane MacGowan he is positively spritely. The fact that he rests during every other song meant that we are able to witness the full breadth of The Pogues as a band with eight members, most of whom get to take the lead for a song. By the time they get to 'Turkish Song of the Damned' The Pogues are creating the kind of atmosphere that could not just raise the dead but send them dancing around like maniacs.

All through this mayhem the band maintain a casual air that is the sign of true craftsmen. At one point Andrew Ranken hands his drumsticks to Darryl Hunt for a rousing rendition of 'The Star of County Down'  and Spider Stacy dedicates 'Thousands are Sailing' to the memory of 'Georgie Boy'. For the traditional Pogues Christmas finale of 'Fairytale of New York' MacGowan is joined on stage by guitarist Gem Finer's daughter Ella as snow drifts down on the audience.

To see The Pogues today you realize that they have created a sound that will not date. The use of traditional song crafting techniques and instruments has created a style that still pulls in new listeners all the time. The age range of the audience for Saturday night was huge. It is reassuring to know that long after The Pogues have gone down into the ground people will be dancing on ther graves to the sound of their music.