Unfortunately, we also got too see a first hand glimpse of the some of the problems that have hounded the guy and some of the reasons that the other Pogues could not work with him for so long. McGowan was helped to center stage by a roadie initially. He limped about and was generally unsteady at times (physically). He blatantly ignored the venues strict “No Smoking” policy and swigged on a bottle of wine during the night. While he sounded fantastic, his dis-shelved appearance was of concern for the audience and, no doubt, the band.
The most unsettling moments came during “White City,” when McGowan dropped his
microphone and it was apparent that he was unable to simply retrieve it (the ever reliable roadie acted quickly and got the mike quickly back in McGowan’s reach). While it was obvious that McGowan was fatigued, as he left the stage several times to rest - one time as he was making his exit, McGowan fell flat on the stage. This was pretty disturbing for the audience - but the band looked fairly shook as well - and all wondered if McGowan was done for for the evening.
As the band soldiered on and played a couple of tunes sans McGowan, he came back
quicker than expected and continued, seemingly unfazed, showing all that he truly is more tenacious than some may have thought.
While McGowan’s appearance was the not the best, his chops are still in full gear, and it was also nice to see that the other Pogues are still in fighting shape. Guitarist Philip Chevron did some amazing guitar work and at times even got his shine with some well played traditional licks on mandolin. He also provided some great harmonies to add
support the prodigal McGowan, as did tin whistle maestro, Spider Stacy. Andrew
Ranken was the ever steady powerhouse on the drums and the rhythmic beats he re-
created with bassist Darryl Hunt were pretty flawless.
Save for some uncertain moments with McGowan, this show was everything and more
that the long ardent devotes of the Pogues have been waiting for.
And the “talkers” in Boston can brag all they want about seeing U2 on St. Patrick’s Day – the faithful followers of The Pogues can truthfully say who the best and more traditional Irish rock band is.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I saw The Pogues last fall/winter at The Grove in Anaheim. While the other band members were stellar, professional musicians who sounded fantastic, I found Shane's antics sad and pathetic. He kept spilling his drink and stumbling off stage, and kept losing his place in the songs. He really should get some help.
2 - Leslie Bohn
This is exactly the act Shane has been doing for years. I went last year, and he's still the same as 1987. No deterioration at all. The falling down, the incoherence, the omnipresent wine bottle, the getting tangled in the mike cord and stand, these are all as familiar to fans as James Brown's cape routine.
The band was NOT "shook" and the crowd, if it was really "disturbed," must not have ever seen the Pogues before.
I've seen them 10 times over the years, and have never seen him behave any other way.