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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday in Wexford: From Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann to the Breakwater festival the weekend is sure to hit the right notes
There are plenty of events to keep you entertained in County Wexford over the August Bank Holiday weekend. As well as the start of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 on Sunday, August 3, the Breakwater Festival is taking place, plus there are Fringe Fleadh events and plenty of gigs and concerts to whet every appetite. Amble – Live at The Breakwater Amble will play Live at The Breakwater, Ferrybank South, Wexford on Thursday, July 31 at 7pm. Amble are Robbie Cunningham, Oisín McCaffrey and Ross McNerney, a three-piece folk group from Ireland. Since coming together in late 2022, the band have built an audience through word-of-mouth, live performance and a focus on honest, reflective song-writing. With a sold-out touring schedule and a growing catalogue of original material, Amble's music balances storytelling and melody, creating space for audiences to slow down and listen. Tickets are €49. For more details, see Lantern Events at The Full Monty Gorey Little Theatre presents The Full Monty on Thursday, July 31 at 8pm. Tickets are €15. The show is directed by and starring Stephen Acton and choreographed by Roisín Currid. My Favourite Things On Friday, August 1 at 8pm, Jazz at Johnstown is contributing to the return of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford with My Favourite Things, a jazz/trad concert with renowned piper Mark Redmond and the Chris Colloton Trio at the Visitors Centre. With an upbringing in traditional music, Redmond is noted as a musician who can fuse between various genres. Guitarist Chris Colloton is one of the most brilliant innovators in Irish jazz. Also joining Mark and Chris are Lorcan and Cillian Byrne. Tickets are €25. The Waterboys – Live at The Breakwater One of the best live bands in the world, The Waterboys will play Live at the Breakwater Festival on Friday, August 1 at 7pm. The Waterboys have been led by Scottish singer and guitarist Mike Scott since the 1980s and have evolved through countless line-ups, winning a fearsome concert reputation along the way. Their best-known songs include The Whole Of The Moon, How Long Will I Love You, This Is The Sea and Fisherman's Blues. Tickets for the show cost €55. Writing Yourself Home A 60-minute group session of breath, words, and soul will take place at Gorey Town Park on Saturday, August 2 at 3pm. Tickets are €15. You can expect grounding breathwork, readings of poetry and meaningful texts to spark the soul, guided writing prompts and optional sharing in a safe, held circle. For more details email maria@ The Highstool Prophets One day before official Fleadh starts we've got the biggest and best opener in our car park under the stretch tent! The Highstool Prophets are coming back to Wexford for Crown Fleadh Village 2025. They will be accompanied by special guests Fieldsy and The Gallivanters. The show will take place on Saturday, August 2 at 7pm. Fringe Fleadh 25 – The Beartla Ó Flatharta Band The final event in the Fringe Fleadh 2025 series, proudly hosted by Wexford County Council, takes place in Our Lady's Island on Saturday, August 2, promising a memorable evening of traditional Irish music to round off the programme in style. Starting at 7.30pm, the evening will feature the All-Ireland Céilí Band Champions, The Beartla Ó Flatharta Band, joined by a fantastic line-up of local performers and groups. Summer Sessions '25 - The Havana Club Trio Head to Library Park in New Ross on Saturday, August 2 at 7pm for an evening of free music provided by the Havana Club Trio. They will play incredible Latin music direct from Havana with an extensive repertoire of Cuban favourites and Latin-induced rhythmic songs. Summer Sessions in the Library Park is funded by Wexford County Council. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 will be held in Wexford from Sunday, August 3 to Sunday, August 10. This annual festival celebrates Irish music and culture and features numerous competitions and performances. The festival has been running for over 60 years and is one of the most popular music festivals in Ireland. Glenside Céilí Band The Glenside Céilí Band will perform at Clonard Community Centre on Sunday, August 3 at 9pm as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Tickets cost €15. Scoil Éigse 2025 The 51st Annual Scoil Éigse organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann takes place in Wexford town from Sunday, August 3 to Sunday, August 10, during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. At Scoil Éigse, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann's annual international summer school, students of all ages register for the various instrumental music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes. Details on Scoil Éigse classes at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 can be found on the Scoil Éigse website. Cry Before Dawn Cry Before Dawn, the acclaimed Wexford band known for their powerful fusion of rock and traditional Irish sounds, return with Open Water—their first new music in over a decade. Following sell-out shows and festival appearances across Ireland, they're kicking off the EP celebrations with a hometown gig at The Crown, Wexford on Monday, August 4 at 7pm. Tickets for the gig cost €9. Kiddies Crazy Nights at Upton Court Hotel Summer in Wexford means one thing – Kiddies Crazy Nights at Upton Court Hotel in Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford. Non-stop fun, games, and laughter for the little ones — and a great night out for all the family. This night takes place on Monday, August 4 at 7pm. Go dtí Seo – Emer O'Flaherty (CD Launch) Emer is a singer/songwriter and bilingual musician from Ennis in Clare, playing music all her life, but had not made a recording until now. The ten tracks on the album reflect Emer's musical exploration up to now, hence the title, from her roots in sean-nós ('Cúirt Bhaile Nua' agus 'Amhrán na Leabhar ') with all other album tracks, songs and music written by her. A love of nature and place are to be heard throughout her music. She will launch he CD at Wexford Library on Tuesday, August 5 at 4pm. This is a bilingual event suitable for all the family and learners of all ages. The Missing Guest – Mick Mulvey & Shane Meehan (CD Launch) Released in May 2025, this album The Missing Guest features the wonderful playing by musicians Shane Meehan (Fiddle) and Mick Mulvey (Flutes) who are described as masters of their instruments. Counted among south Leitrim's best musicians, they have honed their skills playing together in Cryan's Teach Cheoil over the years. The album evidences their shared love of beautifully intricate traditional music, as well as their sense of comfort and mutual respect as a duet. This is a free event. However, places are limited so please register in advance to secure your place. Fíor Céilí – Tara Céilí Band The Tara Céilí Band will perform at Clonard Community Centre on Tuesday, August 5 at 9pm. Tickets cost €15. Bardic Awards The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 Bardic Awards / Ceannródaithe Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 5 at 7pm at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford. This annual ceremony honours exceptional musicians and singers who are considered to have made an exceptional and unique contribution to Irish Traditional Music through their instrumental musicianship, singing and/or dancing. This gala dinner with presentations incorporates performances by each of the recipients all nationally and internationally renowned for their virtuoso talent, mastery and their consistent commitment to the music over decades. The 2025 recipients are as follows: John Furlong, Josephine Nugent, Padraig McGovern, Benny McHugh. Danceperados of Ireland After 11 years touring all over Europe and delighting audiences, Danceperados of Ireland comes to the National Opera House in Wexford on Tuesday, August 5 for a special once-off performance at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Choreographed by Ennis man and two-time World Champion Michael Donnellan, the show features some of the best dancers and musicians in Ireland. The show's 'Hall of Fame' listing former and current cast members is a veritable who's who of Irish traditional music and dance, featuring members of Beoga, Solas, Altan and Cairde to name but a few. The show will take place at 7.30pm and costs €33/€30 plus facility fee to attend. See to book tickets. An evening with violinist Martin Hayes The parish of Wexford is delighted to welcome back the internationally acclaimed violinist Martin Hayes to perform a concert here in the majestic setting of Rowe St Church. Martin played at the Fleadh Cheoil in 2024 to a sell-out concert and by popular demand, we welcome him back this year. His music is soulful, haunting and majestically beautiful. It raises the human spirit to another level, connecting us with the source of beauty who is God. The concert will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 5 at Rowe St Church. Tickets are €40 plus €1.50 fee. Tickets can be booked via Wexford Arts Centre. Pierce Turner - 'Ó Riada' Pierce Turner will be on piano and vocals, with Aongus MacAmhlaigh on cello and vocals and including local chorus at this concert at Wexford Arts Centre on Tuesday, August 5 at 8pm as part of Fleadh Cheoil 2025. Pierce has always been influenced by Turlough O'Carolan, the harpist from Sligo. They say that he married Irish traditional music to Italian romanticism. The Chieftains could've been his band. But they were Seán Ó Riada's band instead. This will be a unique and sacred evening of music to behold in the intimate Wexford Arts Centre. Tickets cost €30 plus €1.50 fee. In the Moment: Capturing the Fleadh 2024 (Exhibition) Wexford Arts Centre and Wexford Camera Club are proud to present In the Moment: Capturing the Fleadh 2024, a compelling group photography exhibition that celebrates the vibrant energy and cultural richness of last year's Fleadh Cheoil. This exhibition showcases the spirit of the festival through the lens of twelve talented photographers, all members of the Wexford Camera Club. The photographers include Darren Arkins, Bart Bulla, Kevin Cadogan, Miriam Furlong, Aoife Kavanagh, Donna Kehoe, Lucy Leonel, Alan Mahon, Ann McCafferty, Ian Moriarty, John Mullins, and Marie Phelan. The exhibition will launch at a public opening reception at Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday, August 2 at 12pm. All are welcome to attend, and the exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 5pm daily until Wednesday, August 13. O'Riada Mass As part of Fleadh Cheoil, the O'Riada Mass sung by Rowe St Choir under director Donagh Wilde, accompanied by piper Mark Redmond, will take place at Rowe St Church on Sunday, August 3 at 12pm. Library talk about the revival activism of Min Ryan and her sisters Dr Aoife Whelan will give a talk at Wexford Library on the topic 'Attracted to the national movement: the revival activism of Min Ryan and her sisters'. This talk will take place on Tuesday, August 5 from 11am to 12pm and is free to attend. In this talk, Dr Aoife Whelan will give an overview of the political activism of Mary Josephine 'Min' Ryan (later Mulcahy) and her sisters from Tomcoole, County Wexford. Best known nowadays for the public park that bears her name, Min was a founding member of Cumann na mBan in 1914 and participated in the 1916 Easter Rising at the GPO in Dublin along with her sister Phyllis and her brother Jim. She was later selected to travel to America on behalf of the Republican leadership to report to John Devoy, leader of Clan na Gael, on the events of Easter Week. Having been involved with Proclamation signatory Seán Mac Diarmada before he was executed for his role in the Rising, Min went on to marry Richard Mulcahy, IRA chief-of-staff and Dáil Éireann's first Minister of Defence. This lecture will trace the involvement of Min and her sisters in public and political life during the early twentieth century at a time when young, educated women found new opportunities to engage in political and social activism under the auspices of the nationalist movement. The Wexford Invaders: an illustrated history with Derek O'Brien This talk will take place at Wexford Library on Tuesday, August 5 at 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Join Derek to explore the history of County Wexford from the Vikings to the Normans in this fact-packed history event for all the family. Suitable ages 9+. This is a free event. However, places are limited so please register in advance to secure your place.
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Shropshire's Alex Harris leaves roadie life to open music shop
Alex Harris could never have imagined a chance encounter with Slade guitarist Dave Hill would lead to 20 years as a roadie for some of rock's biggest despite working for the likes of Slade, The Waterboys and The Futureheads, he still had a dream to fulfil - to open a music now, back home in Shropshire, he has taken the step to unveil Big Al's Music Emporium, in Wem, stocking everything from Fender Stratocaster guitars to clarinet reeds and violin bows. "I've always had a dream of opening a shop," the 50-year-old said. Music has always been part of Mr Harris's life - his parents were semi-professional musicians who met in a Birmingham youth orchestra."My dad played trumpet, my mum played violin, so as a child I was always around music," he said."But I went down the rock and roll route." 'Roadie was unwell' After a stint in the Army playing the trumpet, Mr Harris returned home to it was while working in a Shifnal music shop for acclaimed guitar designer Jamie Davey, Mr Harris got the opportunity of a lifetime."Dave Hill, from Slade, was in the shop one day looking at guitars," he said. One of the band's roadies was unwell, and, needing someone to cover, Slade's lead guitarist asked whether he wanted to step in for him."I was like, 'Uh, yeah!'." After that first tour with Slade in December 1999, Mr Harris' career took off as a roadie and guitar technician. "From making contacts on the road, I ended up touring with [...] people like Midge Ure, The Waterboys, Howard Jones, The Futureheads," he eventually life on the road started to become too much, especially after getting married and becoming a father."I know too many guys who don't see their kids because they're always on tour around the world, and I didn't want that, I wanted to be a proper dad," he coming off the road having worked in the "high-pressure" events industry, the 50-year-old said that initially he was "feeling lost." 'Wide range of budgets' Opening his own shop was "always a dream" and his new venture seems to be serving the need he was left with having come off the Harris is keen to appeal to a wide range of budgets - not just top-drawer, pricey instruments, but pre-loved ones too. "I know that my local community in Shropshire can't necessarily afford thousands of pounds to spend on a guitar," he said. Despite the booming success of online shopping, the 50-year-old said he is not daunted by the prospect of competing with internet retailers."Your instrument needs to speak to you and feel right in your hands," he said. "If you buy an instrument off the internet, you do not know what you're getting.""You need to go to a place that's got several instruments you can try, and find what feels right for you." There are some first-day nerves, but Mr Harris feels confident he will be welcomed to Wem's high street with open arms. "The support and feedback I've had locally has been absolutely immense," he said."I'm crossing my fingers - as long as I can put fuel in my wife's car, take my daughter to school and put food on the table, that'll do!" Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Irish Examiner
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Joe Bonamassa: Five talking points from the first Rory Gallagher tribute at Marquee in Cork
1: Joe Bonamassa's awe while playing Rory Gallagher's guitar There was a slight quiver in his voice when Bonamassa sat down with the borrowed 1930 National Triolian Resonator for his first encore song, As The Crow Flies. 'I'm trying my best with this one. I'm trying my best with all these songs,' he told the crowd. A mellow acoustic rendition, it was one of the softer moments in a primarily powerful rock set. Rory had bought that guitar for about £100 while on tour in the USA in 1973, and it was bought by a fan last year at auction for £95,650. Bonamassa thanked the owner for lending it to him for these Marquee shows. For anyone unfamiliar with guitars, a Resonator is an acoustic guitar, often with an ornate, perforated round metal plate; a good example familiar to many is the guitar Mark Knopfler used for Romeo And Juliette. 2: Bonamassa'a interaction with the audience While this was a night of homage to Rory Gallagher, it was also a platform for Joe Bonamassa to show this Irish audience why he's deservedly heralded as perhaps the greatest blues guitarist of his generation. Fans at the Marquee: Matt Laernoes, Marscha Leukfeldt, Netherlands; Hendrik Laernoes, Gaby Scholl, Germany; Michael Daehn and Patrick Van De Scheur, Offaly, all in Cork to see Joe Bonamassa. Picture: Darragh Kane While the New Yorker plays many forms of music and has 16 studio albums, 20 live albums, Grammy awards etc, he parked all that to deliver on a special request (a flight of fancy, really) from promoter Peter Aiken, as Bonamassa explained to the Marquee audience: 'I got a call from Peter Aiken a year and a half ago with a proposal to come and play at Live At The Marquee in Cork. Without hesitation, I said 'Hell, yeah'. "But then he said there was a twist. I met with my good friend Donal Gallagher [Rory's brother] and his son Daniel, and we talked about whether I'd be interested in doing a night of Rory Gallagher's music. Back in his home town of Cork. And, without hesitation, I said: 'Fuck, yeah'. I signed up for it, and here we are. I am so glad that we are doing this in our own way.' Note to all tribute acts: homage to the music, no wigs, no replica costumes and definitely no hammy attempts at mimicry. 3: A cameo by Gerry McAvoy The audience was elated when Joe said: "Please give a big welcome to Gerry McAvoy on the next two songs. You'll know him from Rory's band.' McAvoy brought his unique energy to Bullfrog Blues and Treat Her Right. Aongus Ralston, also bass player with The Waterboys, smiled warmly at McAvoy as he walked onstage. Donal Gallagher, Peter Aiken, and Gerry McAvoy in Cork last year. Picture: Chani Anderson Gallagher's bass player on so many epic tours and albums, including Irish Tour '74, the record that provided the core of the songs on the setlist for this show. The others credited on that epic double live album were Rod De'Ath and Lou Martin on keys. McAvoy delivered huge energy and joy to the occasion, a major highlight for all present. 4: A Million Miles Away If ever a closing song came with a gold-plated guarantee of an encore to follow, this is that song. Gallagher wrote it for his 1973 album Tattoo and it was arguably the single greatest moment on a night of many highlights at the Marquee. Looking around during the song, I noticed a number of fans wiping their eyes while singing 'I'm sailing like a driftwood on a windy bay.' People really connect with this line. The central character in A Million Miles Away is in melancholy humour, despite being on a seemingly great night out, in a bar full of people being entertained by a great piano player; he knows he should be happy and struggles to understand why his mood is 'adrift'. Joe Bonamassa onstage with his band at Live at The Marquee, Cork. Picture: Darragh Kane Bonamassa's vocal on this song was a real bravura performance, probably his best singing of the night; his guitaring, as you'd expect, was off the charts. If that weren't enough for us, add the cherry topping of another great cameo, this time from regular Bonamassa guest vocalist Jade MacRae. A star in her own right, she lifted the performance levels skyward, bringing an already great song in the direction of Pink Floyd's The Great Gig in the Sky. Just like Peter Aiken's decision to match Bonamassa's guitar genius with Gallagher's songs, the decision to close the set with the addition of MacRae's vocal was a moment of divine inspiration. 5: The standing ovation People's elation at the end of the gig was expressed with a thoroughly deserved standing ovation for Joe Bonamassa and his incredible band. And, of course, all three seating blocks were on their feet, along with everyone out on the main standing area. Something special had been promised, and something really special was delivered. There was a shared sense of satisfaction for those onstage, for those backstage and for the rest of us looking on. Everyone wanted this night to go well. Every emotion was in there, from local and national pride to a collective sense of joy and relief that the night had gone to plan. All that was missing was for Hannibal of the A-Team to walk onto the stage and say: 'I love it when a plan comes together.' Bonamassa ended the show on an emotional high, his joy and relief very evident on the big screen as the cameras zoomed in on his face. At the end of the first gig of Bonamassa's three-night series, I spoke briefly with two of the key players. Donal Gallagher said: 'This was a huge gig for Peter Aiken. His first 'job' was with the Rory crew. His father, Jim, had asked us to show him how our UK and European shows worked. This week, Peter did both Jim and Rory proud.' Meanwhile, Peter Aiken sums it up succinctly: 'It was unbelievable. It really couldn't have gone any better.' Did it turn out as well as he'd imagined it might when the idea first entered his head? 'I'd honestly have to say that it turned out even better than I'd hoped for.'
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Joe Bonamassa does Rory Gallagher at the Marquee, Cork: Tickets, start time, directions, setlist, etc
To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of Cork blues-guitar icon Rory Gallagher, an all-star band of musicians will take to Live at the Marquee, to play from his deep catalogue of self-penned tunes and blues arrangements — led by American six-string virtuoso Joe Bonamassa. The concerts mark a culmination of Cork Rocks for Rory, the programme of gigs and other events celebrating the life and music of the late guitar legend. When is it on? The three-night residency runs from Tuesday July 1 until Thursday July 3; at Live at the Marquee, on the city's Centre Park Road. How much are tickets? Some tickets are still available for each of the three nights. The first two gigs had previously sold out, but the promoters have made some extra tickets available. Resale tickets start at €57.50; and full-price tickets start at €71.19; all available from the Marquee's Ticketmaster page. What time is kickoff? Organisers Aiken Promotions are opening the doors early each night, with admissions beginning at 6.15pm. The promoters have asked attendees to make sure to give themselves plenty of time to arrive, negotiate traffic, enter the venue, get food and drinks before settling into the arena. Organisers say the band is on stage at 8pm. There will be no support act, and no interval. Who's playing? Joe Bonamassa. Joe Bonamassa is a blues guitarist and gear connoisseur from upstate New York. A three-time Grammy nominee, he's best-known for keeping the genre alive with a series of solo and collaborative releases through his own label, Keepin' the Blues Alive Records; as well as being a prolific session and collaborative musician. Opening for the late BB King at the age of eleven in 1989; he's long cited Gallagher as among his predominant influences, and has been active in making press appearance promoting a gig that, by all accounts, is close to his own heart — he's also been spotted on Leeside in recent days, during rehearsals for the gigs. Joining Bonamassa onstage will be UK percussionist Jeremy Stacey (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, King Crimson, The Waterboys, Sheryl Crow); Australian keyboardist Lachy Doley; and Aongus Ralston of The Waterboys on bass. Gerry McAvoy, the stalwart bass player who accompanied Gallagher for many years, is also expected to make a guest appearance. What tunes will they be playing? The sets will be based largely on Gallagher's landmark Irish Tour '74 live album — recorded in part at Cork City Hall, with a few more Gallagher favourites thrown in. What about the Cork connection? Bonamassa is delighted to square the circle by playing one of Gallagher's own guitars at some point during the gigs. Rory had picked up the 1930 National Triolian Resonator for about £100 while on tour in the USA in 1973, and it was bought by a fan last year at auction for £95,650. As an aside, Bonamassa also got to follow in his hero's footsteps during rehearsals — taking a trip to Crowley's Music Centre in its new location just off Cork's Barrack Street, and purchasing a sunburst Strat of his own from Sheena Crowley, daughter of Mick Crowley, who had sold Rory his famous axe in 1963. Read More Rory Gallagher and the town he loved so well: Early days in Cork Where's the Marquee now? Live at the Marquee, Centre Park Road, Cork: home to some of the summer's biggest Leeside gigs. Pic: Larry Cummins Last year the Marquee moved across the road and it will continue from that site again this year. You can find the venue on the former Tedcastle's Yard on Centre Park Road. This is the second of at least three summers at the new location. Construction is underway on the old site, with more than 1,000 apartments being built in the area. How do I get there? Live at the Marquee is about a seven-minute drive from the city centre in low-traffic conditions. Walking, it will take about 30 minutes from the city, or 15 minutes from Ballintemple. If coming from the city, Centre Park Road is the first turn on the left at the Albert Road roundabout and continue along the road until you spot the distinctive yellow and blue tent. What about parking? Parking in the area is limited, but the current location has 300 car park spaces which can be booked on for €12 per car - up from €9 last year – plus €2.20 service fee. Organisers say the attendants will accept payment on the day only if there is space available on the evening of the show, however it is strongly recommended to purchase via Ticketmaster in advance as many of the shows are sold out. Coming from the city, the parking entrance is just beyond the pedestrian entrance on Centre Park Road. Is there a Ticketmaster office at the Marquee? Yes, the Ticketmaster kiosk is situated on the way to the main entrance after you enter the pedestrian gate. What's the food and drink situation? Be sure to bring your bank card as the Marquee has been a cashless venue for a few years now. Drinks are available at the usual bars in the tent, and at a bar in the outside area. A pint of Guinness or Rockshore costs €7 while a pint of Guinness 0.0 is €6.50. Spirits (gin, vodka, etc) with a mixer are €9, and wine is €9. There are some food vans onsite, and the Marina Market and the Black Market are converted warehouses with multiple food stalls within walking distance of the venue. As well as the city itself, Ballintemple and Blackrock village also have several bars. Read More An interactive map of Rory Gallagher's guitar
Press and Journal
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Review: Do The Waterboys still have it? I went to Aberdeen Music Hall gig to find out
The Waterboys seem to be one of these bands that have been around since the dawn of time – despite having a habit of chopping and changing its line-up. And apart from a seven-year break in the 90s, it seems like they've never stopped touring – which for some groups can be a hinderance. I'm sure we've all had that thought at least once when leaving a gig of someone who has been around the block for decades: 'Nah, they've not got it anymore'. So with Mikey Scott and The Waterboys playing The Music Hall in Aberdeen this past Wednesday, I thought I would go along and see if the folk rockers still 'had it'. Having only gotten into their music recently, my cousin Joshua and I certainly felt like the youngest people at the iconic Granite Mile venue on Wednesday night (the band were on to their eighth album by the time I was born). But 66-year-old Mikey was on hand to help the crowd roll back the years – with his presence and dynamism bringing the packed hall back to the glory days. Kicking off with Be My Enemy, the crowd were right up for it thanks to the whine of Scott's guitar riffs and unrivalled wall of sound coming from the whole band. A special shoutout must go to piano player Famous James and Brother Paul on the keyboard, who kept the energy going all night long flanking Scott on either side. Their near five minute solo towards the end of the gig was a personal highlight for me, with James joining Paul on his instrument to almost hammer the keys out of their block, as they wowed the sold-out Music Hall. After the first whirlwind of songs, Scott began to reminisce about his first visit to Aberdeen all the way back in 1972 as a 13-year-old when his mother worked at the university. 'We would walk up and down Union Street all day,' he quipped, as the rocker ran through tales of spending days (and all his pocket money) at Codona's Arcade. And it wasn't long before Trump International Links got a mention too, which Scott branded as being 'owned by the biggest liar in the world'. And after a verbal exchange with what seemed a more MAGA-leaning Aberdonian (including some words which can't be printed) The Waterboys were back underway… As the band walked off for the encore, everyone waited in anticipation… It was time for the big one. Many people won't have heard of The Waterboys, but they would have certainly heard the timeless classic The Whole of The Moon. And seeing it live did not disappoint, as the crowd joined in on every word with Scott playing musical chairs and taking over piano duty. Once the band walked off stage following Fisherman's Blues, it felt as though the two hours had flown by – a testament to the group's ability to still be able to put on a show all these years later. So I would be more than happy to go back to see The Waterboys play The Music Hall again – which wouldn't be too far away considering this was their seventh outing here.
