In a few short days hell-raiser and Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan was lined up to perform at the annual Electric Picnic festival held at Stradbally in County Laois.
The living legend was all set to be a special guest of the Cronin Brothers and had evidently relished the idea of making a rare appearance.
But due to a back injury he will miss out on the show.
MacGowan is renowned for his bands festive hit ‘Fairytale of New York’ and giving the world ataste of just what Irish punk-folk is.
MacGowan is currently awaiting surgery and fans will surely note that this is yet another setback for him, following a fall last year which saw him shatter his pelvis.
In his Pogues heyday the 58 year old singer was indeed one of the rock world’s biggest party animals and maybe this is his body paying him back after such a lifestyle.
The Pogues were (and still are) Ireland’s answer to those rockers who trashed hotel rooms, drank themselves sober and partied until the sun rose.
I for one was in attendance at a live show a few years ago and as it was a festive gig they rolled out the customary track ‘Fairytale of New York’. But in the absence of the late Kirsty McColl we were treated to a Mrs Santa dressed Sinead O’Connor in her place and the venue erupted as we all sung along.
A Pogues live show is an experience and one that you can barely describe. It is part punk, part Irish folk and one hundred percent energy and enthusiasm.
I am sure that once Shane recovers he will be back on stage soon and doing what he does best.
My only advice is stay towards the back and safely watch those bottles fly at the stage. It is amusing to see band members ably defend themselves as projectiles full of urine come at them.
Shane MacGowan is a true rock star and I wish him well.
