The Pogues celebrate 40 years of ‘Rum Sodomy & the Lash’ at The Barrowland Ballroom
The band celebrated in Glasgow.
Photo: Isla Kerr
It’s safe to say that when I started covering live music, a gig by The Pogues was not one I expected to ever attend. Fairytale of New York, the one and only Christmas track I could stand growing up, wasn’t on the cards tonight, however, as 40 years of Rum Sudomy & the Lash was celebrated instead.
Following Shane’s tragic passing last year, it was heartwarming to see old and new band members come together to partake in this next chapter of The Pogues.
The Barrowland Ballroom thrummed with anticipation as fans eagerly waited for the band to take to the stage. The barrier was smacked, the ground stomped, and hands clapped. When they finally did, the place felt like it might erupt at any given moment.
Spider Stacy was first on the mic and led vocals for the rest of the night. With lots of new faces onstage, a band introduction was in order. Those with a keen eye may have already spotted some familiar ones: Daragh Lynch and John Dermody from Lankum, Holly Mullineaux from Goat Girl, and Scottish musician Iona Zajac.
It didn’t end there, though, as Nadine Shah graced the stage for A Pair of Brown Eyes and made several other appearances throughout the night. The Pogues have always felt like a collaborative process as much as individual artists, so it was fitting to have so many join the ensemble tonight. Each breathing a new lease of life into the band’s history and their timeless songs.
Spider appeases the crowd early as he wraps a Celtic scarf around his mic to match the many wearing football tops of their beloved team.
A moving rendition of The Parting Glass was dedicated to Shane: “Someone who, without whom, none of this would have ever been possible”. Emotions still high, Spider addressed the room, “It’s amazing to be back at the Barrowlands. There’s nowhere else like this place, on the face of the fucking planet.” Glaswegaians know this all too well, the Barrowland Ballroom — the jewel in our slightly rugged crown — is often praised by artists. Somehow, when these words are uttered by an original member of The Pogues, who has seen venues far and wide, it means all the much more.
It’s no surprise that the classic Dirty Old Town is sung with a feverish intensity. No matter what broken-down town the track is heard in, its lyrics find a home. Glasgow, arguably more broken down than most of the rest, can relate to every word. Tonight, the lyrics are recounted with unwavering understanding.
A gig that felt as much for the fans and the city as it was for the band themselves. No matter how many years go by, Glasgow loves The Pogues and The Pogues love Glasgow.
All photos by Isla Kerr.