With the St. Patrick’s day Parade already past in Ocean City it almost feels like the day itself is over. So I ask is it about the day or the celebration? We celebrated on Saturday, a day when everyone claims whatever minuscule bit of Irish heritage they have, all in the vein of revelry and good times. Well done, everyone.

However, I don’t , to my knowledge, have an ounce of Irish blood in me. (Hence, I was insistent on looking for a button for the parade that stated “Kiss Me – cause I wanna make out”) My “heritage” is implied or borrowed due to the early musical discovery of the Pogues in my teens. I was a little skate rat when I was first introduced to this sound that was traditional Irish music mixed with the attitude of the Clash. I was hooked and they have always been an influence and inspiration for me and my claim to Irish culture. It is worth noting that I feel in love with the pogues long before I fell in love with beer, which maybe especially poignant considering the notoriously sloppy inebriated performances and ramblings of their lead singer Shane McGowen.

Back in 2006 he said – “I’m just following the Irish tradition of songwriting, the Irish way of life, the human way of life. Cram as much pleasure into life, and rail against the pain you have to suffer as a result. Or scream and rant with the pain, and wait for it to be taken away with beautiful pleasure . . .”

Well a sober night of listening was a beautiful pleasure and a check into my Irish love.

They did not disappoint the surprisingly older skewed crowd. Shane got a “talking to” by long time friend and companion Spida only 3 songs into the set. After sitting a song or two out, they all made it through the entire set and even a couple encores. Dirty Old Town and Sally MacLennane where spot on even with the condition of the performers(most of the crowd had tried catching up to their condition). All in all a great show and glad I got to see a truly historical band.

Thanks Brandi for sharing your images and sharing the night.

Pogue Mahone