Last night Katie and I celebrated the four year anniversary of our meeting by going to see one of my favorite bands, The Pogues. She’d gotten me the tickets for Christmas, so I was glad it’d finally come.

The Pogues

Rams Head Live is a great venue, set back about a block from Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s very clean, well organized, and it’s one of those places that’s small and big at the same time. There’re three levels to the inside, all of which are small enough so that there isn’t a bad spot in the whole place. We were on the floor, at the front of the stage.

Another quick note about Rams Head Live is that they offer a $10 "Rockstar Entrance". Despite sounding like something designed for tools and d-bags, it’s actually a great deal. The $10 fee gets you into their pub next door, where you can enjoy fair-priced drinks and free food before the doors open. Additionally you’re given the privilege if getting in 5-10 minutes before anyone else, which gives you plenty of time to state your claim.

We’d gotten there about two hours before the doors opened, and there was no line-up at all. We would’ve been first in line regardless, but I opted for the $10 package because it seemed like the best bet for getting in with the camera. Rams Head Live doesn’t permit any photography, or so their website says, but this was definitely a show I had to get pics of. Thankfully I was right, and we got in with no inspection.

Opening for The Pogues were The Pietasters, a 7-piece that sounded like the lovechild of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Specials. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t memorable, and were actually quite humorous.

First, there’s lead-singer Steve Jackson, who frantically paces back and forth on stage like an epileptic preparing to enter a boxing ring. As he’s running back and forth, he’s making faces at the back of the room as if there were an imaginary man there who is constantly giving him the finger.

So you’ve got him, and then there’s their keyboard player, Jon Darby. Darby, who bares a strong resemblance to Napolean Dynamite, played his keys as if the world would come to an end at the end of their set. The guy played his heart out on the keys, but it was hilarious because you couldn’t hear a lick of it. He could’ve been back there playing Hall & Oates songs and no one would’ve ever known.

I can’t say much about these guys. They weren’t bad, I certainly wouldn’t have changed stations if the came on the radio, but I couldn’t really get into them. They have a great horn section though, and I have to admit I was extremely impressed with their bassist, Jorge Pezzimenti. The guy was amazing, effortlessly playing some really complex stuff.

I only took a handful of pictures of these guys. The pictures weren’t that good, and they were really just so that I could get my settings right for the real show. After their 45 minute set wrapped up, and another 30 minutes of setup, The pogues took the stage.

Philip Chevron, Terry Woods, James Fearnley and Shane MacGowan 

Admittingly, I was initially skeptical when Shane MacGowan stumbled onto stage with these big sunglasses that reminded me of the ones that are so popular with old women. He kinda shuffled out there like an Irish Ozzy and was pretty rigid at first, but as the show got going, so did he. It was actually pretty amazing watching this man come to life through the music. It made me think of him as an old guitar that can sit in a corner for years and years, unplayed and collecting dust. With a quick brush off and some tuning, it plays just like new.

Shane MacGowan dusted off and in tune

Terry Woods, Philip Chevron, James Fearnley, Shane MacGowan 

They opened strong with favorites "Streams of Whiskey" and "If I should Fall From Grace With God", and just kept on going. I couldn’t get over how good they were live. Their performance was extremely energetic, and musically spot-on with their recordings.

Spider Stacy, Darryl Hunt, Jem Finer

Though they’ve been at it for over 25 years, and all of them in their 50s and 60s, they certainly are an energetic bunch. James Fearnley especially, who played the accordian in such a way that it would inspire people the world over to pick one up.


James Fearnley

Spider Stacy on vox for "Tuesday Morning", one my favorites from my bass practice list

MacGowan true to form, was visibly intoxicated, and that’s putting it nicely. Despite being drunk off his ass, he delivered an outstanding performance, with indecipherable exchanges with the band throughout. Though he didn’t move around much, he certainly kept the show going with his candor. The pinnacle being the point where there was some confusion over who was to sing the next song.

MacGowan: Who’s singing this one?

Throughout much of the show he’d had a drink in his hand, and a bottle of something at his feet (looked too pale for whiskey, wine or gin maybe? It was corked), but it seemed to be the aim of some fans to see how much they could get him to drink. There was a steady offering of shots from audience members, and one lucky girl got to share one with him.

MacGowan to Jackie: Cheers (full-size here)

When all was said and done, The Pogues delivered an incredible two hours of music in one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had. I’m really grateful I got to see them while they’re all in good health. I’ll make every attempt to see them again, and I urge you to do the same. These guys are one in a million, and they’re not going to last forever.

You can view more of my photos here.