This week we have been to Manchester to review The Dublin Legends for What's Good To Do. We had a fantastic night out which would have been even better if the two annoying girls behind us had stayed in the bar to chat rather than talking throughout the performance. They were obviously fans as they knew a lot of the words but when they weren't singing they were chatting which was very irritating.
The Lowry is very easy to get to
as it is just off the M602 motorway and there is plenty of parking in the large
multi storey car park next to the theatre. If you eat in one of the restaurants
at The Lowry Centre next door you can park for free, otherwise it costs around
£5.50. The theatre is lovely and clean and all the staff are very helpful and
friendly. All the seats have a good view of the stage and there is ample leg
room. The Quays Theatre is a perfect size for an acoustic band, large enough
that there is an atmosphere yet small enough that you are close to the stage
and can take part in the performance.
In 2012 the world famous
Dubliners celebrated their 50th year and and also mourned the loss of founder
member Barney McKenna. It was decided that the band would come to an end and so
the Dublin Legends was born. Sean Cannon, Eamonn Campbell had been members for
almost 30 years and have been joined by Gerry O’Connor and Paul Watchorn.
With so many years on the stage
between them it is no wonder that the performance was so effortless. Not only
are all four extraordinary musicians but they know exactly how to interact with
the audience with a perfect balance of Irish wit, memories and even a bit of
dancing thrown in for good measure.
The night started with a number
of tracks sung mainly in English but with the odd Irish track too. There were
also a couple of instrumental pieces where Gerry showed off his amazing fiddle
skills. The audience were soon clapping and tapping their feet in time with the
music and singing along with many of the choruses. Songs included I’ll Tell Me
Ma, McAlpine’s Fusiliers, All for Me Grog, and a real favourite with the
audience, Fields of Athenry.
Sean and Eamonn mostly played
guitar with Paul on 5 string banjo. Gerry played both fiddle and tenor banjo
with amazing skill, especially good were the instrumental tracks including a
piece written by Gerry about his father-in-law.
Like a good wine this band gets
better with age. Whilst some of the members might not be quite as agile as they
once were Eamonn, who sat down for most of the performance, was up on his feet to play Dirty Old
Town and put on an amazing performance
that would put many younger men to shame.
The second half of the show
included many more of their well-known songs including my favourite, Manchester
Rambler and Sean singing a brilliant little song about the sad introduction of
pool into Irish pubs.
The night finished with some of
the old favourites, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey in the Jar, Wild Rover and a
rousing rendition of Molly Malone that had everyone singing and dancing in
their seats.
We left the Lowry on a high,
seeing The Dublin Legends perform live was a great experience and we would certainly encourage anyone to go and
see them. They did joke that their return to Manchester would have to be soon
given their advancing years so I wouldn’t leave it too late to see them.
