Fifteen years ago I certainly wouldn’t have taken bets on Shane MacGowan still being alive now. But he is and he’s being interviewed by the Guardian about the forthcoming Pogues revival. The classic Pogues line-up (yes, including Cait O’Riordan) are back together for the first time in almost twenty years and they’re playing gigs next month.
And in two weeks time, all of their albums are re-released on remastered CDs with extra tracks. All of my Pogues albums are either on vinyl or in the large pile of cassettes that I threw out last year so these will certainly be added to my wishlist.
He was on Frank Skinner last night. Pickled as always on his own concoction. In the last 20 years I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sober either live or on TV.I’ll be at The Academy in Birmingham to witness the reunion. I first saw The Pogues at The Powerhouse (which has been through a host of trendy names as a top (read dubious) Birmingham nightclub) back in the early 80s. It was an absolutely storming gig, a non-stop fury for over 90 minutes. I’m hoping the gig on the 18th December will hark back to those student days :)