Irish cult legends The Saw Doctors are back! They recently took over Liverpool Olympia for a memorable live performance that offered all the majesty of their hay-day. Fintan Cleary was down there to report back for us...
Photo Credit: Kev Barrett
My Mum took me to my first proper gig in 2009, The Saw Doctors at the Liverpool Philharmonic, I was 10 and I was hooked. Fifteen years later we headed to The Liverpool Olympia to see them once again. Both somewhat older, would this concert be just as memorable?
There's been a few changes in lineup over the 15 years, however two of the founding members: Davy Carton and Leo Moran are the ever-present much loved essence of the band. The buoyant crowd even helped Leo to celebrate his 60th birthday by bringing in balloons, banners and giving a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday.
Photo Credit: Kev Barrett
We were standing close to the stage at Olympia, at the heart of the mosh-pit, quite a different experience from the seated comfort of the Phil, but this is a venue much more suited to the exuberance of flag waving Saw Doctors fans. It was full on from the first song and didn't let up until the very end... two and a half hours later.
They performed all the old favourites, 'N17' and 'Joyce Country Céilí Band' being particularly well received. The bars were doing a roaring trade, and even though most of the drinks seemed to end up on the floor, nobody seemed to mind.
It was the band's first gig in Liverpool in 6 years. Unsurprisingly the show, taking place in the city that many would consider to be the most Irish outside of the island of Ireland, almost felt like a homecoming. Songs such as 'Galway and Mayo', 'Maroon and White' and 'The Green and Red of Mayo' were embraced by the crowd, many of whom sported GAA jerseys of the The Saw Doctors' favoured counties.
Photo Credit: Kev Barrett
The Saw Doctors proved they’ve lost none of the electric stage presence that has made them one of Ireland’s most beloved bands, showing no signs of slowing down despite their advancing years. The energy in the room was palpable, with the crowd, many of whom weren’t even born when the band first rose to prominence in the late 1980s, matching the band’s enthusiasm. If tonight is anything to go by, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them rocking Liverpool again in 15 years’ time.
Words - Fintan Cleary
Photo - Kev Barrett
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