Pogues get partygoers in festive spirits

11:12am Tuesday 18th December 2007

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AS The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan stepped onto stage at the Birmingham Carling Academy, with his entourage of musicians, the audience let out a mighty roar.

And it wasn't before long legs were flailing, beer was flying and everybody was jigging to their heart's content.

Although Shane appeared to be stumbling around and slurring on stage, he was the most composed I have ever seen him, during a performance on Sunday December 16.

Maybe it was the packed-out venue that made him sing every song without doing his usual disappearing act off stage?

It was certainly a bit rowdy - but isn't that what the Pogues gigs are all about?

The popular band made their way through a succession of hits, such as Rainy Night in Soho, and Fiesta - which made the crowd go wild - amongst a host of other popular songs.

There were two encores and each time the band re-appeared on stage, the crowd were chanting Shano' to sing his hit song The Fairytale of New York'.

And of course it is this song which epitomizes Christmas more than any other.

When the moment came, it was worth the wait, the song sounds much better when performed live and capped off a pretty special night.

One of the band member's daughter's sang the part of the late Kirsty MacColl while Shane fittingly waltzed with her on stage.

A sea of crowd-goers danced away to the festive song and I am sure most would agree the performance was a perfect gig to get you in that Christmas spirit.

The Pogues 2007 Academy gig was simply stunning.