The Pogues Christmas Concert '09...

T'was Christmas Eve babe in the drunk tank. Err, well, t'was actually the 4th of December in The Olympia Theatre - but who's keeping score? Not us. For the immortal Shane MacGowan and the just-about immortal Pogues kicked-off their traditional string of Christmas Dublin concerts last Friday. Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it's our last and all that malarkey...

Shane MacGowan & The Pogues

Yet again the hard drinking and smoking and dentist avoiding Shane MacGowan has defied medical science and performed with The Pogues at their annual homecoming set of gigs at The Olympia Theatre. And long may it continue too.

Shane MacGowan & The Pogues

These traditional Pogues concerts should more accurately be referred to as an open Christmas party for Dubliners fond of an open sing-a-long and a mad dance - Irish stylee. Begorrah.

Shane MacGowan & The Pogues

And before anyone gives-out about Sir Shane MacGowan flouting the smoking ban we should inform you that on page 1872 sub section C of the nicotine legislation it reads: No one can smoke indoors except the lead singer of The Pogues at The Olympia Theatre in the month of December. So there. Anyway, it's his performance art.

Shane MacGowan & The Pogues

So there you have it folks, The Pogues have rung in the Yuletide Season once again and this year Christmas is all about the Kris Kindle thing due to the ongoing recession depression. Good news is - much less time present shopping and more time spent out having Xmas drinks with friends and family. Yay!

The Pogues

Shane MacGowan & The Pogues

The Pogues

Dermot Doran (m) & Friends