At the start of this year I made a very conscious decision to take on the musical opportunities that presented themselves to me, and that’s what I have been doing thus far.

January

Mundy in St Johann – This was the night of the Snow Ball – and it was exactly what you might think it was! We were all in our ski gear in the main square in St Johann.  Wrapped up well and drink Gluhwein – yum.  It started off with a DJ session by Ian Dempsey and Tony Fenton.  This was class actually, as we sang out hearts out to songs like ‘Hold me now’.  Brilliant.  Then Mundy came on.  I had met him in the hotel previously and told him that there would be a Galway girl in the audience if he was stuck for someone to sing it too, but I think he must have forgotten my name when he got on stage! ha ha.  Good gig – even if he just played about 3 songs; though I’ll be kind – it was about minus 10 outside that night.

Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club in St Johann.  This was another skiing night out, and this time to the tune of Jerry Fish, and, this time the gig took place in doors.  Now, musically they are really good, however I just don’t think that they were the right band to play us out of our holiday.  The music is more suited to somewhere like the sugar club or somewhere more sedate – not to an audience if Apres Ski-ers who want to go wild on their last night in Austria.

April

Evita – The Gaiety Theatre. I went to this musical with three friends and genuinely hadn’t a clue as to what the story was about.  It was amazing.  The songs were gorgeous, the actors were superb and the story was brilliant and heart breaking! I will admit to a solitary tear falling down my cheek towards the end.  Most enjoyable.

May

Pavement – Tripod – I was invited to this gig last minute by a friend who had a spare ticket.  I had no idea what I was letting myself in for; usually when I go to see a band, I know their stuff inside out, and I only knew a few Pavement songs.  The atmosphere was electric.  It was one of those really special gigs, sold out almost immediately after the tickets went on sale, and full of fans who were complete die hard fans.  I was somewhat apprehensive about this gig.


Alicia Keys – O2 – Oh Alicia.  I saw her in November 2001 in the Point, as it was known then, and she was a-maz-ing.  What a talented lady.  Back then she was only about 20 and she completely had the whole audience with her.  A mere 9 years later we went back to indulge in her musical genius – you can imagine that expectations were high.  She started off well, and then she started to sing ‘Fallen’… I was slightly concerned that the grand piano still had not appeared… slightly more concerned when she started to play what can only be referred to as a yoke (i.e. a 2 octave, electric, handheld piano thingy).  Devastated.  I honestly thought that if this continued that I might have to walk out.  Fortunately though she went onto to play a lot on the piano and demonstrate the musicality about her that I love.  She was really good.  To be honest though, not as good as 2001, so I’m not sure if I would be rushing back.

June – Paul McCartney – RDS – After the rave reviews that Paul McCartney received the last time he came to Dublin, the whole family decided that we must go to see him when he announced he’d be playing again in June.  So we all went – myself, brother, sister, brother’s wife and her parents!  A fine spread indeed of family and age groups.  Actually, my sister-in-law’s mother had seen Paul play with the Beatles in the 60s… I thought that was pretty cool!

He was fantastic and rocked the RDS for almost 3 hours, belting out all sorts of tunes from Beatles to Wings to more modern stuff.  He didn’t play the frog chorus, so I think we sang this ourselves on the way out.  It was such a special experience to be there and hear him sing some of the greats.  My sister-in-law’s parents had a dance to ‘Hey Jude’, which was so sweet!!

June – Stevie Wonder – O2.  Oh Stevie baby, you have rocked my world for years and been the master of many of my personal theme tunes.  I was beyond excited when I heard Stevie was coming to Dublin and very determined to get tickets.  So myself and 2 of the girls went to the O2 for this extravaganza, and he really did entertain.  He played all my favourite tunes, and a few that I didn’t know.  Just sitting there listening to him you appreciate what an aul’ romantic he must have been / still is… beautiful… awhhh…

My only criticism is that he ended on some weird, long song, that involved a choir coming on stage (who really didn’t add much besides some oooohhhhs and awhhhhhhs).  And it went on for AGES, and then that was it – the lights came on, no encore, no nothing.  end of concert.  Still, the rest of it was pretty excellent.  Oh Stevie, you rock my world!!

July – Oxegen – Punchestown, Co. Kildare (and not Dublin, contrary to the cries of so many artists there that weekend!).  We saw a lot of bands that weekend – 3 day music festival :-)   I’m going to do my best and remember everyone I saw:

Friday

The Black Keys – I’d never heard of them and they were quite a good band, and put on a good show.  Cannot really remember much of their songs now, so not sure I’ll be looking them up.

Lissie – Female American (could be Canadian!) singer-songwriter. Good, buzzy music.  I might look her up again.

Republic of Loose – Good band of Irish lads – really enjoyable concert and I’d say they are good fun to see at a live gig of their own.  I have their first album, but never got the second one.

Vampire Weekend – I downloaded a few of their songs a few years back and liked them.  They put on a good show, but that said, most of their songs are quite similar, so while good – not sure I’d go and see them again.

Delorentos – Good Irish band, had a loyal fan base at the gig.  What we saw we enjoyed.

Plan B – Love Plan B.  What a great band, and they had an amazing beatboxer on with them as well.  Mister Plan B might come across as a scary man, but I’d say he’s nice to the ladies! Brilliant – I’d go and see him again.

O Emperor – We ran into the tent after Plan B and were so happy to hear this band! What a refreshing sound.  Am definitely going to be downloading some of their stuff.

Stereophonics – What a boring band.  ‘nuf said.

Empire of the Sun – Good band, good show.

Jay-Z – Well he was late, but whether he was to blame for that or not is not yet known.  He was very energetic and put on a good show.

Groove Armada – Great to see them live, but they were quite inconsistent.  Not a big fan.

Goldfrapp – I only caught their last song, but thought they were good nonetheless.  I’d go again.

Arcade Fire – Absolutely brilliant – would love to see them at another gig.  Really liked their music.

Fatboy Slim – quite hardcore, a bit too much for lil old me!

David Guetta – we only got to hear a few tunes outside the tent, but it sounded awesome.  He attracted the young crowd, so it was a bit knackery.

Saturday

Wallis Bird – Quite the energetic little songstress, our miss Bird is! Good show, but after a while all the songs started to sound the same.

Two Door Cinema Club – excellent sound – very impressed.

Cathy Davey – one word: BORING

Ellie Goulding – super gig – really musical girl and impressed me more than I thought she would.

Florence and the Machine – WOW.  It was pouring rain outside and I’d say about 70% of the festival goers were outside in the rain worshiping this lady.  She was pretty incredible, but I hear she is taking a break from gigging for a while?  pity!

La Roux – urghhhhh

Dizee Rascal – good show, at least the bit I saw was.

Gossip – Wow-wee – this lady has a lot of energy and puts on a brilliant show – I’d recommend that you go to see her!

Doves – love the sounds they make – really chilled out and enjoyable gig.

Black Eyed Peas – only saw them from a distance, and they seemed to really put on a good show.

Muse – Matt Fat Arse Bellamy – you let me down! They played a terrible set.  It was raining and they made no effort whatsoever to lift the crowd.  Terrible.  Actually, I blame Kate! I bet she encouraged them to go all alternative on us.  Chris and Dom saved the show with their personality and musicality.

Sunday

This was the only day where it was sunny non-stop so we parked ourselves in front of the main stage, had a few beers and soaked up the festival atmosphere.

Earth Wind and Fire – gentle background music.  not mad about ‘em.

Newton Faulkner – excellent entertainer – a man with a guitar really brought a great atmosphere to the day

Bell X1 – I just felt like they didn’t really try.  They have a great array of songs but didn’t seem to lift the crowd as much as I would have expected.

Paolo Nutini – Ah Paolo, you make me smile, you really do.  What a show, and I don’t think he was as locked as he normally is!

Temper Trap – Can I just say that I discovered them VERY early on, and, was the first person to post a review of their album on iTunes! They were super! I’d love to see them again.

Faithless – not really my cup of tea, but excellent entertainer nonetheless.  Totally fit too!

Ocean Colour Scene – wow-wee!!! LOVE!!! Caught the end of their set and got to sing ‘The day we caught the train’ at the top of my voice!! I’ve been waiting about 15 years to see them sing it live!

Eminem – shout, shout, rap, rap, whatever

The Prodigy – I was so afraid to go over to see them as there were metal detectors on the way in specifically to filter weapons allegedly used by their usual concert goers!  We did however get to hear them do ‘firestarter’ at the top of the Ferris Wheel, and it was pretty cool.

Mumford and Son - I was really looking forward to seeing this band as I’m a big fan of their album.  They were up against Eminem and The Prodigy and had the Green Sphere’s tent full.  It was a magical show, made even more incredible by the adoring crowd that were there.  They sang and performed with such passion that it had to be the highlight of the weekend.  I’d love to go and see them again.

Would I go to Oxegen again?  well after the last time I swore never again.  I think I would, but would probably do a day ticket.  I’d be reluctant to go thought if it were raining, as the weather makes it or breaks it.  Maybe my next festival will be the Electric Picnic… or even Glastonbury?  watch this space!!

Next Gig… The incredible… fantastic… amazing… beautiful … Miss… LADY GAGA!!!! Roll on October 29th :-)   Woop woop!!!