Donal

Carlsberg Comedy Festival in Dublin

We were watching Tim Minchin on the telly back in July and just for the laugh Googled him to see if he was playing anytime soon.  We were heading up to Dublin for the U2 concert on the Saturday and sure enough Tim Minchin was playing on Sunday as part of the Carlsberg Comedy Festival.  I don’t think much needs to be said about this genius except to say that his show absolutely wowed us.

As if the musical comedic delights of Tim Minchin weren’t enough for us, Des Bishop was the 2nd headliner on the bill.  I’ve never seen Des live but I’ve enjoyed his shows on telly, each concept show getting that bit more involved and entertaining.  He’s got a certain stage presence and while he didn’t play any instrument, he toyed with the audience.  In particular, one lady who wanted to take part in the show after one too many glasses of wine.  Her “I paid for you” comment was the ultimate invitation to take the complete mickey out of her and Des obliged to everybody’s delight except hers.  Is binn béal ina thost, as the good man would say himself.

Michael Mee was the MC for the evening.  The Corkman did a fine job of getting the crowd in the mood with his self-deprecating style.  I wouldn’t mind seeing him in action doing his own show.

There was a great buzz around the Iveagh Gardens where the festival was held.

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Super Furry Animals at Indiependence

Super Furry Animals finished up what was a great Indiependence festival this year in Mitchelstown.  After waiting for what seemed like an age, in the rain, the Furries came out on stage.  In spite of the “WOAH!” sign, these was little enthusiasm shown by the lads as they came slowly bounding onto stage.  I really enjoyed their set when they finally got going although I have to admit flaking off early after a day in the rain.  Wimp, I know!

Here’s looking forward to a dry festival next year!  I hope the same venue is used again as it really made the festival.

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Frank and Walters at Indiependence

The Franks played down at the Indiependence festival in Mitchelstown again this year.  They’re ever-present at this festival and while you might say that you’re seeing the same bands this year but now have to pay for it, the multi-stage festival has a lot more bands packed into the schedule which makes it well worth it.  I wonder what the plans are for next year.

But getting back to the Franks, this wasn’t one of their best performances I thought.  Perhaps the vibe in the tent was one of relief to be out of the rain but most weren’t the fanatical Franks fans you’d expect to see at their gigs.  To say it wasn’t their best performance is a little unfair; the gig atmosphere wasn’t ideal but that wasn’t down to them.  You’ll always get a mix of fans at performances in a festival scenario which I’m sure people will experience this weekend at Electric Picnic.  I hope to get to the Franks gig when they hopefully play their annual Christmas gig in Cork.

See a few more photos in the full set.

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The Blizzards at Indiependence

The Blizzards were next up after Delorentos by which time the rain was really coming down again so I didn’t get too many photos.  As you can see from the picture below, lead singer Niall Breslin had his right arm in a cast so he couldn’t play guitar but this didn’t slow him down on stage.  Some plonker in the audience thought it would be funny to throw hay (used to minimise the muck due to the rain) at him which after the 5th or 6th time Niall finally let rip.  Lots of pent-up anger there!  While I’m not a big fan of the second album, the songs sound a lot better live.  Perhaps the album is over-produced and almost too perfect.

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Delorentos at Indiependence

Delorentos played out a great set at the Indiependence festival in Mitchelstown.  This was one of my favourite acts of the day, possibly because the lads seemed to enjoy themselves which always makes for a good gig.  Perhaps their planned split earlier this year which subsequently didn’t go ahead has given them a new lease of life.  Long may it last!  I’m now looking forward to the release of their second album.

A few more photos in the full set on Flickr.

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• August 16, 2009 -- The Villagers at Indiependence (0)
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