18th Vibe - 'Whiskey in the Jar' - 2004
Venue: Vicar Street - Dublin
Vibe 2004 Review - Music-News.com
Music News was there to share the vibe and music of Ireland's greatest 'rockstar' son and 'being there', to partake in a few beers raised to his memory, is a fulfilling experience for the soul. The culmination of the gig with Philo's mother Philomena, asking for a minute's silence, is a surreal experience in a rock gig. Silence is truly golden as I find myself praying for Phil and lost loved ones, in the middle of a heaving, alcoholically tested crowd where everyone was doing the same. You could have heard a plectrum drop.
It's a full house that greets us in a wonderful concert hall, Vicar street in Dublin with a main hall and plenty of bars with screens for more mellow viewing.
Tribute bands play with gusto and passion to an appreciative crowd, any rusty arrangements or bum notes being covered by the 'vibe' of the 'supporters' as Phil Lynott always liked to say.
Still, The Southbound Band were truly wonderful with a magnificent Black Rose closer to the set. Parris, the dutch Lizzy tribute act, had a great time on stage with Dancin in the Moonlight a favourite for the punters.
Other bands were Grand Slam doing an acoustic set with Dedication always a spine tingler, Hugh Buckley group with jazzed, cool, bebopped versions of Lynott tracks.
Leanne Harte, a 17 year old girl to watch out for in rock circles, entertained us all, playing with Ditch Cassidy.
The guest star was Eric Bell, Lizzy's first guitarist, and his band who played tracks off the first three albums. It was great to hear some of this stuff, a rousing Whiskey in the Jar during the set being the highnote. He did walk off stage during his guitar showpiece The Rocker due to technical problems which was a pity but then came Philomena,and a last set from Parris and the world,at least today was put to right.
A magnificent event to attend, with 2006 the 20th anniversary one to pencil in the diaries from now.
For one more night the boys were back in town!
Philo, a 5 star salute to you, to be sure, to be sure.
