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The Sharon Shannon Big Band: A Tribute to Shane MacGowan (with Special Guests Imelda May, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mundy, Camille O’Sullivan and Cait O’Riordan)
Sometimes you go to a gig and you feel truly uplfted and The Sharon Shannon Big Band’s tribute to the legendary Shane MacGowan at the O2 Ritz in Manchester was exactly that gig, it was a celebration of Irish music at its most spirited, raucous, and heartfelt. This special evening was not only a homage to MacGowan’s unmistakable contributions to Irish folk and punk but also a gathering of some of Ireland’s finest talents, Camille O’Sullivan an Irish singer, musician, Irish singer, songwriter, television presenter Imelda May , Mundy, an Irish singer-songwriter, Hothouse Flowers frontman Liam Ó Maonlaí and the brilliant Cait O’Riordan the bass guitarist for the Pogues from 1983 to 1986 all led by the ever-magical Sharon Shannon.
From the moment Shannon’s accordion kicked off the night, the atmosphere was electric. Known for her genre-defying blend of traditional Irish music with world influences, Shannon’s performance was a reminder of her mastery and how she has influenced generations of musicians. Her Big Band, tight and full of energy, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening that oscillated between wild abandon and tender emotion.
Starting of with the whole ensemble together on a rip roaring version of “Dirty Old Town” and “Irish Rover” it was golden moment after golden moment.
From Camille O’Sullivan captivating performance of “Love You ‘Till the End.” O’Sullivan’s powerful and emotive voice brought a raw vulnerability to the song, perfectly capturing the timeless essence of MacGowan’s lyrics. Paired with Shannon’s masterful accordion playing, the performance was a touching and soulful homage to the Pogues’ frontman. O’Sullivan’s ability to infuse the song with both intimacy and grandeur made was truly memorable
Mundy’s performance of “A Pair of Brown Eyes”. his rich, heartfelt vocals breathed new life into the poignant ballad, capturing its deep emotion and storytelling. His connection to the song was palpable, with each verse filled with raw sentiment, evoking the timeless spirit of MacGowan’s songwriting. Mundy’s voice, adding layers of warmth and nostalgia to the performance.
Imelda May was a standout, delivering her set with a raw energy and vocal power that honored MacGowan’s rebellious spirit. Her rendition of Pogues classics like “Rainy Night in Soho” was both tender and fiery, a perfect balance of sultry blues and Irish soul. May’s stage presence, effortlessly commanding and deeply emotive, added a fresh dimension to the songs while staying true to their roots.
Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers brought a different kind of magic to the night. His soulful, almost mystical performance on “Summer In Siam ” felt intimate and reverent, a nod to MacGowan’s poetic brilliance. Ó Maonlaí’s voice is always something special, and his tin whistle playing was on point.
Mundy, always a favorite with Irish audiences, delivered a stirring and high-energy set, leaning into MacGowan’s love for raucous pub anthems. His version of “If I Should Fall from Grace with God” had the crowd roaring, an infectious celebration of the rebel spirit that MacGowan embodied. Mundy’s raw energy and infectious charisma were a perfect match for the occasion, lifting the audience into a state of joyous chaos.
Cait O’Riordan, the Pogues’ original bassist, brought a special connection to the night, her presence imbued with history and nostalgia. Her performance was both poignant and powerful, particularly during “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day,” where her tender vocals resonated with the weight of shared memories and years spent in the heart of MacGowan’s world.
I think the most special moment of the night was the beautiful Mundy and Camille O’Sullivan duet of “Haunted” it was deeply moving and atmospheric. Camille’s hauntingly beautiful vocals took center stage, casting a spell over the audience. Her voice, filled with both fragility and strength, perfectly captured the dark, romantic mood of the song, while Mundy’s harmonies added depth. Sharon Shannon’s accordion provided a haunting backdrop. Together, they delivered a mesmerizing rendition honoring MacGowan’s genius with a truly unforgettable performance.
The ensemble moments were where the tribute truly shone, with the collective energy of the band and guest artists exploding into life. Whether it was the foot-stomping “FiestaSally ” or the anthemic “Fairy Tale In New York,” each song felt like a celebration of MacGowan’s legacy—equal parts joyous, chaotic, and deeply moving. The musicians, with Shannon’s unshakable presence at the helm, created a fitting tribute to a man whose songs have left an indelible mark on Irish culture.
In the end, the night was more than just a tribute; it was a reminder of the unifying power of music. Shane MacGowan’s influence is vast, his songs a cornerstone of Irish identity, rebellion, and poetry. Sharon Shannon and her guests honored him with the kind of love, energy, and wild spirit that he would have cherished. The audience left not only with a deep sense of nostalgia but also a renewed appreciation for the timelessness of MacGowan’s genius.
SET LIST
( To The Best Of My Memory )
1/ Full Band Instrumental
2/ Dirty Old Town
3/ The Irish Rover
4/ Summer in Siam
(The Pogues cover) (with Liam Ó Maonlaí)
4/ Love You Till The End
(with Camille O’Sullivan)
5/ A Pair of Brown Eyes
(The Pogues cover) (with Mundy)
6/ Streams of Whiskey
(The Pogues cover) (with Imelda May)
7/ I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day
(The Pogues cover) (with Cait O’Riordan)
8/ Sharon Shannon Band Instrumental
9/ The Broad Majestic Shannon
(The Pogues cover) (with Camille O’Sullivan)
10/ Lullaby of London
(The Pogues cover) (with Liam Ó Maonlaí)
11/ Sharon Shannon Cavan Potholes
12/ The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn
(The Pogues cover) (with Mundy)
13/ Haunted
(The Pogues cover) (with Mundy, Camille O’Sullivan)
14/ A Rainy Night in Soho
(The Pogues cover) (with Imelda May)
15/ Sharon Shannon Instrumental
16/ Galway Girl
(with Mundy)
17/ Sally MacLennane
(The Pogues cover)
18/ Fiesta
(The Pogues cover)
19/ Fairytale of New York
FOLLOW THE SHARON SHANNON
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
