WORLD FAMOUS Irish folk band The Dubliners completed an unquestionable night of Emerald Isle entertainment with a rendition of the classic Molly Malone at Birmingham’s Town Hall earlier this month.
The legendary group visited Birmingham as part of their current UK tour, and followers of the band in the Midlands weren’t let down.
Despite the unfortunate absence of star guitarist Eamonn Campbell, the performance went on with Sean Cannon spearheading the group with a superb performance of his favourite tune Whiskey in the Jar.
Formed shortly after the sudden death of star banjo player Barney McKenna, The Dublin Legends popularity is evident.
Hardly a seat was free in the picturesque building with fans of all ages turning out in support of Ireland’s most iconic musical performers.
The biggest cheer of the night perhaps came when Sean Cannon, who lives locally in Coventry, performed ‘The Sick Note’.
Despite not being as known as other Irish classics, The Sick Note tells the story of a man named Paddy who has an unfortunate mishap at work and is unable to attend the following day.
Sean’s mix of voice and ways of working the crowd won everyone over – the night was rocking.
Further performances following including one instrumental named ‘A Song for PJ’.
Dedicated to a man, PJ, who worked hard in life for very little recognition, the song was requested by an audience member – something that The Dublin Legends do so well, interact with the audience.
Cannon also performed a couple of Gaelic tunes from his homeland – something he describes as his favourite part of touring in the UK.
The night was rounded off with the four classics everyone expects to hear.
The Irish Rover was followed by a superb encore of Whiskey in the Jar, The Wild Rover and finally Molly Malone – a song about a fishmonger from Dublin who died young of a fever.
Lead singer Cannon told The Observer: “I’ve known the songs since I was a child.
“I like singing some of the Gaelic songs and there are some numbers that we don’t perform on stage that I love.
“My favourite would have to be Whiskey in the Jar and The Wild Rover – though I love them all.
“The UK has a fantastic atmosphere and in Birmingham we had a great turnout.”
Visit www.dublinlegends.com to find out more information about their 2016 tour across Europe and how to book tickets.
