Brief History of The Pogues:

Formed in London in 1982, The Pogues revolutionized the music scene with their Celtic punk sound, blending traditional Irish folk with raw punk energy. Led by the charismatic Shane MacGowan, the band's name, derived from the Irish phrase "póg mo thóin," set the tone for their rebellious spirit.

The breakthrough came with their second album, "Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash" (1985), featuring hits like "Dirty Old Town" and "Sally MacLennane." The Pogues' unique mix of instruments like tin whistle and banjo, combined with MacGowan's gritty storytelling, made them a standout act.

Their pinnacle moment arrived in 1988 with "If I Should Fall from Grace with God," highlighted by the timeless Christmas classic "Fairytale of New York." However, internal tensions, fueled by MacGowan's struggles with addiction, led to his departure in 1991. The band soldiered on with Joe Strummer briefly stepping in.

In 2001, MacGowan rejoined for reunion concerts, cementing The Pogues' legacy as Celtic punk pioneers. Despite their rollercoaster journey, their influence endures, and their music continues to inspire new generations, ensuring The Pogues' place in the pantheon of musical innovators.

Opening Act: members of El Front playing the Nips

The band El Front carries various formidable torches, including those belonging to the Clash, the Pogues, Billy Bragg, Bob Marley, Woody Guthrie and the anonymous tradition of newsy musical radicalism that John Lennon courted on Sometime in New York City. El Front’s 2012 release Popular Revolt/Revuelta Populár is a vastly impressive 40-track magnum opus of global Marxist punkcraft and interstitial sound collage reminiscent of Negativland. The proper songs are kinetic, incendiary and – unlike so much of the revolutionary music after which they are modeled – well-recorded and artfully arranged. Reggae and dub effects are in full force.