I have been to several benefit nights over the years. Some similar to last night where other artists come and sing their favourite song by that artist. Nine times out of ten they are a dull affair but last night was that one out of ten time. The atmosphere in the Olympia Theatre last night can only be described as electric.
The night began with the showing of the Aslan Documentary, 'Please Don't Stop'. At about 8.30, Guggi - who was MC for the night - introduced the band members of Aslan to the stage.
The first guest of the night was Paul Walsh of Royseven. Paul gave a fantastic rendition of 'Gotta Make It'. A good start to the night to get the crowd warmed up. Followed by Riptide Movement and the exciting newcomer to Irish music scene Gavin James with his version of 'Chains'.
Judging by the screams, there were a lot of people looking forward to the next act. When the MC came on and said "And now for something completely different" the whole place screamed. Jedward came onto the stage and if I'm honest, surprised me as they nailed 'She's So Beautiful'. The biggest cheer of the night so far.
The night continued with performances from Steve Wall, The Coronas lead Danny O'Reilly and Original Rudeboys. Mentor from the TV show The Voice, Bressie came out and sang a decent version of 'Angie', supported by a very willing crowd.
The first half continued with songs from Jerry Fish, Gavin Friday and Ryan Sheridan, who flew in from his tour in Germany especially for this gig. Adrian Kennedy came on stage and said a few words about Aslan, Christy and viewers from across the world. The last act before the interval was the Dublin Gospel Choir with 'Down on Me'.
The second half began with Horslips with 'Different Man' followed by Damien Dempsey on the big screen from his studio in London performing 'Bullets and Diamonds'.
Next up was the legend that is Paul Brady with an amazing version of 'We Did'. As her son had done earlier, Mary Black came to the stage, along with Don Mescall to perform a song written by Mescall 'Too Late for Hallelujah'. Former Westlife singer Mark Feehily came on stage and showed the crowd his vocal ability on 'Where's the Sun'.
Don Mescall came back on stage, this time with Christy's daughter Kiera with a strong performance of 'Catch Your Fall'. Today FM DJ Tony Fenton came on to talk about the struggle he shares with Christy, their joint battle with Cancer. He talked about having Billy from Aslan in the studio during the week and talking to him about Christy. Billy remarked to him that Christy not being there was like 'Soldiers missing their Commander in Chief'.
From sadness to laughter as Tom Dunne took the stage. He proclaimed playing with the Aslan band was like 'Cheating' and like 'Driving someone else's car'. Billy shouts over to him, 'At least you can sing a decent song for a change'. The whole place erupted in laughter. Tom sang 'Rainman' and certainly did it justice.
Next to be introduced by the MC Guggi, he tells us all that 2 of the best bands ever, just so happen to come from North Dublin, and here is one of them. The big screen comes on again and Bono appears. U2 live from Electric Lady Studios in New York with 'This Is'. I wouldn't be the biggest fan of U2 but it was superb.
Kiera Dignam came back on stage, this time supported by everyone there on the night for a spine tingling rendition of 'This Time'.
As the night came to a close, everyone left the stage and the lights dimmed. Appearing from the darkness was Christy himself. He came on to thank everyone for their contribution to a great night. His suit jacket then came off as the opening chords of 'Crazy World' blasted out. With his theatrical hand movements detailing everything in the song, it was just like the Christy of old. What a wonderful end to the evening.
Overall, it was a fantastic night enjoyed by all. To put it mildly, the place was hopping from start to finish. Was great to see Christy back on stage again. Get well soon Christy and hopefully we'll see you back on stage soon doing what you love with the people you love performing with, Billy, Alan, Joe and Rodney.
More photos of the gig can be seen here. Setlist below.
Pat
IM Blog
First Half
Paul Walsh – Gotta Make it
Riptide Movement – Lucy Jones pt1
Gavin James – Chains
Jedward – She’s So Beautiful
Steve Wall –Pretty Thing
Danny O’Reilly – Hurt Sometimes
Original Rudeboys – Lucy Jones pt2
Bressie – Angie
Jerry Fish – Rock’n’Roll Suicide
Ryan Sheridan - Wish You
Were Here
Gavin Friday – Five Years
Adrian Kennedy
Dublin Gospel – Down on Me
Second Half
Horslips – Different Man
Damien Dempsey – Bullets and Diamonds (From a Studio in London)
Paul Brady - We Did
Mary Black & Don Mescall
- Too Late for Hallelujah
Mark Feehily – Where’s the Sun
Kiera Dignam - Catch Your
Fall
Tony Fenton
Tom Dunne – Rainman
U2 – This Is (Live from Electric Lady Studios NY)
Kiera Dignam with All other Acts –This Time
Aslan - Crazy World
All images © 2013 Pat Byrne
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