CityLife

Having paid to see The Pogues twice in a week, I've been left pondering about being the fool in the 'fool and his money are easily parted' saying. Having been well entertained by The Stranglers who are a sleek and professional band, the contrast with The Pogues couldn't have been more different. Mind you, the contrast between the excellent musicians in The Pogues and Shane MacGowan is equally massive. Basically, he's happy to turn up every Christmas to top up the beer (or is it Martini?) money for the next twelve months. He thinks so little of the fans that he's happy to turn up so drunk that he can hardly stand or remember the words to most of the songs. It was funny twenty years ago, not now. To see this aging alcoholic who can't sing to save his life staggering around is both sad and pathetic. It's time for the other band members to ditch him. Spider Stacey, clearly irate with MacGowan's antics for most of the gig, is more than good enough on vocals. I'm afraid it's like the story of the emperor's clothes, but I for one am not prepared to go along with the herd and say what a great bloke he is when he can't sing or even remember the words. Before fans write in, just remember that while you're struggling through the credit crunch, MacGowan will be staggering all the way to the bank. Shame. Dawn - you've just proved my point :)