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2024-12-02 Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - The Academy, Dublin

Christmas came early this year for me.  Never did I think that  Me First and the Gimme Gimmes  would be playing Dublin, and never did I ever think I'd get to shoot one of their shows! Well, that all changed last week when they played the Academy in Dublin on a cold, damp, Monday night! I've been a fan since 1997, when one of the lads I worked with, brought in a copy of Have a Ball . It was love at first listen! I did manage to catch them live back in 2019 when they played the O2 Forum in Kentish Town , London, and it was every bit as good as I'd hoped, but it paled in comparison to Monday night in Dublin. So, how did it come about?  Well, back in 2013, I interviewed the band for a now defunct Irish website called Chunk.ie .  Over the years, I've stayed on their PR roster, so I took a chance and emailed my contact there.  Lo and behold, a few emails later and all was sorted, I was down to photograph the show. How was it?  Brilliant, amazing, fantastic,...

2024-03-24 Arlene Bailey - Moat Theatre, Naas

I've known Arlene for a few years...  Without being too exact, we are talking about the pre-grunge times, so yeah, a few years.

I'm quite lucky to count among my friends, many musicians, performers and singers and there is something quite magical about watching them perform.  I get an immense feeling of pride in them, and, watching Arlene perform tonight, was no different.

It's no easy thing to sell out the Moat Theatre in Naas, and, contrary to what you might believe, being a local artist doesn't make it any easier, but the theatre was packed tonight with friends, family and fans, all out for a good time.

I suppose the main question is, did they have a good time?  Well, the answer is yes, oh yeas indeed.  From the moment Arlene ran on stage in a straight jacket, to a duet with Niamh Strong and onto the final encore, the audience sang, clapped and toe tapped along. A great night!

Just a quick word on supporting your friends in the arts.  If you get the chance to catch a show, buy a ticket, maybe bring a friend.  Don't stream their music, it takes thousands upon thousands of streams to make a few cents, buy their music and merch instead!  Lastly, don't be shy, tell the whole world about them.

Now for some photos:












 

 

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