There’s nothing like a good Irish pub show to get your evening off to a grand start. The Shamrocks have finally made their way to Adelaide to show how to do exactly that. The six Irish lads, including two sets of brothers have an instantly likeable energy about them. Raymond Walsh created the Shamrocks back in 2018 to showcase the amazing talent from Northern Ireland. He confesses that he wants to spread the love around the world. Along with his younger brother Jack, brothers Jimmy and Nathan Johnston, and Matthew Campbell, with Michael on guitar, the group have a great repartee.
Like any good Irish band, the songs are generally upbeat and dance ready, with a few classic slow Irish songs to balance the energy. A couple of favourites were “Whiskey in the Jar”, “Dirty old Town” and an ode to Adelaide with “Bound for South Australia.” They threw in some of their original songs for good measure before including a version of “Waltzing Matilda.”
The performers are not just singers, with a drumming solo performance having the crowd hollering and whooping along. The band had everyone energised throughout the set.
The band were also obviously enjoying themselves. Walsh mentioned that he had been told about the Adelaide Fringe, but expressed amazement at how much energy was in the tent in the parklands. He compared ot to playing the Sydney Opera House, which of course was an incredible highlight, but the warmth and energy in the space was palpable.
It’s easy to see why the band are considered the #1 Irish Show with Emmy awards and millions of views online. We are very fortunate to have shared an evening with them, and I’m sure they will be back for more.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended the performance on 21 Feb
Feature image by John Goodridge
The Shamrocks
The Virago, Gluttony
Friday 20 February – Saturday 22 March, various times
gluttony.net.au/shows/the-shamrocks
