Fair play

Benefit gigs, however worthy the cause, can too often lapse into bland exercises in preachy sermonising. While few would argue with the reasoning behind tonight’s affair – essentially helping to make global trading fairer – it’s probably also fair to say that most people were here for the music. Wisely, the organisers recognised this and apart from a short video, the message was relayed via information stands dotted around the venue. Fair play to Oxfam – others take note.

But what about the music? If it did feature what was described recently as the “usual suspects” there’s no denying the popularity of the current class of 2003. Short sets from Lisa Bresnan, Bellxi’s Paul Noonan, Leya and Nina Hynes got the show on the road with Bresnan in particular impressing everyone present with her knock-out voice. Then the ever-popular Mundy hits the stage running with a fine set – the highlight being a rocking version of Neil Young’s ‘Words’

Tonight’s headliner Damien Rice is on a roll at the moment and had them in the palm of his hand from the off. Though much of his appeal continues to escape yours truly, he’s an undeniably consummate performer and with vocal assistance from the gifted Lisa Hannigan, songs like ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Eskimo’ are delivered to ecstatic response.

Joined by Mundy the rousing finale included the latter’s hit ‘July’, a run through Prince’s ‘Kiss’ and Nilsson’s ‘Everybody’s Talking’. Oh, and Bono sent a short message supporting the cause which was read out by MC Tom Dunne.