Maybe it was a combination of the post-Christmas blues, the freezing weather outside and the fact that the gig fell on a mid-week night. Or perhaps it was the unveiling of that magnificent statue of Philo late last year that dissipated the celebrations somewhat. Whatever the reason, this year’s 20th anniversary vibe lacked the atmosphere of previous years’ events.
The message-board on the official VibeForPhilo.com site echoes the feeling of disappointment, with some even citing it as “the worst vibe ever." Some pointed to the same old faces turning up year after year, while the fact that this was the first of four “vibes” touring the country might have meant that energies were being conserved. As a gig, it’s just way too long and unfocused (my heart sank when MC Smiley Bolger announced at one point that there were still four more hours to go!)
In fairness, Glyder got things off to a flying start with a no-nonsense set of Lizzy numbers, the highlight being a muscular ‘Got To Give It Up’. Jimmy Coot from LA and Shibata from Japanese tribute outfit the Lizzyboys delivered a fine acoustic set, including a gorgeous reading of ‘Borderline’. Eric Bell excelled on ‘Whisky In The Jar’, though his meandering blues workouts didn’t endear himself to the crowd.
The Southbound Band were the highlight of the evening, with a passionate set of Lizzy fare. Joining them, a clearly “tired and emotional” Brian Robertson was given a huge Dublin welcome but proved disappointingly out of synch with what was happening on stage (and that James Blunt moment is best forgotten.)
Still, not enough highlights to make this the fantastic celebration it should and could have been. Back to the drawing board, methinks.