The word on the tweets in recent weeks was that The Commitments were being somewhat ambitious in staging their 20th anniversary bash at The 02. There was a far better chance, it was said, of filling a venue such as The Olympia, Vicar St. or Grand Canal Theatre. Well, the doubters were proved wrong – the place was packed. It was a near sell-out and that was with standing-room only downstairs.
A fictional soul covers-band The Commitments may be, but nostalgia for the film version of Roddy Doyle’s novel and the fact the movie introduced a whole generation of teenagers to Stax/Atlantic soul canon has made them a cultural phenomenon as well as a stellar live outfit. (The fact that it was Paddy’s week and that rugby win an hour before showtime undoubtedly added the party atmosphere).
And what a party! With approximately 15 musicians on stage including a large brass section, before a red velvet backdrop it could have been the Apollo Theatre (well, perhaps not but you get the picture!)
Most of the original cast/band members were present and correct including Glen ‘Outspan’ Hansard and Andrew Strong. A force of nature, Strong strutted around egging on both the musicians and the audience to clap their hands, beg, scream and shout. Showstoppers included ‘The Midnight Hour’, ‘Mustang Sally’ and a fiery, emotional, ‘Try A Little Tenderness.’
Maria Doyle Kennedy was absent due to filming er, “commitments“ but Angeline Ball and Bronagh Gallagher did their thing fabulously, especially on ‘Chain Of Fools’. Ball’s solo version of ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’ hit the mark, while Gallagher took the lead for a near perfect take on Aretha’s ‘Do Right Man, Do Right’ Woman.’ Gallagher thanked Roddy Doyle – who was in the house -–for starting it all and even Robert Arkins who, if memory serves, didn’t perform in the movie was in fine voice when he took the lead. Feilim Gormley blew some mean sax and it was nice to see Conor Brady (who appeared on the original movie soundtrack) doing his Steve Cropper thing on the Fender Telecaster
An unexpected highlight came when Glen Hansard took to the mic announcing, “Here’s some real Dublin soul for ya” and, to the rhythm of Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’ led the band in an emotional version of Philo’s ‘Old Town’.
Even Jimmy Rabbitte Snr. would have been moved to tears!