Despite the miserable weather, and recent oversupply of outdoor shows in the capital, the grounds of the Royal Hospital are buzzing in anticipation for one of the world’s most life-affirming live performers. The honour of opening for Manu falls to local boys, Blood Or Whiskey and they certainly don't disappoint, delivering a furious set that fuses the spirit of Irish folk, punk and ska. Proving to be an inspired choice, they adeptly warm up the assembled throngs for the relentless pogo-fest that was soon to follow.
In the words of Grandmaster Flash, José-Manuel Thomas Arthur Chao, is ‘something like a phenomenon’. Despite recently celebrating his 54th birthday, Manu bounds on stage like a teenage upstart, his mere presence releasing a contagious energy that sweeps throughout the crowd. This multi-lingual world music superstar, and former Parisian busker of Spanish origin, simply doesn’t do average gigs: he specialises in controlled riots.
Brimming with righteous attitude, the band immediately crank into top gear, creating a glorious musical stew that incorporates everything from ska to punk and Latin rhythms. Chao, by his own admission, was heavily influenced by the defiance of '70s English punk and from the off his confrontational stage presence makes passive viewing almost impossible.
Like an all-action middleweight boxer, the performer never sits still and the crowd responds in kind, bopping about incessantly to the wonderfully rhythmic party vibes whipped up by his players. The energy levels rarely drop, with Chao only pausing briefly between numbers to thank the crowd and throw his fists in the air in an act of mutual solidarity with his adoring fans.
The big numbers, namely 'Clandestino' and 'Radio Bemba', are warmly greeted, but in reality, it matters little that many in attendance aren’t overly familiar with his body of work. In some ways, a Manu Chao show is similar to a techno party, where the incessant beats and looping riffs carry the audience along on a wave of joyous abandon. In terms of stage craft and performance, MC has very few peers. Viva Manu!