Live Review - Vibe for Philo rocks Vicar St

For photos of the night check this link.

With a venue was packed with visitors from home and abroad, the Vicar Street atmosphere was nothing short of electric. If there was some controversy about the fact that this year’s event was an all-seated affair, it didn't show.
With the theme for this renewal being ‘Get Out of Here’, highlights as always were many; they included Dark Lanes’ blistering ‘Still In Love With You’, a return appearance from Belfast troubadour Conor Scott and The Low Riders’ rendition of ‘Killer On The Loose’. Former Mama’s Boy Pat McManus (playing his Gibson ‘flying V’) offered incendiary versions of ‘Jailbreak’ and ‘Parisienne Walkways’, producing what was arguably the best received set of the night.
It wasn’t entirely about Philo or Lizzy, mind. The Dunford Brothers and friends offered a nice tribute to the recently departed Joe Cocker on a stirring rendition of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’. Master of Ceremonies Smiley Bolger hinted that he might retire after the 30th Vibe next year now that he has his bus pass – but few would bet on it!
Meanwhile, an emotional Philomena Lynott made her annual address to the faithful. “I loved my son and I still love him - even though I could murder him sometimes,” she laughed through the tears of joy. Thanking the fans for their continuing support she said Philip’s legacy and this event had become “a way of life” for her, and urged the crowd to be “kind to each other and to stop falling out”.
Remaining onstage for a rousing rendition of ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ by the Barley Mob, Philomena looked every bit the ‘rock chick’ backing singer, and the evening came to a close with a suitably storming set from new Lizzy tribute band Bad Reputation.