With nostalgia all the rage these days it comes as no great surprise that the 1960s ballad boom is currently enjoying a healthy revival among younger tykes. Not that this is anything new – The Pogues kick-started it all of 20 years ago, while the recent success of the Luke Kelly tribute outfit confirms a ready audience for authentic balladry of the old school.
Despite their obvious youth (and not a beard between them) Dublin City Workingman’s Band come across like the real deal and belt out the ballads like it was the Belgard Inn, circa 1971. With a singer who looks a ringer for TV star Hector O hEochagáin, they tackle standards like ‘Black Is The Colour’ and ‘Dirty Old Town’ with ease before a full house – who lap it all up enthusiastically.
Local hero and real life Dubliner, the legendary Ronnie Drew, joins them for a handful of classics including mighty renditions of his trademark ‘McAlpines Fusiliers’, a stunning version of ‘Raglan Road’ and his hit with The Pogues, ‘The Irish Rover’. DCWB bring things home with an impressive ‘Fairytale Of New York’, rounding off a fine performance in grand style.