Unlucky for some, Friday the 13th marked the conclusion of this year's Jägermeister Freezer Sessions. It's safe to say those crammed into The Forum, Waterford, felt fortune was favouring them that evening. Fittingly, it was a band from the sunny south east (a nickname that doesn't really stick in winter), that were first out of the gate. A loose, confident Dead Heavys opened with 'Uptight' and the quintet did not disappoint their home crowd over the course of a set that brought a signature mix of classic pop and hypnotising rock grooves.
Next up, Gangs, for their first ever gig in Limerick and only their second outside of Dublin. We suspect they'll now be struck by wanderlust after a strong reception. Recovered from Limerick's raucous showing, old school sensations The Hot Sprockets blasted out the bluesy rock 'n' roll tunes once again. It was too much for two fans to handle as their feet gave way to the electric Sprocket beats, but they were back up off the floor as quickly as they had landed. The Dublin five-piece delivered yet again, closing as energetically as they had started with 'Soul Brother'.
Last, but not least, The Riptide Movement opened into the home straight with crowd favourites 'Animal' and 'Hot Tramp'.
There had been whispers all night of a proper 'session', with some of the Waterford audience spotting not one but two drum kits on stage, and so it came to pass that the evening culminated in a Sprockets / Riptide super group performance. The dance floor was sent into a frenzy as they belted out two of their songs in perfect harmony, the Sprockets' 'Boogie Woogie' and Riptide's 'Keep On, Keepin On'. It felt like they had played together all of their lives, and the moment summed up the Jägermeister Freezer Sessions as a whole – a damn good time in doors, where a passion for music and spirit of togetherness shine through.
How do you top that? Leave it with us. Until next time…