Inaudible. Cheap. Pap. These are the three words I would use to describe the Christina Aguilera watch worn by Steve Fanagan at the launch of his second album There Is Hope. Fortunately, Steve himself was far from tacky pap. In contrast to the plastic adorning his wrist, he delivered a set that satisfied the faithful, in spite of some technical problems.

After demonstrating how his watch played ‘Genie In A Bottle’ we were treated to some real music. With his mates Ronan on bass and Peter on percussion, the music was sparse and world-weary… stripped down to the bare essentials: emotion and emotion, and some extra emotion.

And then disaster. Midway through a song the mini-disc that had replaced the percussionist and the bass player (who had an exam in the morning) started skipping. Not what you need when you are trying to launch an album.

As things transpired however, this technical hitch was a blessing. Steve played a couple of songs accompanied only by his guitar, and the gig became live proof that less is more. Songs like ‘The Things I Draw’ were given a new lease of life even though they were only seven weeks old. The crowd, now more than ever, were with him all the way.

After the mini-disc had redeemed itself, the boys rejoined Steve on the stage (to hell with exams). Steve was nice enough to dedicate ‘By My Breathe’ to his mother.

I wonder if it was her that bought him the mini-disc player. I hope she kept the receipt.