Review of Máire Brennan Concert - London, by Barry Smith

The Day I Met Maire!

Date: Sunday, 12th March 2000

Place: Adelphi Theatre, London UK

It started off with her supporting artist called 'Boolie' (or something to that effect), who had spiky spider-like hair (no, really!), though I thought his music was great! He had a Northern Irish accent, and played the keyboard, with a guitarist accompanying him occasionally.

Then (after a short interval), Máire followed her band on to the stage, much to the excitement of the audience! The lights went down, and she burst into 'The Big Rock'. I wish I could remember all the songs she sang, but it lasted over two hours - and I being in an ecstatic trance-like state wasn't engraving it into my (already lame) memory! But they include:

Heal This Land, Follow the Word (which was spelt 'Follow the WArd' on the flyers!), Against the Wind, A Mhurinín Ó, Where I Stand, I Will Find You, Whisper to the Wild Water, Life, Harry's Game which merged into Na Páiste, In a Lifetime, Doon Well (which was part of a four-part instumental including a song called 'The Roundabout' by Sinéad Madden), and soooooooo much more! There were times where you just wanted to jig down the aisles (mainly with the trad. songs!), or just sing 'til your heart's content! Against the Wind and A Mhurinín Ó live were very impressive what with the percussion.

There was an incident near the beginning where a very 'sloshed' man in the front row kept whining incomprehensable heckles, but Máire laughed it off without a fuss, saying things like "I think you're at the wrong concert, sir!" or "... er ... moving on, this song is about...". But everything was fine after that. She explained almost every song before she sang them, sometimes having a laugh , often at traditional Irish lyrics and the Irish concept of a 'couple', showing she may even have talents as a 'stand-up' act!

When the band went to go off, the applause, whooping and whistling never stopped until they came back on for an encore! She then performed 'Nil S'en Lá' (sp?) merged with 'Tier Abhaile Riu' (again, sp?!). But, as with everything, it all came to an end, and they all left the stage to an applause that easily went over the audible pain threshold! The support was amazing!

I decided to hang around the stage, hoping to see her, there were a few others doing the same. A few minutes later, a lady took us to the stage door round the back of the theatre where we'd be told Máire would appear from. Having been taken into a very small room, we were getting in everyone's way (including Máire's brother, León!), so we were asked to wait outside. It then seemed there was no hope as a million people with stage passes were going straight on in, and there were us few waiting in the cold! However no-one lost faith, and sure enough within ten minutes she appeared! I couldn't believe how petite she was! I waited for everyone else to speak with her, then I came last. I approached her nervously and sort of shook her hand and introduced myself, my mum and my friend, Russell. I asked if she could sign my WTTWW CD sleeve (which she did), and I just kept talking and talking, hoping that she'd never leave!

At that point my mum hinted for a photo opportunity, and I getting all embarrased apologised to Máire. But she said "Yes, of course!" and motioned for me to stand beside her. She pulled me towards her and put her arm around me, which kinda shocked me! The picture was taken, and she said "Let's take another one in case that doesn't come out", so I of course was beaming, and utterly chuffed that she was sooo nice and went out of her way to make me happy! All I remember after that was thanking her profusely, shaking her hand (again!), and stumbling away in shock and elation!

I couldn't believe it was over, but I'll never forget that night! She is just the nicest and most kind person I think I've ever met! She made me feel so comfortable, and was so patient (especially through my repeated stuttering!).

So there you have it, the night I met Máire Brennan!


Barry Smith :o)


[Concert Pictures Provided by Barry Smith]

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