Hot Sprockets Live at Vicar Street

Having previously seen The Hot Sprockets playing live shows in bars, a book shop and even on a boat, it would be interesting to see how they fare with their biggest headline to date in Dublin’s Vicar Street. The band were supported on the night by N.C. Lawlor and The Eskies. The Eskies deserve a special mention a they put on a brilliant show which captivated the crowd, many of whom were clearly familiar with the band and adore them.

They define their music as “sea soaked gypsy folk”. Whilst this is accurate, it’s also fair to say that their style of music wouldn’t be out of place at a young Jewish boys Bar Mitzvah. At any moment during their set I was expecting to see someone being hoisted up in the crowd on a chair. They said that they have just finished work on their debut album. That is an album that will definitely be worth checking out and I eagerly await hearing it. The Eskies were the perfect opening act for The Hot Sprockets and really got the crowd hyped up for the main act.

The Hot Sprockets came on stage to a packed Vicar Street to the delight of the crowd, many of whom have been with the band from their early days and were thrilled to see them finally get to play the size of venue that they deserve to be playing. We were treated on the night with a vast array of songs spanning all 4 of the bands releases including the brand new “Licks From The Vault” EP which was launched exclusively at the gig. They belted out fan favourites such as “Cruisin’”, “HoneySkippin’”, “Shake Me Off”, “Soul Brother” and a beautiful version of "Homeslice” which the crowd dutifully helped out on the chorus. There was also a rip-roaring performance of “Show Me The Weight” with the boys rocking out and shaking the foundations of the building in the process.

The only downside of the show were the distracting videos being projected on the screen behind the band which most of them held no relevance to the music being played and seemed a bit redundant but if thats the only negative of the show then you know the show was spectacular and ending in that fashion when they were joined on stage by The Eskies for a rendition of “Fairytale Of New York” which sent the ecstatic crowd out into the Dublin night in high spirits.

It was brilliant to see that these boys have come so far and still remain the same. The moderate fame they are enjoying hasn’t changed their ego’s and they repeatedly mentioned how humble they were feeling playing such a prestigious venue. I’m delighted for The Hot Sprockets as they throughly deserve this. 2014 has been a big year for them. Let’s see what 2015 has in store.

By: Dave McMahon

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