Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2024 with The Pogues
Move over, green beer and shamrocks; a new star is in town this St. Patrick’s Day – The Pogues! Yes, the legendary Irish band that brought us “Fairytale of New York” and “Fiesta” is getting a special exhibition across the pond, and it is set to be a raucous, foot-stomping good time.
(Also read Alone It Stands’ Iconic Return to the Irish Stage.)
At Dublin’s Irish Emigration Museum, The Extraordinary Story of The Pogues and Shane MacGowan is currently captivating viewers. Following its successful run in Dublin, the exhibition is scheduled to open at the Bob Dylan Center in Oklahoma on March 8th, marking its first special exhibition dedicated to a musical artist other than Bob Dylan.
The Pogues: An Irish Musical Revelation
The exhibition, which opened shortly after the passing of Shane MacGowan in November 2023, offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of The Pogues, the influence of punk rock, and the significant role of the Irish diaspora in shaping the music scene.
Featuring contributions from band members, family members, and close friends, including Nick Cave, Imelda May, and Glen Hansard, the exhibition provides intimate wisdom into the life and legacy of MacGowan.
Speaking about the significance of the exhibition’s US premiere, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins praised Shane MacGowan as one of the greatest Irish songwriters ever. He highlighted the resonance of MacGowan’s words and emphasised the poetic sensibility he brought to his music, drawing parallels with Bob Dylan’s exceptional body of work.
Aileesh Carew, CEO of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, expressed her excitement about showcasing the exhibition to the US audience, noting the profound impact of Irish emigrants in spreading Irish culture worldwide.
She emphasised the importance of honouring remarkable individuals like Shane MacGowan and The Pogues, who have contributed to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition is a celebration of Irish music and culture and a memorial to Shane MacGowan, according to Steven Jenkins, Director of the Bob Dylan Center. He emphasised the centre’s commitment to exploring the influence of artists like MacGowan and Dylan as catalysts for personal expression and cultural change.
Here’s the lowdown (if you just want to know the story in a quick shot):
What:
The “They Gave The Walls A Talking” exhibition tells the story
of The Pogues, punk rock, and the Irish influence on music.
Where:
Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
When:
Opens March 8, 2024.
What to expect:
Instruments, costumes, and other cool stuff from the band.
Stories about their rise to fame and how their music moved the world.
contributions from friends, family, and musicians, including Imelda May and Nick Cave.
Why it is so special:
Honours the memory of Shane MacGowan, who passed away in 2023. Honours Irish music and culture on St. Patrick’s Day.
This exhibit is being displayed outside of Ireland for the first time.
Who should go?
- Fans of The Pogues and anyone who loves Irish music.
- People interested in punk rock and music history.
- anyone who wishes to honour their Irish history and culture.
As thousands of Irish Americans gather in Tulsa to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Dublin Pogues Exhibition Premiere US promises to deepen their connection with their Irish identity and heritage.
Through the compelling stories of Shane MacGowan and The Pogues, audiences can reflect on the enduring impact of Irish music and the global reach of Irish culture.
