The Phogues Bring a Pogues Christmas to Somerset

By Community Correspondent

Get ready, Frome — a full-blown Pogues party is coming your way this December 21st at 7pm.

Nearly 40 years ago, Shane MacGowan and The Pogues stormed the music scene with a mix of punk, Irish folk, and raw, poetic storytelling.

There was simply no band like them.

Now, tribute act The Phogues are bringing that same raucous energy back to Somerset. With eight members, a setlist spanning all five of the Pogues’ studio albums, and enough musical firepower to make even the hardiest pub-goer weep,

The Phogues have won praise from MacGowan himself: “It’s brilliant.”

Like the originals, they’re a motley crew.

Some have Irish roots, some don’t — but all share a love for the songs and the wild, joyous chaos that made them legendary. From cider-soaked Somerset pubs to the internationally renowned Sidmouth Folk Festival, they’ve proven every gig is a full-on Irish knees-up.

Expect fan favourites like Sally MacLennane, The Irish Rover, Thousands Are Sailing, Streams of Whiskey, and, of course, the ultimate Christmas anthem Fairytale of New York — even in the middle of summer.

Fronted by Tom, a former Bristol Post journalist, author of 26 books, and part of the Ascot Group, The Phogues are more than a tribute act.

“Some people do carols,” Tom says. “We prefer shouting, tin whistles, and the occasional argument over who finished the Pogues Whiskey - as we are sponsored by them.”

This December, The Phogues will whisk audiences back to a time when Guinness was 50p, racing flickered on the corner telly, and there was always an ‘oul fella’ at the bar with a story to tell. It’s a night of nostalgia, mayhem, and music — pure Pogues energy.

Shane MacGowan says it best: “It’s brilliant.”

For more see https://phogues.co.uk/