Gavin Friday - Vicar St - 12/3/26

Gavin Friday cut his teeth in the post-punk world of dystopian 1970s Ireland. Why wouldn't he come onstage covered in glitter, singing French chanson? The man is a marvel. Reports of his previous show being marvellous had me chomping at the bit to catch his next outing. His newest album Ecce Homo, to me, is his masterwork and shows his most Bowieish side. No support act needed for this Virgin Prune, all of which were in the crowd. Members of another particular Glasnevin/Finglas band were in attendance, but god knows which band that was. D11 Runners perhaps? Mr Friday treated us to a night of 'Cabarotica' (a standout in the setlist), prowling around the stage and drinking water from a wine bottle. No Jesus needed in Vicar St, Friday did just fine without him. Friday focused on tracks from his new album, but dipped into his back catalogue to play classics such as 'King of Trash', 'Apologia', 'Dolls' which saw Gavin presenting us with his "pussy" (not exactly what you'd assume) and ended with 'Angel'. The highlights for a lot of the punky lot in attendance (mohawks, boots and eyeliner a'plenty) were the Virgin Prunes numbers he dusted off. 'Baby Turns Blue' proved as essential as ever and 'Theme for Thought' had us all glued to the stage. His band played out of their skin, and the man himself let us know that he's still an effortless performer, and still more than willing to stick it to the status quo. Good on him. Tremendous.