The Pogues - Shane MacGowan - Body of an American

The Pogues - Shane MacGowan - playing Body of an American in Dublin - Self Aid 1986

[@shamrockshore6308]

I saw them play at the Roseland on W52nd in 1988. The place was packed, and half of the crowd I can honestly say were Korean. About two or three songs in, one Irish guy took a dive onto the stage and belly slid across it. The bouncers caught hold of him and launched him airborne, back into the crowd. Immediately after that, about 20 Koreans came flying onto the stage from every direction, and the whole place erupted. Americans, Irish, Koreans, and God knows what else, were hopping off the floor dancing like crazy. You could almost feel the air vibrate. 30 years later, and it's the best show I was ever at in my life.

[@thebigsalt1]

Class

[@JimmyFranceable]

I loved Roseland. Wish I could have been there in 1988. Saw Dinosaur Jr. there in 1994. Loudest show I ever saw.

[@moki7685]

That sounds awesome

[@doom6015]

I was at that show. They always got the people dancing. They brought us a crazy kind of joy! New York loved them. I was lucky enough to have a drink with Phil Chevron in Downtown Beirut, an East Village Bar, while they were there. He was drinking alone when I stopped in there one afternoon. I was surprised he didn't have an entourage. Nice man. A bit stoic. He talked about Leadbelly.

[@neilwilson5785]

I saw them way back, and bought a pint that took 20 minutes to buy. It took two seconds to lose it when the music started. If it helps, thirty Irishmen knocked this flimsy Englishman for six. What a fucking gig. Thanks Shane.

[@jjhartwell99]

Who the hell goes onto a Pogues video on You Tube and begins critiquing Shane's dental hygiene. What do you do for an encore, go onto a Motorhead video and discuss Lemmy's warts?

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Totall agreed. Song matters. Nothing else does.

[@theliamofella]

The best comment I have ever read on KZbin , seriously ✌️👍❤️👌

[@itsaguinness]

It’s fixed now anyway he got his chompers back.

[@straightfaceguy7966]

difference between warts and a heroin addiction though.... just sayin.. old cpt heroin teeth.

[@theliamofella]

@@straightfaceguy7966 he has fuked teeth most of his life, well before he ever took heroin

[@dougzilla]

Any fans of the tv show "the Wire" out there? This song is used on at least 3 occasions over the course of 5 seasons. They use it for police wakes. Everybody gets righteously pissed and they do a sing a long to this song. It is quite brilliant. The main detective Jimmy McNulty plays the Pogues really loud whenever he goes on a bender.

[@curseditem8354]

good show

[@Tobi_Wan_Kenobi]

Exactly where I heard this song!

[@MustardTigerFan42]

@@curseditem8354the best

[@downunderdan5132]

Loved “The Wire”. Memorable to this day.

[@reiver130]

don't forget detectives poke and mahoan, a play on Pogue Mahaon, or kiss my arse in gaelic

[@gregscavuzzo5457]

My friend Maureen and I saw The Pogues in Kansas City Missouri at The Uptown Theatre and they were wonderful, Shane was in great form and the band was outstanding, Thank You Gentlemen

[@timothygraham4304]

It's songs like this that should be played before kids are forced to play the tin whistle. Show them that they could be legends. Don't just give it to them and expect them to love it!

[@redpanda7967]

This isn’t the most appropriate song for kids to play lol

[@prangbro]

I love how Spider puts everything into the opening whistle part and looks so visibly relieved when it's over!

[@tomwaitsfornoone1]

...somebody was forced to play the tin whistle as a child...

[@frankiethecat]

Just saw The Pogues up at oxegen and by christ this song was fantastic

[@sfowned]

At least 1000 of the views for this video are mine. RIP to a Legend.

[@ohen]

But Ray Cole stood with us. All of us. In Baltimore. Working. Sharing a dark corner of the American experiment. He was called. He served. He. Is. Counted. Old King Cole.

[@Randy-rp9cw]

Best scene ever!

[@metalmilitia01]

Real police

[@dennishando2736]

I learned to play the tin whistle because of this song.

[@Delaney001]

Loved the Pogues for ages, then The Wire played this....magic

[@stevenhulbert2443]

This song and The Wire go hand in hand.

[@colinlidston4927]

Brother, when you were good, you were the best we had.

[@Jeremyramone]

the pogues equal pure brillilance, they were the greatest live show i ever had the fortune of beholding. thanks for sharing this video, cheers

[@kennyworth007]

Rest in peace, Shane. Thanks for all the many years of great music.

[@maviddeyers]

RIP Jimmy McNulty :(

[@solidus2916]

Mavid Deyers ? he didn't die!

[@ALIMUNTH]

/woosh he was pretending in the last episode

[@chipnale8324]

this played at coles wake season 3 and cole was involved of the wire producing so it was actually a true memorial to a person who died at the end othe wire season 2

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Very few musicians had the skill and creativity of Shane, RIP

[@TheScribeofLight]

The two best concerts of my life were both Pogues gigs, at the Brixton Academy (and IMHo, The Pogues Live at the Brixton Academy is among the greatest live albums of all time.) I first saw them on their 25th Anniversary Tour. The only beers you could buy were lager and Guinness. The support band, God love them but I don't even remember who they were, did their thing, and then the Pogues came on. As they did, the entire crowd surged forward. At this point you have to realise that the Academy is a converted cinema, so the floor slopes gently forward. My son and I were at the front just behind a large metal bar that effectively demarcated the mosh pit, and as the Pogues took the stage and the crowd surged forward, all the beer that was left in people's plastic pint glasses took flight. There was a half second where I looked up to see a tidal wave of Guinness hanging over me, then it hit, they kicked off with Streams of Whiskey, and it never let up from there. The year after, I was back with my wife and daughter as well, and then I went into the mosh pit and survived, but that's another story.

[@ignacioasin933]

He was called, he served and he counted

[@Andy3612]

He was real po-lice

[@robmcneil]

Old King Cole!

[@TheBagpiperNo1]

One of Shanes greatest concerts. I remember well...

[@tooshortxdanao]

crazy ... "The Wire" got me into this song too ...

[@EzekielsBones]

Martin O’Malley was mayor of Baltimore, later governor of ny, now some other government official, sang this song (or another pogues song at one of Obama’s inaugurations. He also appeared on a tv celebrating of Shane in Ireland (maybe England)

[@aoifemoran7672]

The relentless talent of Shane McGowan and the Pogues will never leave. This is a classic example of that talent. Absolutely love it and anyone who watched The Wire knows it. Pure Class

[@marilenetala3050]

For sure. !!!!

[@eekowarrior4409]

One of my favourite songs by Saint Shane

[@neilhickey5045]

One of Great Shane's songs. Underestimated I think, so evoking of I am sure of many, many people from a certain background can relate to. Brilliant. God Bless and thank you Shane.

[@eekowarrior]

One of their finest songs and MacGowan in fine form vocally - something in his tonality is deeply poignant

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

Except for chorus 1

[@ronnysterling7694]

The “fifteen minutes later we had our first taste of wisky” gets me every time

[@notconradful]

If I ever hear anything dirogitory towards Shane I will personally come find u that's all... rip Shane

[@rlj19876]

rockin irish! i love it

[@marlowe2]

RIP McNulty's Career. And that other guy that died in Season 3 because the actor/producer really died.

[@danielmaher7108]

My favorite Pogues song. Absolutely brilliant.

[@icecoldhubbas]

Yeah... My first Pogues was SNL! this is awesome!!!!!

[@miked4292]

Early Pogues... Bloody Brilliant Band.... Love this lyric "Free born man of the USA". The band as I remember it : Spider Stacy - vocals, tin whistle (1982-1996, 2001-present) Jem Finer - banjo, mandola, saxophone, hurdy-gurdy, guitar, vocals (1982-1996, 2001-present) James Fearnley - accordion, mandolin, piano, guitar (1982-1993, 2001-present) Shane MacGowan - vocals, guitar, banjo, bodhrán (1982-1991, 2001-present) Andrew Ranken - drums, percussion, harmonica, vocals (1982-1996, 2001-present) Darryl Hunt - bass guitar (1986-1996, 2001-present) Terry Woods - mandolin, cittern, concertina, guitar, vocals (1986-1993, 2001-present)

[@JaymeSplendid]

You left out Cait O'Riordan bass, vocals (1982-1986, 2004) Philip Chevron guitar, vocals (1985-1994, 2001-2013; his death)

[@sharonboland8620]

this is my most favourite pogues song ,which is saying something when they give so much to choose from !

[@dennisscott2516]

I listened to Pogues back in 80’s. Then after watching The Wire I got back into em. It’s like nursery rhymes for adults. Real catchy!

[@barneyfountain]

But fifteen minutes later We had our first taste of whiskey There was uncles giving lectures On ancient Irish history The men all started telling jokes And the women they got frisky At five o'clock in the evening Every bastard there was piskey

[@eoinohaodha]

It's the music of the Irish diaspora. And what beautiful music it is.

[@steviecuz]

Poguetry in motion! Still got the 7" Picture Disc! Great Piss up tune!

[@RickDrift]

As an amaerican, I highly approve of this song.

[@ClairvoyantDreamer29]

LOL I love how he picks up and takes a swig off his beer while the guy plays his fiddle!

[@IrelandFAI]

This has by far become one of my favorite Pogues songs :-)

[@Irishtom1000]

There's only one Shane McGowan,I must of seen him over 40 times and it only get's better.

[@martinsimmons2359]

Lucky bastard

[@HALFTHEMIKE]

Shane sounds so good here

[@eddyvanveenen7840]

i wonder who dies first. him or me. its a race

[@nikkipeoples9865]

He's still alive. Are you?

[@fjmackenzy]

Dear Lord. Thank you for blessing us down here with the Pogues.

[@patriciathewisher2315]

First saw Pogues on st Patrick’s day 1987 brixton academy London

[@jeffreyjames9372]

RIP, Shane. A genuine soul who remained true through it all. Can’t say that about too many folks in the crazy world. Sláinte!

[@Keyser21]

they should teach this when they fuckin force u to learn the tin whistle!

[@tutanchamon6225]

Rest in peace sweet Irish soul

[@eekowarrior]

Would suggest on this occasion Shane not the most under the influence of the band

[@wotruannwah5678]

You think so?

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

May well be the case. Let's remember brothers and sisters, lot of bands TALK about the rock and roll lifestyle..... Shane and the rest of the lads just went and did it

[@ksoundkrew]

saw them in Boston last year, Shane nailed every song

[@vidit989]

When you were good, you were the best we had.

[@cinemanshanahan]

saw these guys MArch 20, 2008 and March 20, 2009 in Boston. Probably the two best shows I've ever seen.

[@yatinthehat]

I like Shane better with bad teeth.

[@incubi51]

This makes want to go to the pub and to finish building my time machine.

[@alexander9264]

RIP and thank you

[@Lario]

Rest easy Shane...

[@FabioSpelta]

LONG LIVE THE POGUES

[@ultanbeare]

Self Aid Dublin 1986 I was at it

[@irishbloke99]

Never heard of this song till the wake scenes in "the Wire", awesome. Long live Mc Nulty!

[@ollivierbenoit8098]

Repose en paix ❤

[@PatrickDuganOFFICIAL]

Ahhh, I've never seen this performed live. Classic Pogues!

[@eekowarrior]

Last verse so touching - and look at crowd reaction !

[@GaTiger11]

From now on, whenever I hear that song and I will feel like I need to be at an Irish cop bar somewhere in Baltimore, Maryland.

[@xalstarx]

Wow, that was fucking bonzer! What festival was this? Cait was still in the band. Just love their rendition of this. Spider Stacey plays 'the guns of navarone' on his tin whistle during the bridge and it fits in nicely. I like how they included this on the reissue of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.

[@Liam2621]

They tour every year, it's not too late to see them.

[@scotteckert3110]

fucking love.....

[@Liam2621]

They tour with Shane in England, not sure if he does America or not..

[@Solarshoji]

Now I know why the folks strapped an accordian on me at 5 years of age! Hopes and dreams of me playing this. Well, whattaya reckon? Life is strange....

[@paulcarr4276]

Up the Pogues!! In leage with Ronnie Drew & the Dubliners...Ireland forever!

[@MJH211]

They don’t make music like this anymore these days. Great song

[@Jovenza2]

I want a season 6 of The Wire dammit.

[@NHWUSuuu]

When your average mortal gets that smashed, usually the best they can hope for is a restraining order, or worse. Gotta love that Irish blood man, nothin' will dampen that everlasting song in their heart. And that's the Pogues 👊

[@martcarey]

Great song, great band, great outro too! "Hot wire her with a pin!" priceless!

[@tadgh37]

so many great memories...gotta stop watching these...am getting nothing done

[@shockaboots]

Does Shane MacGowan ever still preform live? I know it would be a much "different" experience today given his years of partying & their toll, but I would still KILL to see him play once ;-) He always sings with his eyes shut, so wonderful ;-)

[@kimberlymitchell5568]

I was living in Japan in 2006 and they played. I didn’t go because the tickets were $70. I now regret that so much!

[@seanogorman3617]

Look up their 30 year anniversary gig in Paris. About 12 years ago. His performance is great

[@darkfatherdivine]

I like how he forgot the words to the first chorus, and started with the words to the third. "Farewell to New York City boys, to Boston and PA!"

[@barneyfountain]

Then fifteen minutes later we had our first taste of whiskey!

[@j4ck2234]

lol the germans had no chance whatsoever to stop or even (lol) defeat the red army. At the time it was even clear that the east european partisans would shake off the invaders. (you know the few million armed guerillas behind german lines) The only goal of the american invasion was to get a piece of the cake. (or to contain russia if you will) (+africa was quite irrelevant, it never had a high priority..I think the goal was to satisfy the italian allies)

[@HelenSSpencer77]

You could be on to something wis734...or could be stereotyping...still, I think most Americans would choose to live here, even if given their choice of living in any other country. With all it's warts and moles, most of us are content with being Americans. If that makes us full of ourselves...well I guess we are. But isn't that true of most people of whatever their country of birth happens to be.? Were I born in Eng., Fr., Ireland, Poland, etc. I probably would think they were the best!

[@Mihalj69]

Jimmy McNulty!! :)

[@HelenSSpencer77]

Just out of curiosity, Wisard 734, which IS the best country around??? I keep looking, but I never see lines of people trying to get OUT of America. No, it's not perfect...but seriously...in your opinion, which is the best country, all around. I'm still not leaving, for I love the USA, and all my Celtic ancestors.

[@youwishyouhadthischannelna9573]

only Shane can pull it off=half pissed and crowd singing x

[@IIJAMZYII]

Half pissed? FULLY PISHED! HAHA

[@rottingcorpsedaaaa]

@screentrip: this is Shane more sober than some of his vids I've seen him in

[@jonmorr777]

This band are tight as a ducks arse! rock on!

[@wisard734]

wow, so many comments about america.. i'm american and i'm not afraid to say america isn't the best country around even though america gets a worse reputation then it deserves.

[@ivrunini]

I saw The Pogues in Lorient and was so disapointed. All the lively side of the group was gone. Better to listen to them as you do here...

[@mickhack749]

Poet

[@ronancasey]

RIP McNulty

[@johnmondry22]

RIP Ray Cole

[@GrlLeastLikelyTo]

@neohip Indeed, the Dubliners are incredible! Incidenlty, my childhood braces tragedy was rectified by the fact that I had an Irish nanny. She taught me Psalms, Gaelic expressions and she always listened to The Saw Doctors. Check them out if you haven't already. "I usta lover" is a good one...

[@punkcat77]

I know, it's about bloody time they came to Australia! It's only 24 hours on a plane, get your arse over here Shane.

[@TheSnowballEarth]

@screentrip: They're his lyrics, it's his song- I'd say he's that right. And the band's there to carry the show, assuming they're less drunk than he was.

[@j4ck2234]

hm can't post a comment..anyway look up the casualty numbers for germany in north africa.

[@dennissirman6584]

If you are from Baltimore "The Wire" is urban legend.

[@j4ck2234]

with nazi technology and expertise, lol. -the american rocket exploded on the ground.

[@eleketro]

Jimmy mcnulty!

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Owch. Just for once, spider is more wasted than Shane. That tin whistle is played worse than I play mine (and I'm awfull). Just love this song tho!

[@lennyfoot72]

R they doing another uk christmas tour? saw them belfast last year fuckin class

[@wisard734]

i don't pick favorites. but i just think america is a little full of itself.

[@randonkbay]

RIP Shane MacGowan.

[@jimmieteemm]

BTW he's not irish, he was born in london, hence his north london accent