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October 18th 1998, UK, London, The Shepherds Bush Empire

Roisin Dubh
On Raglan Road
She Moved Through The Fair
My Singing Bird (title unsure)
last song; duet between Sinead and Laria, this was a traditional song, in Gaelic

by Mandy;

Under the heading "I Could Read The Sky" - a life in music, a life in words - Sinead O'Connor appeared on stage last night at the Shepherds Bush Empire as part of a multimedia event promoting Timothy O'Grady's new book of the same name.  It was an unreserved seating affair, and I arrived with just enough time to spare to get a drink and smoke a cigarette.  I spotted 2 free seats on the front row to the left hand side of the stage.  From this angle I had a perfect view of the side of stage and spotted Sinead almost as soon as I'd taken my seat. The night opened with Afro Celt Sound System's Laria O'Lionaird's haunting voice.  A traditional song, in Gaelic, the man has the voice of an angel.
Next up were Martin Hayes on fiddle and Dennis Cahill on acoustic guitar.  Theirs was a fusion of traditional music played with enthusiasm and professional ease. Timothy O'Grady then stepped up to a podium to read a few excerpts from his book.  During his reading I heard a mention of Roisin Dubh and could see Sinead waiting to make her entrance ;-) 
Out she came, barefoot, dressed in black leather trousers and a shirt which had a classical Italian artwork on the back and what looked like statuesque stone figures on the front.  She said a shy "Hello" and launched into "Roisin Dubh" - without accompaniment.  She held the lyrics in front of her and didn't look up until the song was over.  I was so glad she'd chosen to sing this, as I've never heard the song before so this was an exclusive and it was wonderful to hear Sinead singing in Gaelic.  The audience gave her a rousing reception both before and after the first of 5 songs.
All the performers took their turn alternately.  The stage backdrop consisted of projected black and white photographs by Steve Pyke.  When Sinead came back out she pointed to the photos and whispered that they were shots of "sexy Irish men"...she was in a playful mood.  Her next song was "On Raglan Road", accompanied by Martin and Dennis.  She'd
relaxed and her voice was a lot stronger than the opener.  A favourite of mine, and all the more powerful live.  I wasn't sure how the evening would go, but seeing Sinead's constant presence at the side of the stage made me hopeful for more...and she didn't let me down.  Her third song of the night was the traditional "She Moved Through The Fair", once again backed by Martin and Dennis.  Another favourite, Sinead's interpretation of this song never fails to move me. Her next song was a duet with Laria O'Lionaird.  They performed a traditional song, possibly entitled "My Singing Bird", which they sang
in part Gaelic, part English.  Their voices worked extremely well together. Sinead was grinning at Laria the whole time and when she got to the part in the chorus which consisted of the words "my singing bird as you" she nodded towards him in recognition of his beautiful voice with a smile and a laugh.   Laria thanked Sinead and mentioned that they'd only met for the first time yesterday. Sinead was still waiting in the wings, so I knew the night wasn't over just yet. The final song of the night was another duet between Sinead and Laria. This was a traditional song, in Gaelic, the title of which I won't even attempt to hazard a guess at.  Again perfect harmonising from their two voices and playful smiles from Sinead.
All the performers came out on stage to thunderous applause and Sinead walked over to the mike stand and wrapped her leg around it in a very sexy way before waving goodbye...I wasn't sure what to expect when I first arrived, but after five beautiful songs, (three of which were new to my ears), I came away with a warm feeling in my heart on this cold October night.  Sinead having reinforced yet again just why she's so fucking special ;-)

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