The Scratch have done it again!
Blew my mind and ear drums with a jam packed Button Factory and as much energy as Matter itself!
The Button Factory, in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame have quickly brought together an epic night in celebration of local Irish talent. The number ones whom they wanted to show case was no other than the Perrystown boys, The Scratch!
Hitting the scene hard, the lads have just been non stop with gigs and popping up just about everywhere. From America, Uk and all over Europe. A bunch of hard working fuckers, and a well earned recognition from the Rock Hall indeed.
The Scratch are set to release a new album next year, and we got to hear a couple of new track on the night that got the crowd RUNNIN IN A CIRCLE, so I have no doubt that this new album will be not only pushing the boundaries of what we consider Irish Trad, but will be blasting our ear drums with that tasty metal side that we have come to love!
An absolutely beautiful night as it always is with these boys. Anyone who attends a gig, can feel the energy and the absolute passion these lads have for their craft. Crowd pleasers all the time. Excellent interaction between themselves and the crowd, and the bangers just keep coming.
We got to hear another excellent cover of Christy Moores “Joxer goes to Stuttgart” sang by Conor Dockery, dedicated to his father who sadly passed away earlier this year. A beautiful tribute which the crowd proudly sang along to. My first time hearing Conor sing this was their gig in the national concert hall, and it was certainly an emotional rendition.
One lad said to me on the night “there is a bang of corporate off this gig” and indeed there was. With the head honchos from Rock Hall watching over everyone, the lads were sweating their balls off putting on another epic show. But I don’t think it phases them. They perform like they always do, and the performance is for the fans. And as I was walking around the venue, the chaps with the lanyards are certainly new fans! Even the bar staff were recording the night with their phones and bopping along to every track.
I honestly can’t get enough of The Scratch and would gladly photograph each night they play, and have a huge smile on my face each time.
The boys are playing Galway tonight and then onwards to support Iggy Pop, who hand picked The Scratch himself.
That tells it all.
Selk photos:
The Scratch photo & set-list:
Set-list:
Intro Drone 3-4 Mins
Seanchai
Excuse
Cheeky Bastard
Banshee
Cig in the wind
Foolin NO One
Pull Your Jocks Up
Pulling Teeth
Joxer
Mc Alpines Fusilers
Glad Rags
Another Round
Blaggard
Old Dog
Latchico
Photos & Words by Carl Foran – @carlforanphotography