Villiers And The Villains

In Whelan’s Dublin Ireland 5th of February 2020

I’ve been looking forward to this evening for quite a while now. Ever since my friend Barry Cassidy said “Gerry you’ve got to see this band Villiers And The Villains they are fantastic”.

That comment stayed with me. Roll forward to the present, and here I am tonight sitting in the front row, waiting for all of this to begin. The show got off to a great start with support artist Pete Cummins kicking things off. A fine start it was too as Pete regaled us with stories between his excellent original songs telling us of days gone by. Pop icon Donovan had relocated to Ireland for a year, during that period Pete was a part of his “Band” but that’s another day’s story as they say.

To the show – The band were in top form right from the opening bars until the final sounds wafted through the night air. This was a band on a mission to stake their claim in the capital city of Ireland adding to the long line of now legendary artists who have performed on that very same stage.

Make no mistake “Villiers And The Villains” will be added to that long and illustrious list of legends. With songs like “Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” “Red Wine And Reefer” and “Meat For The Dogs”.

In many ways it was like being transported back in time to witness a young Bob Dylan and The Band giving a intimate performance at the peak of their powers. Of course the night would not have been complete without a tribute to the great man himself who has influenced these amazing performers. “Like A Rolling Stone” was performed with a passion and power that I’m sure Mr Zimmerman would have approved. The evening ended all too soon, with music that good you just never want it to stop.

Thank you Villiers And The Villains – the music connected with everyone tonight.

Exactly what music is supposed to do.

Until the next time!

Gerry Casey