Tastes differ. Having seen Shane numerous times over the last twenty years, in UK and Eire, with Pogues and The Popes, I have never left a gig feeling short changed. His problems are apparent, but they haven't detracted from him being a genius wordsmith and surrounded by top class musicians. I don't expect his performance to be in line with anyone else on a particular bill, because he isn't anyone else.

His gigs in UK and Eire are all out party occasions, have never heard a complaint and yes he has arrived late (often), but nobody expects otherwise. Sure that can be a pain in the middle of a festival line up, however the promoters are under no illusion about Shane's reputation, and they know he'll draw a crowd.