I think the way Shane is being degraded in this thread is simply unfair. He and his band(s) have rendered an outstanding service to contemporary Irish music and the fact that his music has been repeatedly performed and recorded by Christy Moore, who is undoubtedly beyond criticism of this kind, just how brilliant his works are. Alcohol is btw more incorporated in some folk heroes' works than the politically (morally) correct of you will want to see.

Just imagine Christy Moore's "Delirium Tremens". Christy definitely knows of what he sings. The man once said in an interview alcohol is still "part of his system".

Also, you should simply accept Shane's complicated personality, and if you don't like his gigs, stay away. There are quite a number of very difficult personalities among the more outstanding artisans. Just think of Van Morrison, who happens to be one of Shane's drinking companions btw. It is reported in Shane's book that once he had a hard time picking a completly pis**d Van up from some hotel bar floor. Imagine this, a task for a titan

Cheers, Stiofáin