Rockin’ out in River S

Rock band in River S, Athlone

So this Wednesday I heard there was a good jam session down in River S. Anticipating a bunch of lads sitting around the table, I grabbed the bodhran and acoustic and headed down to the pub.

Upon entering, I was surprised and delighted to find my expectations were totally off-base. Upon stepping into the club I saw a full band set-up with kit, Marshall, MesaBoogie and Fender stacks, bass and a couple of mics were set up midway down the lengthy bar at River S. I knew most of the lads playing and was even asked to join in for a song at a couple of points in the evening, but knowing the calibre of musicianship amongst them, I politely declined; just watching the lads play is enough craic for me.

Rock and feckin roll, people! I may attend a lot of acoustic sessions around the town, but it was good to see some fellas pluggin in and rockin out. Smoking - and I mean absolutely smoking - demonstrations of virtuosity were on display as some of the best electric guitarists in the midlands took the stage and strutted their stuff.

Have a listen - here’s the lads just warming up before their set.