IT'S A mighty long way from the Baggot Inn to Croke Park. You'll find more people than you would think who still express surprise that it's not the other Dublin band from the Baggot Inn days who will be performing at the GAAdrome tonight.
Back in 1979, it was The Blades who had "Next Big Thing" tattooed on their foreheads. They had it all and more: from the romantic band start at their local CYMS Hall in Ringsend, to their classic three-piece line-up, their Mod/Stax influences and, in Paul Cleary, one of the best songwriters this country has ever produced.
At Croke Park tonight, there will be some people who actually think that U2's debut album was The Joshua Tree. There will also be people who, when they hear the band play Electric Co, will think it's a brand new song.
