All manner of ghastly ghouls came out in force on Halloween night for Finbar Hoban Presents... ‘I know what you did last Halloween’ – a spooky, kooky, and fun night with some great alternative music and some even more alternative costumes! The variety of costumes on show was entertainment enough in itself, some examples being; a Miss Incredible, an early eighties Madonna, a Mr and Mrs Satan Claus, and a Chewbacca. Prizes for best costume went to Adrian Ryan/Satan Claus, Aisling Holian/Miss Incredible, and Keith Mc Greal/Man with knife in back. There was also a ‘Monster Mash’, a ‘Thriller’ dance off. And that’s not to mention the best, and most important part, which is what the Bar Ritz gigs have now become renowned for the music.
First to play were Waterford based trio Percolator, who looked fantastic in fancy dress. A band with a downbeat, alternative, almost mournful sound, (and a somewhat sombre demeanour ), they suited the theme of the night very well. There is no denying that Percolator are a talented group – great guitar riffs and harmonies. Following on in equally spooky fashion were Black Robots, the second band of the night, also from Waterford. For a band with only two members (Deen O’Saurus – guitar, vocals, and Sarah Grimes - drums ), Black Robots are an impressively full-sounding rock outfit.
The headlining act were next to play; Dublin band House of Cosy Cushions. Quirky, alternative, and very, very good, House of Cosy Cushions went down a storm with the crowd, and indeed it would be hard not to enjoy the wonderful kitsch quality of their songs such as ‘She’s not your witch’ and ‘She Dances’. A great night was had by all, the only down point would have been getting home and removing all those fancy dress costumes. Nights like this would make you wish every weekend was Halloween!
