COLIN WILSON After the roaring success of the reunited Pogues, Shane McGowan and the Popes return with the traditional St Patrick's Night and Beyond tour and play the UEA, Norwich, on Sunday night.

COLIN WILSON

After the roaring success of the reunited Pogues, Shane McGowan and the Popes return with the traditional St Patrick's Night and Beyond tour and play the UEA, Norwich, on Sunday night.

McGowan cut his reputation in London's Seventies punk scene, with the Nips. The band later became the Pogues and they went on to release albums like Rum, Sodomy and the Lash (1985), which showcased McGowan's writing, notably the ballad A Pair of Brown Eyes and the dancefloor filler Sally MacLeannane.

The Pogues peaked with Christmas 1987's Fairytale of New York, co-starring the late Kirsty MacColl. The mighty If I Should Fall From Grace With God and Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah continued their success in 1988.

Shane finally quit the Pogues in 1992. However, he recaptured the excitement and beer-stained balladry on fine albums with his new band the Popes, The Snake (1994) and The Crock of Gold (1997).

You can expect a mix of foot stompin', folk rockin', head boppin', Irish rock.

Doors 7.30pm. Tickets at £18.50 in advance are available in Norwich from UEA Union, Waterfront, Soundclash and HMV. Credit card bookings 01603 508050.