The Saw Doctors may have brought the Irish weather with them to Hobart but it could not deter the enthusiasm of the many who braved the elements to hear this legendary Irish band. For 'The Blue Mosquitoes' this was to be one of the highlights of their time together as a band. While, having performed with living musical legends like Peggy Seeger and Dougie MacLean, for the Mosquitoes, who love Irish music, being the support act for one of the biggest acts to come out of Ireland in the last 30 years will be difficult to beat.

Obviously it was going to be hard to come on as the support act when the crowd were firmly focused of the arrival of the Saw Doctors on the stage, but from the moment Hannah and Stuart launched into the opening of their original song 'Yesterday', accompanied by Chris and Moire, it was clear that they were winning over some new fans. Tunes such as Butterfly/Kesh got the toes tapping in the audience and even the bar staff joined in dancing to the beat of Chris on Bodhran, the driving rhythm of Stuart on guitar and the haunting vocals of Hannah and Moire on 'Deeper Well'

Some of the audience who had been sitting back finishing meals and enjoying a chat while awaiting the arrival of the Saw Doctors moved to get a better view of the Mosquitoes and gave them a great round of applause at the end of 'Deeper Well', 'Meagher's Escape', which took on a new level of energy, and 'Dreams', with it's great harmonies.

By the time they got to their version of Paul Kelly's 'Dumb Things' the crowd were well and truly getting into the spirit of things. The reaction of the crowd following 'Tamlin' obviously gave Moire a new level of confidence as she jokingly encouraged people to 'stick around to watch the Saw Doctors', assuming that the response of the crowd indicated they had primarily come to see Daideo and the Blue Mosquitoes.

I am glad I was one of those who took Moire's advice to stick around :) as the Saw Doctor's performance was a highlight of the year to date. The Mosquitoes had a great time bopping away to all the Saw Doctor's favourites and were really greatful to have the chance to meet up with them backstage at the conclusion of the night. This will be a night that Daideo and the Blue Mosquitoes will remember for a long time to come.

The band would love to get hold of any good photos taken at the gig (please email). Unfortunately, to the bands surprise the camera to be used was found on the night to be missing batteries. Said batteries were later discovered at home running a computer game belonging to an un-named family member who needless to say kept a low profile the next day :)