The 68s at O’Shea’s Merchant (photos & review)

Last Saturday The 68s played O’Shea’s Merchant, a little pub on Merchant’s Quay.

We’ve seen The 68s before at Jack Of Diamonds festival and on Artur’s day, so we knew what to expect from this gig. It turned out to be more than we hoped for.

The 68s, with a new lineup now, are one of the best cover bands we’ve seen in a good while. Their repertoire includes classic rock songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, from Pink Floyd to The Doors, Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. When it comes to covers, there’s no room for mistakes and The 68s know that. All four band members are great musicians and the songs are executed flawlessly. Barry, the lead singer, has a tough job of modulating this voice to sing Mark Knopfler and Robert Plant and Roger Waters pieces in the same set. He’s up to it though. The band has two excellent guitarists and a new drummer who looks like he’s adjusting well.

Besides playing almost weekly in pubs around Dublin, The 68s are also working on a new album which, according to the band, will contain both covers and own tunes.

More about The 68s on Facebook.