Some gigs just hit different — and our recent night at Sheabeen Irish Pub was one of those rare shows where everything clicks from the first note to last call.
It was our first time playing Sheabeen, a neighborhood Irish pub close to home that traditionally leans toward country and straight classic rock. We came in with something a little different: a high-energy mix of 80s, 90s, and 2000s rock that’s built to keep people moving. Thanks to some grassroots promotion — posters, flyers, and a modest, well-targeted Facebook ad — the room filled up early and stayed full all night.
The crowd brought incredible energy from the jump. The dance floor was packed through four full sets, and people didn’t let up — even during heavier songs you might not expect to see a room dance to. There’s nothing better as a band than looking out and seeing a room fully locked in, song after song.
The hospitality at Sheabeen was equally amazing. Owners Andy and Karen and the entire staff made us feel welcome from load-in to load-out.. We also met new faces between sets, including someone who had seen our flyers and came in to check us out, leading to booking private gig at a community concert series later this year.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came as a complete surprise to our lead singer, Ivan. Earlier in the week, we had been talking with Tony Fennell, a veteran musician best known for his work with Ultravox and for leading the nu-wave band Nu Wave, made up of British musicians performing hits from the bands they were part of during the 1980s. We'll be opening for them at the Wild Goose next month. When Tony found out we were playing nearby, he stopped by to say hello.
We waited until Tony was in the room before telling our singer — and the look on his face was priceless. Tony later joined us on stage for part of a song. It was an unforgettable moment and a reminder that music has a way of connecting people across generations and careers.
By the end of the night, the bartender told us we’d covered all of his favorite songs — something he said almost never happens at that bar — and insisted we come back soon. From first-time listeners to longtime “Afterstalkers” who had now seen us multiple shows in a row, the room felt like one big celebration.
Huge thanks again to Sheabeen Irish Pub, the staff, and everyone who came out and danced the night away with us. Nights like this are exactly why we do what we do — and we can’t wait to do it again.