By Alana Loftus
Over ten years ago, the Saw-Doctors played their final gig in the states, pending a “year-long”
break from touring that lasted much longer than expected. In March 2013, the beloved Irish band
packed the House of Blues in Boston, which like most of their shows, was spilling over with
Irish and Irish Americans alike. Their demographic has never been cut and clear, taking in fans
from a multitude of genres their music takes inspiration from. Rock fans, traditional Irish music
fans and those who just like live music all gather not only to enjoy the music but the atmosphere
their shows create.
Their highly anticipated return to the states after a prolonged hiatus saw them selling out two
shows in New York and Boston, this past weekend. A homegrown band from Tuam in County
Galway, the Saw Doctors found national success first in the late 80s’, but quickly became a
cherished link to the motherland for those living away from home.
Before long, their concerts became a haven for the homesick. They sang a familiar song- one that
narrated a life they could relate to- longing for home, missing loved ones and coming together to
have a good time, in spite of all of that. With anecdotes about Gaelic football, baling hay and
Catholicism, their music was niche and accessible in a way that was usually reserved to Irish folk
songs. Only this genre was contemporary, experimental and a lot of fun.
Despite how local they were in their songwriting; the Saw Doctors’ very specific cultural
references didn’t seem to limit their appeal at all. This is evident from their sold-out, 18 show
tour in 2013 and the many sold out shows in the U.K.
Looking around at the audience this past weekend in 2023, the variety of concertgoers was
further evidence of their wide reach. What stood out most obviously was the wide range of ages.
It was safe to assume that many of the attendees were not yet born on the release date of many of
the hits they were singing along to. Yet, the 20-somethings came in their hundreds, to sing along
to the same music their parents did.
Saw Doctors’ front man, Davy Carton told a story on stage, about a young girl they had recently
met, who served them at a bar.
“We were delighted to have her come up to us,” he said, explaining how they happily took a
picture with her, excited to meet a young fan. “Afterwards, she turned back to us and said, ‘My
Granny is going to be so happy when she sees this!”
Earning a laugh from the crowd, the band proceeded to dedicate the next song to the audience’s
grandmothers, poking fun at their age and making a statement about the band’s longevity.
There is no denying that their staying power is remarkable, and despite the many grandparents
that still enjoy their music, a whole new generation is attaching themselves to the band and what
they stand for.
During the 1980s, when the Saw Doctors released their hit “N17”, emigration had significantly
increased as a result of Ireland’s economic problems. The same issues, and many others, have
motivated a whole new demographic of young people to emigrate in recent years. Many of them
found their way to MGM Music Hall in Fenway last weekend.
Concerts abroad became a place where expats congregated to feel a sense of belonging and
unity- a tradition the young Irish in Boston are hoping to carry on. Some of those in attendance
are in Boston for the summer on J-1 Visa’s while others are here longer term. Those who haven’t
been back home in a long time sing the songs with more vigor. There is a certain sadness
associated with a home they may not be able to return to. The music may be upbeat, but the
lyrics hit a sore spot in many ways.
Maybe the Saw Doctors’ ode to the homeland is the answer to the estranged relationship between
Irish 20-somethings and the home they can’t reconcile with. Their contemporary take on the
music that made us, bred, fed and raised us, is the step backwards all immigrant children need.
Their music consoles those who feel like emigration is the only solution for a prosperous future.
The Saw Doctors find a way to highlight the beauty of being gone- a love letter to the homeland
while also celebrating newness and uncertainty. The universal themes in their music create a safe
and familiar space, one that has kept people coming back for nearly forty years. For as long as
there are Irish in Boston, there will be an audience for the Saw Doctors.
