Last Updated on March 5, 2023
Originally published in Beat Motel issue 9
I must admit to being a little wary of going to see Babar Luck. Every clip I’ve seen of the man has him wheeling and almost fitting as he stares wild eyed at the room. When I saw the ‘intimate’ size of venue I prepared myself for what might be a bit of a scary evening. But as I stood nursing my pint I suddenly recognised the chap stood next to me,
“Hello Mr Luck”
The next few minutes were taking up chatting to one of the most approachable and incredibly friendly (and somehow oddly peaceful) people I’ve ever met! After a few minutes he apologised for ceasing the conversation informing me that it was time to play. His use of the word ‘play’ could not have been a more perfect description of his performance.
Babar Luck treats his performance as a game, the role of entertainer is clearly something he relishes and it really shines through and draws the audience into his world. The music swings without warning from an almost narrated soothing melody to trashy reggae encouraging the crowd to dance.
I’ve never seen anyone dancing at an acoustic show before! In what seemed like no time at all this bald headed bearded shoeless man was telling us he only had time for one more song. It’s hard to tell exactly what was so funny about the performance this man gave, we were very much laughing with him and not at him but I don’t think I can remember a single joke. That’s quite a talent!
It’s a very special thing when someone in this town takes a chance to convert a part of their pub to a dedicated venue; it’s even more special when the proprietors put in as much thought and effort as they obviously have at PJ McGintys. When you add someone like Babar Luck to that equation you can’t really go wrong.
The room could have been made just for him, and he performed with so much charisma and confidence that all gathered were very much at ease with him occasionally wandering off the stage and mingling with the audience, forgoing the luxury of a microphone and just belting out his songs. Babar Luck is part musician, part activist and indeed part comedian but never strays into the territory of being a rhetorician. Babar does not preach, he just enjoys chatting with very large groups of friends!
- Andrew Culture
Baba Luck live photo gallery
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