Photo: Brad Balfour
Review by Brad Balfour
The Saw Doctors
Saturday July 26th, 2025
6 –10 pm
Summerstage
Central Park
On a recent Saturday night, one of Ireland’s biggest rock bands, The Saw Doctors, returned to New York to perform before a capacity crowd at New York’s Summerstage. Though much of the crowd was clearly there to join in with other expats from Eire, the group’s popularity with fans extended far beyond the Emerald Island.
It was an ideally beautiful evening –– a surprisingly moderate late July night in New York City. The air was fine, not muggy or drizzly. And The Saw Doctors were consummate professionals who knew how to take advantage of such conditions.
The pace of the evening kept the crowd invigorated but not worn out. All six performers maintained an engaging intensity throughout the approximately two-hour set. The road from Tuam, Co. Galway, went right to the USA that night. Even for a relative novice like me, I quickly grasped what all the fuss was about. This was a band that has come to exemplify a classic rock sound coming from modern Ireland. Yet The Saw Doctors didn’t rest on their laurels but performed with a gusto and energy, as if they still had something to prove.
Their fans knew all the many songs their show featured but the band successfully spiced it up with frills — from fresh guitar solos to rich instrumentals on sax, tin whistle, mandolin or accordion.
If nothing else, the band made anyone who had been there last year — when they were rained out mid-set –- feel fulfilled. The crowd not only forgot any past disappointments but found that this year, the night was a moment of redemption for the band; the ensemble put their collective all into it. For the founding duo, Leo Moran and Davy Carton — who formed the band in 1986 — it was a benchmark night. The Saw Doctors gave back so much more. It was as if there were a greening of Summerstage through their Celtic calling.
As the opening chords of “Exhilarating Sadness” and “Back to Tuam” (their hometown) rang out, the solidly packed venue erupted into a frenzy of cheers and sing-alongs. Led by their charismatic frontman and powered by guitarist Moran, The Saw Doctors thoroughly captivated.
Discovered by Mike Scott of The Waterboys in the late ‘80s, The Saw Doctors have been powered by these songwriter/performers with a lineup that currently includes former Waterboy Anthony Thistlethwaite on saxophone, drummer Rickie O’Neill, bassist Pearse Doherty and Kieran Duddy on keyboards.
They achieved 18 Top 30 singles in the Irish Republic including three number ones. Their first, “I Useta Lover,” topped the Irish charts for nine consecutive weeks in 1990 and still holds the record for Ireland’s all-time biggest hit single.
Throughout the night, the sextet effortlessly navigated throughout their extensive catalog, performing such Irish classics as “I Useta Lover,” “Tommy K”, “Clare Island,” “Green & Red” and “N17.” Each song was met with thunderous applause and rousing cheers. This sextet performed the run of their songs from start to finish with such finesse. Since the band’s enthusiasm was contagious, a Saw Doc novice like me was easily won over as well.
Through this repertoire of songs which blended traditional Irish rock melodies, catchy hooks, and witty social observations, they kept the audience on their feet and made me want to use my computer at home to get more familiar with their substantial catalog. Their music is a celebration of life, love, and the humanity which has traditionally been the best part of the Celtic ethos.
The group’s deep connection with fans further reinforced that notion. Carton’s jovial chatter between songs was filled with anecdotes, which offered an additional bond with the audience.
As the night drew to a close, the band rocked out with such iconic anthems as “Same Old Town” and “Red Cortina.” The Saw Doctors produced an ebullient performance that provided a night to remember. The Saw Doctors’ performance was not just about the music; it was also a celebration of the band’s rich history within the Irish working class experience.
Their timeless music made for an unforgettable experience that deserved to reach audiences well beyond those with Celtic roots. They showed a genuine connection to Irish rock experience but also demonstrated their link to other influences such as country music and even to Elvis.
This was a showcase of the best of classic rock. It should make a lasting impression on anyone who gets to see them live. I was lucky enough to be one of those who were there to have the experience.