The Tossers with The Mighty Stef

Detroit is in miserable economic straits right now, and that has been hurting show attendance. But nothing can guarantee a packed house in the Motor City like a St. Patrick’s Day warm-up courtesy of The Mighty Stef and the Tossers. Despite the snow and frigid wind outside, it was hot and sweaty inside as everyone danced and sang along.

The Mighty Stef warmed things up with a blend of punk, rock, soul and Gypsy punk, and then the Tossers knocked everyone down with a set of originals and standards. They included a few Pogues covers (like “Dirty Old Town” which could really be about Detroit, and “Turkish Song of the Damned”), reinforcing the idea that Tossers frontman Tony Duggins is a dead ringer for a young Shane MacGowan, but with more teeth.

After playing for two hours, the band brought the show to a big end with “Good Morning Da” and sent everyone on their way, primed for a big St. Patrick’s Day celebration.