The Waterboys @ Festival Theatre

Mike Scott is an idealist and a dreamer. His music is designed to take the listener to a part of their mind untroubled by reality. Listening to Waterboys albums has been a preferred method of escapology for millions for over twenty years; and for a couple of hours on this Sunday night in Edinburgh, the flight from the real world captured perfectly within records and cds makes a transition to the live arena, as fluidly as their name would suggest.

Displays of vitality and exertion like this are usually reserved for juvenile talent contests or closer still, Everest expeditions. To witness them from a group of 50 somethings on a stage is not refreshing, it's awe-inspiring. You won't see a better show this year for undiluted entertainment – a full two months before the Festival. As a frontman Scott is untouchable, equally convincing in his 'Celtic Poet' or 'Axe Wielding Rock God' hats. Flanked by two of the most proficient and zealous musicians you're likely to encounter in Steve Wickham (electric fiddle) and Raymond Naiff (keys), though, he has no choice but to share the spotlight. The set list showcases the nomadic quality of their back catalogue, travelling from jig to ballad to frenzied guitar and fiddle solo without stopping for breath. A communal state of bliss descends upon the Theatre as an encored rendition of Fisherman's Blues leaves a crowd in the shared knowledge that this is a special band, and that this was an extraordinary gig. [Finbarr Bermingham]