A tribute act to legendary Irish band, The Pogues, has been forced into hiding after their entire audience of 76 turned against them after a misplaced joke.
The band, known as, "The Poogues" where nearing the end of their 90 minute set when they entered the opening bars of smash hit, "Fairytale of New York."
Lead singer and professional Shane MacGowen impersonator, Mike Belle, proceeded to whip out a Barbie Doll and claim it was "Kirsty MacColl" before using Barbie's Dream Boat to run the doll over. The stunt was greeted with angry jeers and thrown bottles from the stunned crowd.
Belle and the rest of his band where quickly hurried from the venue and into hiding.
Belle spoke to our reporter via telephone earlier today and recalled what happened: "It was a mistake... a big mistake... I thought it would be funny but obviously I was wrong. I tried to apologise... I mean, I had no idea that her children where in the audience at the time."
This isn't the first time that The Poogues have been in trouble. In 2003, drummer, Dick Chase, was hospitalised after being hit by a chair when The Band dedicated the song, "Dirty Old Town" to the Birmingham crowd.
"I think we'll call it a day now." said Belle, "I'm 74 and not getting any younger. I've had enough."
