Website Update
Good Listeners,
The website was down for 48 hours for service and updating.. Its now back on… I’m working on an album here I’ll post an update when that job is done Best for now …
Christy
Snowflakes
Snowflakes – Martin Leahy (IMRO)
They’re afraid to use their name
They’re afraid to use their name
When it comes to social media
They’re afraid to use their name
Beware of self-styled Patriots who hate all Refugees and Gays
They’re prepared to spill anyone’s blood for Ireland, as long as it’s not theirs
They say they’re not afraid of anything yet they never can explain
Why when it comes to social media, they’re afraid to use their name
They’re ready for the fight, and their ready for the war, their ready around the clock
With vicious hateful threatening turns of phrase on Twitter, Telegram and TikTok
They parade around like peacocks but they never can explain
Why when it comes to social media, they’re afraid to use their name
They claim to represent us with no contact, name or face
They hide behind their fake accounts like cowardly buckin’ snowflakes
Consumed by hatred and resentment they play that trolling game
But when it comes to social media, they’re afraid to use their name
They’re afraid to use their name
They’re afraid to use their name
When it comes to social media
They’re afraid to use their name
More Info
Every Thursday, for the past 18 months, Martin travels from Bandon in West Cork to the gates of Leinster House in Dublin. He spends an hour there singing his song “Everyone Should have a Home”. His commitment, activism and compassion resulted in him receiving lots of negative hateful feedback from the dreaded anonymous keyboard warriors.
Those cowardly trolls inspired these few verses. Martin gave me permission to play around with his ballad. A link to Martin’s original version can be found on YouTube as can his song “Everyone Should Have a Home”.
Palestine
Palestine (Jim Page/Whid Isle Music USA)
Let me tell you a story, I’ll be quick as I can
Terrible news from the Holy Land
Pictures of Children etched in my mind
Buried in the rubble on the firing line
The Jews and The Arabs lived one and the same
A thousand years then the Zionists came
Came like a river, came like a flood
Al Nakba was written on the wall in blood
Talk about settlers from far away
Talk about dollars from the USA
Talk about blast bombs, the bullets and the lead
The shadow of the Jackboot hanging over your head
What can you do when they demolish your home
Olive Trees buried and gone
Do you dare to resist?
Stand on the road with a rock in your fist
In Palestine
In Palestine
They talk about peace like it’s a moral obligation
There’ll never be peace under occupation
Talk about Talks, to the beat of the drum
70 years Nakba rolls on
We need to talk about the friends that we endorse
The rockets and the tanks and the warships they disperse
No wonder it seems to be
An undemocratic version of Democracy
In Palestine
In Palestine
Let me tell you a story, I’ll be quick as I can
There’s terrible news from the Holy Land
More Info
I first met Jim Page at the Carnsore Point anti-nuclear event in 1978. He came from Seattle to support our efforts. Since then, I have covered a number of his songs. I sang “Hiroshima Nagasaki Russian Roulette” with Moving Hearts in 1981 and “Clock Winds Down” on the 2022 album “Flying into Mystery”.
When Jim heard that we were doing a fund raiser for Médecins Sans Frontiers in Gaza he sent this song to me and allowed me to make minor adjustments. That concert came about when I first heard of the acronym WCNSF (Wounded Child No Surviving Family) The same day 3 MSF doctors died in an Israeli Air Attack on a hospital in Gaza. You can hear Jim Page’s original version on Soundcloud
The Big Marquee
The Big Marquee (C. Moore/IMRO)
Saturday Night, packed in tight all together in the Big Marquee
When the man from The Cork Examiner comes up and says to me
Why do you keep coming back to The Marquee every year?
Ah the answer’s plain and simple Mick, the reason’s very clear
It’s the reels in Ringaskiddy, the jigs in Haulbowline
Ricky Lynch singing in The Corner House he’s like a vintage wine
It’s the craic on Sherkin Island, the hake in Union Hall
The Turbot caught upon Cape Clear, you can ate the bones and all
Chorus
On the Banks the Banks the beautiful Banks
On the Banks of the River Lee
Saturday night we’re packed in tight
All together in The Big Marquee
Puccini’s in The Opera House, Karl Marx in The Connolly Hall
Joe Mac’s in The Arcadia, the Two Norries are on the ball
Maggie Barry’s on The Coal Quay, Jimmy Crowley on the ran-tan-tan
Sound as a bell, Hank Wedell and The Maestro, John Spillane
Here’s Caitríona Twomey comin’ up The Mall
To cook The Penny Dinner, to feed the great and small
There goes Don O’Leary on the road to Sunday’s Well
Up to the Cork Life Centre, to ring the morning bell
Chorus
I love The English Market, we all recall that scene
When a well known Cork Fishmonger met Her Majesty the Queen
He brought the Cockles and the Mussels, Caviar and Lobster Tail
The Periwinkle drove the poor auld queen completely off the rail
I took a wrong turn at Dunkettle, upon my soul
I went down the Jack Lynch Tunnel, woke up in The Metropole
All along MacCurtain St.’til I came to Patrick’s Hill
Big Noel said “Keep Comin Back” ahh begod I surely will
Chorus
O The Lonely Woods of Upton, The Boys of Fairhill
The Piper of Crossbarry I hear him still
I see The Blood and Bandage, when I hear The Rebel sing
I’m gonna kiss the Blarney Stone when the Bells of Shandon ring
Chorus
More Info
Michael Devine and I were heading to Cork to play in The Big Marquee. This event has been running for the past 18 years and I’m happy to say that I’ve played it every year bar one. The location is perfect. On the Banks of The River Lee, in a leafy Industrial Suburb within walking distance of the City Centre.
There is a magic about this gig. I thought to write a song about it. Apart from Karl Marx, Puccini, Joe Mac and Queen Elizabeth I’ve met all those mentioned in the song. I first sang it in Cork’s Opera House at a Concert to honour Don O’Leary.
Darkness Before The Dawn
Darkness Before The Dawn (By Pete Kavanagh IMRO)
The raid took place on a warm Summer’s night
Rebels commandeered the NAAFI, the store was set alight
The fire burned wild flames roared down upon
The Doran Family, in the Darkness Before The Dawn
Bill Doran ran outside as the stairwell fell apart
Brigid held their daughter Katie close to her heart
She dropped the baby down to Bill and went back in for their son John
Screams rang out in The Darkness Before The Dawn
When the top floor caved in John and Brigid died
William was badly burned, Dr. Rowantree saved his life
All in the name of freedom that reckless deed was done
Out on the Moorefield Road in The Darkness Before The Dawn
Some said the rebels they were heroes but the Town was torn apart
That raid upon the NAAFI blackened many hearts
The Doran Family killed and maimed in the war of 1921
As Freedom beckoned in The Darkness Before The Dawn
In Kilbelin Cemetery the price was paid
A Mother, Son, a Wife and Brother in the ground were laid
Remember The Doran Family as The Troubles linger on
Reflect upon Our Freedom, in The Darkness Before The Dawn
Reflect upon Freedom, in The Darkness Before The Dawn
More Info
Noel Heavey from Clongorey rang me. “I heard a great song last night, I think you’d like it.” He put me in touch with Pete Kavanagh. I was intrigued to hear this fine ballad.
I grew up on Moorefield Road 100 yards from the scene of this awful tragedy. Somehow it was never mentioned at home, in school or around the town. It was through Pete’s song that I learnt of the tragedy that befell the Doran family a short 24 years before I was born. As a boy I knew Dr. Rowantree very well. I was friendly with his grandson Paul. The British Legion Hall was 100 yards from our hall door. I really like Pete’s own version of the song which can be heard on Youtube.
Lyra McKee
Lyra McKee (James Cramer/IMRO)
There was tension in the air as she left that night
For a story or a sound bite
Even wild horses could not have stopped her leavin’
With their hoods and masks, and their hidden faces
Their petrol bombs and bricks they waited
as the convoy made its way along The Foyle up to The Creggan
The stage was set above the Derry Walls
It’s time for action the Commander called
Up there where dissidents are not for leavin’
O the night was black as the riot began
crowds gathered and children ran
a bullet cracked and Lyra fell where she was standin’
In the right place at the wrong time,
out lookin’ for a story line
’til they silenced her that night up in The Creggan
Lyra worked behind the lines
A rising star said The Irish Times
Now her light still shines down on those who killed her
There was tension in the air as she left that night
For a story or a sound bite
Even wild horses could not have stopped her leavin’
Lyra
Lyra McKee
Remember Lyra
Lyra McKee
Remember Lyra
Lyra McKee
Remember Lyra
More Info
James Cramer sent his song to me via Declan Sinnott in Cork. Straight away I was taken by this memorial to Lyra McKee. Her cruel murder cut deep into the psyche of the nation. James’ song paints a very clear picture. When we spoke about it, James allowed me to make a few alterations.
This version was recorded at The Forum Theatre Derry in 2023. Lyra’s murder brought terrible tragedy to her loved ones and shocked the entire country. Lyra was a very special woman who, during her short life, connected with a spirit of healing and enlightenment that we all need on this Island. James’s version can be heard on YouTube
The Life and Soul
Life and Soul (Anon / C. Moore – IMRO)
Anne Lovett was a tomboy
She was always up for a laugh
She was real jovial back in the 80s
She used to braid her hair
And then the next week
She’d be all spikey or curly
All the time she’d be havin’ a laugh in class
Messin and chasin’ down the corridors
She was a hot bed of activity
If she was alive today
She’d be up there on the panel with you guys
To keep her memory alive, I’d like to say
Anne Lovett was a fantastic person
She would have been the joy and the soul of a party
Of that I have no doubt
Anne Lovett was an artist
More Info
On February 5th 2014, I sang “Middle of The Island” and “Tyrone Boys” at an event in Maynooth University commemorating Anne Lovett. Also present were Justine McCarthy, Ailbhe Smith, Caitríona Crowe and Anne Mulhall. They spoke about the devastating impact that Anne Lovett’s death had upon the Island.
A man in the audience shared that he had been in school with Anne Lovett. I tracked down a recording of the night to capture his words. So far I’ve failed to make contact with him. It was the first time we encountered someone who actually knew Anne. This made his reflections all the more precious.
Anne Lovett’s death deeply affected many across the Island. It created a sea change in our deeply rooted, church ridden, warped moral attitudes. I often wish for a large, beautiful, permanent monument to be created to her memory. It was truly remarkable to hear someone speak who knew Anne personally. His words struck home and bear repeating for those who wish to hear them.
(Youtube – Remembering Anne Lovett -Trade Union TV)
The Rock
The Rock (Cathal Hayden / IMRO)
Back in 2019 I was playing with The Companeros. Cathal Hayden played this at a soundcheck. It has never left me. I love the sound of it, the pace, the rhythm, the turns, the very beauty of it. And the beat of Jimmy Higgins’ bodhrán.
Cumann na Mná
Cumann na Mná (Mick Blake/Christy Moore IMRO)
Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná, Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná
Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná, Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná
October 2022 I took a week off work
When the Irish Women’s Soccer team played a match in Hampden Park
Amber Barrett scored the winner, we went on the lash
When we got back home we all went in to watch the Apres match
Rob Wotton was the Anchor Man that night on Sky TV
with our star midfielder Chloe Mustaki
We were awfully offended he said by your Celtic Symphony
Might you Irish need to educate yourselves said the man from B Sky B
I nearly choked on me hob-nob, I kicked the pouffé across the floor
The pit-bull nearly died of fright and scarpered out the door
I said three quick Hail Mary’s, the Lord’s Prayer and a Glory Be
And I sang for Mr Wotton, the Man from B Sky B
Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná, Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná
Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná, Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná
Rob Old Chap please understand such Symphonies were written
That lads like you might comprehend the history of Great Britain
How your boys built concentration camps in the Transvaal
And how Sir Winston Churchill starved 3 million people in Bengal
Genocide in Ireland Amritsar overlooked
Conveniently airbrushed from the History Books
Elgin Marbles, Bronze Statues of Benin
Stolen to become trinkets for the King and Queen
The plundered jewels of India, the pilfered tons of gold
Millions of Africans kidnapped shipped and sold
Kidnapped shipped and sold Rob, kidnapped shipped and sold
Millions of Africans, kidnapped shipped and sold
So when you’ve absorbed the history Rob
Of that once mighty nation
Then you might be fit to preach on Ireland’s need for education.
Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná, Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná
Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná, Ooh Ah Cumann na Mná
More Info
I first encountered Mick Blake’s songs on Youtube. He came and performed at a concert for Children in Gaza 8 years ago. I’ve covered a number of Mick’s songs in recent years and often visit his Youtube channel. He sent me an original version of this song and subsequently allowed me to expand it into this new version.
Broomielaw
Broomielaw (Trad Arr. Christy Moore/IMRO)
As I went out on a Summer’s Morning
As I went down by The Broomielaw
It was there I met with a Glasgow Woman
Her cheeks like roses and her skin like snow
Lassie Lassie why do you wander
All alone by the Broomielaw
Sailor Sailor the truth I’ll tell you
I’ve a lad of me own and he’s far awa’
It’s seven long years since I loved that sailor
It’s seven long years since he sailed awa’
And another seven I’ll wait upon him
And I’ll bleach my clothes in the Broomielaw
O Lassie Lassie you have been faithful
You’ve been true to me while I’ve been awa’
Two hearts like ours they should ne’er be parted
I’ll sail no more down the Broomielaw
Then this couple they have been married
Now they keep an alehouse between them twa
And the sailor laddies they still come calling
On the Bleacher Lassie O’ Kelvinhaugh
More Info
I heard this song from Mick Moloney way back in 1964. He shared a basement room in Rathmines with Johnny Morrissey who gave me The Valley of Jarama. Back then Mick was in a band called The Parnell Folk with Donal Lunny and Dan Maher. Mick went on to have great chart success with The Johnstons as did Donal with Emmet Spiceland. Later Mick emigrated to the USA where he became deeply involved in the history of Irish Music in America.
For forty years I’ve sung this song at soundchecks and in the workroom. I’ve heard longer versions in Scotland. I still prefer the way Mick sang it in that Rathmines bedsit 60 years ago. (The full version reveals it to be a “Broken Token” song. Similar story to “The Dark Eyed Sailor” which I recorded on the Prosperous album in 1971.)
Lemon Sevens
Lemon Sevens (Briany Brannigan/Crashed Music)
Smokin’ Lemon Sevens through a broken bottle neck
Smokin’ Lemon Sevens through a broken bottle neck
Her pills ground down like powder, ’til her troubles get no louder
Then a little infant whimpering for Ma to come and help
Passed out down a damp and dark romantic alleyway
A stranger whispered in her ear then carried her away
Noddin’ to the revvin’ top deck of the 67
On the Bus down to Kildare the love affair began
Here’s Me head Me arse is comin’ down the Straffan Road
A bag of cans in hand a red-haired lover boy in tow
The locals say she’s shady, O but she was a lady
With a love so fine and genuine that very few could know
Sleepin’ in a two-man tent down by the Royal Canal
Drinkin’ in the Harbour Field with all her Traveller pals
She’d love a country cottage but she hadn’t got a sausage
Sleepin’ in a two-man tent down by the Royal Canal
But love won’t stop the winter when you’re on the bottom rung
The cider got his liver and the cold got in his lungs
She pretended not to notice, with her bandages and poultice
‘Til he got infections and the cold got in his lungs
They treated them like vagrants and they said the ward was full
There on the floor of the James Connolly Memorial
Her prince he slept a thousand years, she wept a puddle of tears
As she threw his few belongings off the cold Bull Island Pier
All along the North Strand with no lover boy in tow
Back into the City to the only life she’d know
She needed one to kill the pain a love like Hers can know no shame
Met an auld friend down a lonely lane rekindled the old flame
Smokin’ Lemon Sevens through a broken bottle neck
Smokin’ Lemon Sevens through a broken bottle neck
Her pills ground down like powder, ’til her troubles get no louder
Then a little infant whimpering for Ma to come and help
A little infant whimpering for Ma to come and help
More Info
This hard story brings us right inside the tragic lives that many inhabit. When I heard Briany sing this song I wanted to learn it, get inside it, live with it. Singing this song takes me out of it. Singing a song like this makes my work feel worthwhile.
A few months back Valerie and I encountered a young woman on Thomas St, Dublin. Her condition was heart breaking. Every time I sing this song, I see her clearly in my mind and hope she is alive and recovering.
Black & Amber
Black and Amber (Briany Brannigan/Crashed Music)
The poor auld Ma she hasn’t got a penny
She hasn’t got a penny and she’s gettin the kids ready
The poor auld Ma she’s gettin the kids ready
She hasn’t got a penny to her name
Chorus
It’s O so lonely O he’s left us on our owneo
Down the Black and Amber treatin’ strangers like they’re Kings
O so lonely O he’s left us on our owneo
Sittin’ in the evenin’ wonderin’ what the day will bring
The Da out there he’s sinkin’ one o’ many
He’s sinkin’ one o’many and he’s shoutin’ Up Kilkenny
The Da out there he’s drinkin’ pints o’ plain
And smokin’ 20 Major with the change
Chorus
The poor auld Ma she’s workin’ night and mornin’
She’s workin’ night and mornin’ and she can’t afford the yawnin’
The poor auld Ma she’s workin’ night and mornin’
She hasn’t got a washer to her name
Chorus
He comes home senseless we know we’re gonna suffer
We know we’re gonna suffer yeah, we know that we will suffer
When he comes home senseless after a fish supper
He hasn’t got a title to his name
It’s O so lonely O he’s left us on our owneo
Down the Black and Amber
Down the Black and Amber
More Info
We went to hear A Lazarus Soul in Whelan’s, Dublin 6 years ago. I fell beneath the spell of Briany’s lyrics straight away. I made contact saying I’d love to sing a couple of his songs. He gave me the nod – his lines are just up my street.
This song brings me back to a time in life when the pub was a central part of my life. It remained that way for many years. Different pubs in different places became my “home away from home”. Thankfully the day came when I closed that door behind me, never to return, one day at a time. Briany Brannigan’s songs are raw, relevant and real.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers by Mike Harding (Manchester)
She confronted soldiers on her street
Ignoring guns, grenades and gibbering headsets
She offered them a handful of Sunflower seeds
Keep them in your pockets boys
That Flowers may blossom from your graves
Forever a monument to the Children you have murdered
And the Families you have destroyed
That Flowers may stretch their golden faces to the Sun
And at nighttime whisper
Here lie conscripted young unfortunates
Who came here uninvited from the East
Destroyers of Beauty, carriers of madness
And when Mothers come to visit lonely graves
Their tears will water fields of golden Sunflowers
Reaching forever towards a bright horizon
Yellow beneath an endless clear blue sky
Here, In Our Beautiful Ukraine
More Info
Mike Harding gave me my very first Folk Club gig back in 1966. We have remained friends ever since. Shortly after Putin’s invasion we organised a concert in support of the Red Cross in Ukraine. Mike heard of the concert and sent me this Lyric which I recited on that night in Vicar St. Dublin.
Subsequently, I recited it again with Gavin Murphy in his studio in Prosperous, County Kildare and decided to include it here on Terrible Beauty. (from “The Lonely Zoroastrian” published by Luath Press)
Boy In The Wild
Wally Page/Christy Moore
Boy in the Wild World can’t you see
It’s the way it is, life holds many sorrows
Lift up your heart, lean on your dad
When you’re not strong enough, he’ll carry you home
Make all your mistakes, stop yourself falling
When you’re flying low, mind how you go, take heed who you follow
Lift up your heart, lean on your dad
When you’re not strong enough, he’ll carry you home
He’s been there before, he knows the score
The weight of that load, that dark and lonely road
He’ll carry you home
Boy in the Wild World can’t you see
It’s the way it is, life holds many sorrows
Lift up your heart, lean on your dad
When you’ve had enough, he’ll carry you home
He’ll carry you home
More Info
I First met Wally Page when he sang at The Meeting Place in Dublin in 1977. We struck up a relationship that lasted until his death in 2022. Along the way we wrote many songs together. I also covered many of his own songs. Months before his death he sent me most of this song. He wondered was there anything in it (there surely was, dear Waldo).
I think this is Wally at his very best. Apart from his writing he was a beautiful soulful singer who exuded warmth, passion and humour when he sang. Wally’s gigs in The Cobblestone and The Five Lamps were legendary. Many of us miss him here in The Black Lagoon.
A Terrible Beauty (2024 – Claddagh Records)
Track List
A Terrible Beauty (The Expanded Edition) – Available Now
Dear Listeners,
The Expanded Edition of A Terrible Beauty is Available to order now.
Released on limited cream vinyl, the extented album includes five re-imagined, previously released tracks as follows:
“The Big Marquee” (Expanded Version)
“Butterfly” (aka “So Much Wine”)
“Yellow Triangle” (Christy Moore IMRO)
“Sweet Thames Flow Softly” (Ewan MacColl)
“Music To Our Ears” (Johnnyb/Gavin Murphy/IMRO)
Available to Order Now via Claddagh Records HERE
September 2025
It’s hard to believe it’s almost a year since my last chat.
I played in Sligo last week in the Knocknarea Arena – a great venue. The gig was promoted by Rob McNabb who goes way back. Sligo is always a great gig town. I first played there with Planxty in 1972. Pumpkinhead and Joe O’Dowd also played that night. Over the following decades, numerous gigs and venues come tumbling back; Ballisodare festivals, The Blue Lagoon, Coolara House, Strandhill with Lofty Flynn, Collooney Hall with Moving Hearts (The night Martin Hurson died on hunger strike) Coolaney for Oliver the Undertaker, The Radisson at Rosses Point and the Sligo Park gig in memory of Tommie Gorman – my good friend, always remembered.
I’ve been busy the last while getting all the songs, books, tapes and ephemera in to the Irish Traditional Music Archive. I hit the 80 mark this year so the time is right to clear out the workroom. Those who run the archive have been so welcoming and encouraging. TG4 are now making a documentary about the whole affair and I have to admit I am really enjoying the process of looking back. Certain songs that have long since fallen off the setlist have re-emerged and I’ve started singing some of them again – Sacco & Vanzetti, Smoke & Strong Whiskey, Hey Ronnie Reagan and Lawless …
I watched the movie “In Time” last week – A beautiful biopic of my good Companero, Donal Lunny. It’s directed by Nuala O’Connor and follows Donal’s life and music over 60 years. It is beautifully filmed and perfectly recorded. It was a long-haul project for the crew as Donal fell seriously ill during the making of the film. It’s good to hear that he is on the mend. I hope to sit and play with him again soon – no one gets inside my songs and singing like Donal. We first played together in 1963.
I attended Nicky Ryan’s wake last week. Over the last 50 years Nicky advanced to become one of the most outstanding innovators/recorders in Irish music. We first hooked up with Nicky in London in 1972, thanks to Jimmy Drag. Nicky was working with the band called Elmer Fudd. He moved back to Ireland where he designed and built a sound rig for our band.
After Planxty he went on to work with Clannad. He helped them create that wonderful, unique sound that resounded around the world. After Clannad, along with Enya and his wife Roma, he created albums that reverberate and are loved to this very day.
I last worked with Nicky when he recorded my “Ordinary Man” album in a studio in his back garden in Artane. I have such vivid recall of those sessions with Donal Lunny and Arty McGlynn … we recorded “They Never Came Home”, “Matty”, “St Brendan’s Voyage”, “Continental Ceili”, Ordinary Man” and others … It was a happy time in Aigle Studio.
An extended version of the last album “A Terrible Beauty” will soon be released by Claddagh Records (at Universal Ireland).
We decided to “go at it agin” with 4 new tracks – “Butterfly” (AKA So Much Wine), “Yellow Triangle” (recorded live in Belfast earlier this year), “The Big Marquee” (A new version) and “Music to our Ears”. The latter is a tribute to our President, Michael D. Higgins and was written by the wordsmith and Music Man, Johnny Broderick. You can watch the video for “Music to our Ears” here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGIlXDFV6tI
Last month I had a lovely gig in Carlingford, Co. Louth. I rehearsed with Zoe Conway and John McIntyre. We played an afternoon gig in the Heritage Centre. It was perfect. They are two beautiful musicians in every way. Never before have I rehearsed with musicians who went to such great lengths to be fully prepped before we sat down to play. It was a pleasure for Valerie and I to be welcomed into their mountain home to drink tea and play songs.
We stayed in Co. Louth for 4 days. We visited Crossmaglen which left a mark on us. We had coffee in the square and visited the memorial sites – it was a sad experience. Come Sunday afternoon we were in a very different world in Carlingford.
Next year is coming rapidly into view and the “Whole bloody business will start all over again” (Sam Beckett) I have two or three different albums half started – all I gotta do is stay alive …
The gigs are falling into place, but I’ve nothing planned beyond springtime. Overseas gigs have become more unlikely and I find it very difficult to be definitive … Barrowland, Royal Festival Hall, Sage, Liverpool Phil, Bridgewater and other favourite venues are still calling loud and clear. I find it hard to say “No Nay Never … No Nay Never No More” but as soon as I get in to the nuts and bolts of foreign travel the heebie jeebies start kicking in and I have to stall the digger …
I turned 80 back in May – nothing changed much. Loads of good wishes received and sincere gratitude expressed. At a gig in my Hometown of Newbridge the entire audience sang “Happy Birthday”
Some things have slowed down a bit. The balance is sometimes a bit bockety and confusion seeps in sometimes but thankfully clarity prevails.
I practise a lot. The gigs are most enjoyable and extremely satisfying. Audiences are continually refreshed with swathes of new young listeners coming along. It’s a great buzz to spot youngsters bopping along to these old songs. Simple notes and communications all reiterating the power of song.
Michael D Higgins with Sabina at his side has been a magnificent president these passed 14 years. I wish them both a long and contented time back in their Galway home. His will be very hard shoes to fill. In the upcoming election I’ll be rooting for Catherine Connolly and hoping that she will be our next President.
The Presidency has gained relevance across the reigns of Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins – they have been true Presidents of the People.
The gigs are going well – the Meade Brothers, David & John, continue to upscale their sound system. The production team have added screens for certain venues – some of the larger hotel function rooms don’t have proper theatre sightlines so the screens make a big difference – I can sense it while singing. Another positive development is the number of first time Listeners turning up to the gigs. Recently I’ve had requests from listeners – not yet in their teens – calling for “Black & Amber”, “Lyra McKee” and “Beeswing” … Isn’t that some buzz for an 80-year-old ballad singer …
If inclined please respond on the website,
Christy
PS Ellius Grace’s video for “Boy in the Wild” won an award for Best Direction at the Shark Awards earlier this year – You can watch the video here – https://youtu.be/xUcO_WHPHfw
CHRISTY ANNOUNCES 2025/2026 VICAR STREET SHOWS
11 nights at Vicar St
NOVEMBER 2025: 1st November / 9th November / 17th November / 24th November
DECEMBER 2025: 2nd December / 8th December /15th December
FEBRUARY 2026: 18th February / 26th February
MARCH 2026: 2nd March / 19th March
General Release Tickets on sale this Friday 12th September at 10am
Christy Moore today announced that he will play 11 nights at Vicar Street, with dates across November and December 2025 and February and March 2026.
Tickets for the Vicar Street dates will go on sale this Friday 12th September at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie and in person from the Vicar Street box office.
The box office at Vicar St will be open at 10am on 12th September and tickets can be purchased at face value of seats €65.70 / €63.70 or Balcony standing €61. If purchased in person at the Vicar Street box office no service charge will be applied.
An Expanded Edition of Christy’s Number 1 album ‘A Terrible Beauty’ is expected later this year
For more concert information see www.aikenpromotions.com
New York Times Interview
Download interview (PDF)
“Boy in The Wild” Music Video Nomination
Dear Listeners,
Christy’s Music Video for Boy In The Wild from his recent album A Terrible Beauty, has won the top prize of Best Music Video, as well as Best Direction at the 2025 Shark Music Video Awards in London.
Christy remarked “Great achievement for Ellius Grace who directed and created, Mark Richardson of Claddagh who brought it together, the late Wally Page for writing and sharing this beautiful song. I’ve been gifted the song to sing, I added a few lines. It’s some privilege to be part of this development. How Wally would have enjoyed this whole scenario. He feels very close by these nights when I play ‘Boy in the Wild’ and ‘Smoke and Strong Whiskey.’
Boy in the Wild
Vicar St. Nov 4, 2024
Hot Press Album Review
Folk/Tumble Review
A Terrible Beauty – Damian McNairney
Rte Radio 1 – Nov 8, 2024
In Conversation with Oliver Callinan
Late Late Show – Nov 1, 2024
Patrick Kielty and Christy Moore
Irish Examiner Album Review Nov 6, 2024
Irish Examiner Interview Nov. 2, 2024
Joe Dermody – Exclusive Interview
A Terrible Beauty – Guardian Review Oct 26, 2024
A Terrible Beauty – Irish Times Review
Tony Clayton-Lee – Oct 24, 2024
October 2024
The next Album “Terrible Beauty” will be released on Nov 1st 2024.
I’ve been gigging some of the songs of late, a few more are straining at the leash. It’s always a challenge trying to slip new verses into the set…
Over the past months I’ve been slipping them in, hither and thither, hoping that no one would notice…
It has been a very diverse and enjoyable process…recording in different locations, making the best of what was available… David Meade always willing to have a go, Johnny Meade always ready to make it work…. Memories of earlier albums are always linked with different studios…. You had to go to a studio to make an album, all the studios were excessively expensive and totally controlled by music business honchos…. a different buzz these days…. the tide turned when Michelle Shocked recorded an album on her “Walkman” …the cat was well and truly out of the basket…. I recorded the album “Traveller” in our Garden Shed.
Here are the songs we’ve been recording in recent times:
1. Boy in The Wild
The last song Wally Page sent me, a few months before he died. These are the words he shared;
“Hiya Christy, just a kernel of an idea. Might be shite. See if it connects. Wal x”
Wally wrote like no other. A unique wordsmith and melody maker. Working with him was always a pleasure…. He shared generously and collaborated with sensitivity. I loved those precious hours we spent together. Always remembered.
This song means a lot to me – distant memories of my own Father who died when I was 11. In his few brief lines Wally paints a picture that will resound with many. I tagged on the middle 8 but never got to run it past my good Companero.
You can watch the video for “Boy in the Wild” by clicking HERE
2. Sunflowers
“Sunflowers” comes from Mike Harding of Crumpsall, Manchester. He sent it to me for a Concert in support of Red Cross in Ukraine… I read it at the gig in Vicar St. Dublin… tried it again in Gavin Murphy’s studio. He created a beautiful setting. Looking out the window of Gavin’s studio I could see Downings House across the fields – Where we recorded the “Prosperous” album 52 years ago.
3. Black and Amber
Says it all…. Briany Brannigan nails it – dysfunction, family abuse, alcoholism, selfishness, cruelty – all wrapped in this fine song. A grand chorus that helps to render the suffering (perhaps) more palatable… it only takes a few verses for the message to sink in…. this is great writing…. after a few months the chorus is already being sung… always a good sign.
4. Lemon Sevens
I’m at a Whelan’s Gig in Dublin…. A Lazarus Soul are playing a stormer…I’m immersed in the sounds of guitar, bass, drums… Briany’s giving it loads but I’m not getting all the words…then I hear him sing: “here’s me head me arse is comin down the Straffan Road” … That sets me off… I gotta read and hear all the words of this song…. I go to the merch table to purchase their albums and bootlegs…. I get home and start to copy down the words of this great song…. it’s a classic ballad, it’s a big song….in my repertoire it sits beside “The Well Below The Valley” “Little Musgrave” and “Gortatagort’… one of the very best of songs…this song will live on – a stark reminder of the times we live in .. and Briany gave me his blessing to proceed.
5. Broomielaw
I was miserably working in The National Bank by day, happily following the songs at night…. There were numerous Music sessions scattered around the city in the mid-1960s – Al O’Donnell, Jessie Owens, Maeve Mulvanney, The Dubliners, Dolly MacMahon, The Ludlows and Danny Doyle were a few of the numerous singers and players that could be heard around Dublin back then…. I followed The Parnell Folk for a time. Mick Moloney, Donal Lunny and Dan Maher were the main players. Mick Moloney used to sing this song. I slept on his floor in Rathmines and we swopped songs. For almost 60 years I’ve had this beautiful song in my repertoire, never gigged or recorded it. Mick died last year in a far-off land…. I sing it in his memory…he was The Rambler from Limerick.
6. Cumann na Mná
This song started out when Mick Blake sent me a few verses that were inspired by Rob Wotton of Sky TV. I played it for Joxer… He was like a terrier onto a badger… I’ve kicked it around for a while and now it’s gaining traction. Various teachers and Gael Goers have already pointed out grammatical incorrections in the brilliant refrain.
Steve Coogan might cover it…
7. The Rock
Five years ago, Cathal Hayden played this at a sound check in Vicar St Dublin…. I’ve never forgotten it. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Banjo… it began one night in Prosperous in 1964 when Barney McKenna rode into County Kildare and joined the session… Ever since my spirits lift when I hear good Banjo playing. Cathal Hayden is a master of both Banjo and Fiddle.
8. Life and Soul
Words spoken (anonymously) at an event in Maynooth University which commemorated the death of young Anne Lovett. Anne died alone, giving birth beneath the stars. Her baby son also perished in that lonely graveyard as Ireland went about its business.
Nigel Rolfe wrote a song for Anne 40 years ago. I recorded that with Sinéad way back…. everybody knew, nobody said (i.e. everybody in Ireland) … Anne Lovett’s death exposed a raw nerve on the Island.
Let us build a loving pagan shrine in her name.
9. Lyra McKee
I tried to write a song in memory of Lyra …. then I received this song from James Cramer. I made contact with him and received his blessing to record it…. I was aware of Lyra before her tragic senseless death…the image of that young murderer firing aimlessly into the crowd still burns darkly…the memory of Lyra shines bright…. a beautiful, courageous and compassionate young woman well remembered in James’ fine song.
10. Darkness Before the Dawn
Pete Kavanagh from Naas wrote this ballad…when he sang it in The Red Hot Music Club in Kilcullen it was heard by my friend Noel Heavey. Noel tipped me off about this song and I set off in pursuit of Pete Kavanagh. Pete sent me the song and allowed me adjust it to “my fit” …. it’s short and complete and describes a reckless and subsequently disastrous IRA raid on the NAAFI store in my home town of Newbridge…. It would have been a justifiable raid on the English Army of occupation had there not been an innocent civilian family asleep upstairs. This awful event took place 100 yards from our home in Moorefield Terrace. Yet I heard nothing of this tragedy until Pete’s fine song came my way.
11. The Big Marquee
Been struggling to get this song into the set…but recently starting singing it rather than rappin it…it has taken to its air…I’ll record it again in due course…with some companeros making a bit of a racket in the background…very happy with this lyric…
Started writing it as Mick Devine and I drove across the Curragh Plains to play The Marquee in Cork. By the time we hit Dunkettle it was well on the way.
12. Palestine
I was Playing a Concert for Medicin San Frontiers in Gaza and received this song from Jim Page in Seattle…I continued to sing it at subsequent gigs and received permission from Jim to make some alterations and to record it. “Palestine” has been well received (overwhelmingly) every time I sing it…. sparse criticism from supporters of Israel’s genocide on the beleaguered people of Palestine…. some accuse me of being antisemitic.
That concert was a response to seeing the acronym *W.C.N.S.F coined in a Gaza Hospital. Days later that same Hospital was bombed by Israeli Airforce and 3 Doctors fromM.S.F. perished. The concert was dedicated to Dr. Mahmoud Abu Nujaila, Dr. Ahmad Al Sahar,and Dr. Ziad Al-Tatari who died in the attack on Al Awda Hospital.
*Wounded Child No Surviving Family
13. Snowflakes
Damn blast those cowardly pathetic lonely keyboard warriors, their hatred engenders utter despair, can anyone pray for them? I salute the courage and selfless activism of Martin Leahy. “Everyone Should Have a Home” (YouTube).
So that’s it. There you have it… “Terrible Beauty” is due out Nov 1st. It will be on the Claddagh Label (at Universal) …. A Martin Gale painting graces the sleeve, he titled the painting thus…. A single has been released already. It has gained good airplay and response. The next single will have a music video…my first music video since 1986….it features Liam Cunningham and Ollie West who play Father and Son in Ellius Grace’s video of the song “Boy in The Wild” …This was the last song that Wally Page sent me before he died. A great song from my dear friend and collaborator…
The current gigs are tipping along…. this is year 58 of the tour…. crew in good order, everyone focused and pulling out all the stops.
Thank you all out there for listening …
Christy.
October 2024
Out Now “A Terrible Beauty”
Listen NowReminder to Subscribe to Newsletter
Reminder: If you are not already signed up, please remember to subscribe to Christy’s Newsletter today in order to receive pre-sale notice of Dublin Vicar Street shows.
Sign up Here: https://www.christymoore.com/newsletter/
Christy Moore, Botanic Gardens, Belfast
published on Dig With It June 5, 2024
Let It Bring Hope
I Just watched this powerful short film about the recent football match between Bohemians VS Palestine on 15th May. If you have 20 minutes to spare today give it a watch – Christy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrdvKzmsRRw
They Never Came Home
I came across this the other day & thought some of you might be interested in reading … Christy
https://www.rte.ie/history/stardust/2024/0510/1448511-christy-moore-and-the-stardust-tragedy/