Hope you are keeping well Christy! Heading to Killashee tomorrow night with my daughter Tara. We brought her to her first gig when she was 4 in Lyrath in Kilkenny in March 2007 and you sang Nancy Spain for herself and Jack. Now she is bringing me to see you 18 years later and we are every bit as excited as we were back then!
Hello Christy
Just arrived from NL! Looking forward to the concert tomorrow night. I knit you an early bday present so hope to get to say to hi!
Cheers
Michelle and Derek Power
Hello Christy,
A full set of uilleann pipes arrived in our house yesterday. They’ve been away at the maker David Lim’s for a few weeks as he added the bass regulator and made a few final adjustments. I haven’t got a recording of them, not even a sneaky one, or I’d post it. They make a beautiful noise. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/169BWJQ5TZ/
Hi Christy,
Heading towards super Saturday with anticipation high for 3 good games.
I was listening to young Keenan’s fine Isolation Tapes volumes today with an eye on the later races at Cheltenham. Some good things came out of the lockdowns but not many, though your series with Andy was braw. Think i’ll play back a few this evening. How is Andy doing after his triumpant return at Vicar Street?
Take care
Rory
A great afternoon of chat and memories….mooching around the Bill Leader exhibition in the company of Mr and Mrs Butler,Jim Berry (Houghton Weavers) and Bernard Wrigley…
I hadn’t seen Bernard in decades…as affable and clued up as ever…MSG and you were mentioned. Bernard recalled meeting you a few years ago and was delighted that you remembered him…
Great times and balladeers remembered via the exhibits and many tangent rabbit holes to go down….we remembered a really talented local singer/ writer,’Stanley Accrington ‘….such a great stage name,that none of us could recall his real name!
Terrific camaraderie on the folk scene….as you say,different times now….but the best foundations.
Dave
Christy's reply
I’m reminded again of Bernard when he was starting out, his distinctive voice and concertina playing….reminded again this morning of The Oldham Tinkers, Bury’s Valley Folk, The Pennine Folk in Hyde,The Union Folk in Congleton, The Beggarmen in Crown & Anchor, Tom & Smiley,Toni & Arthur, every Town seemed to have a Folk Club and every club had devoted and talented performers…Jack & Mavis, Des English, Frank Duffy, Mike Harding, Marie little, Rose Hardman, Mary Asquith, Pete Smith, Harry Ogden, Harry Bradshaw…. you’ve set me off again Dave…I know I’ve mentioned them all before here .. good memories prevail…euphoric recall
Hello, Christy and 4711ers.
An email arrived informing that David Rawlings and Gillian Welch have a couple of Oct shows in Dublin, then a few in the UK. On sale Wed at what I gather is 10:00 U.S. Eastern time. Presale password is Woodland.
I’ve had pleasure of attending a number of their performances.
great post..thank you..
I had the pleasure of playing a concert last Tuesday in Sligo with Seamie O’Dowd, Gerry Grennan and Jessie Whitehead….we celebrated the Life and Times of our Dear Friend Tommie Gorman. …
Sadly just read of the passing of Tom McElroy Christy! His iconic images of Planxty on the “Black Album” and yourself on your own “Black Album” A recognised master of the black and white genre! Still, to this day I use a film camera and dabble in B&W!
Christy's reply
Tom was a top man, always a smile and a welcome ..sorry to hear of his passing….he used to frequent gigs during the “golden era” of Music Festivals…I recall him backstage with Shay “El Smir”Spillane at Lisdoonvarna and Ballisodare Festivals to name but two…his Photo for the first Planxty album was iconic
Hi Christy,
By all accounts you have had two wonderful gigs this week. Had a listen to the Tommy Gorman tribute, great mix of Songs and tunes. Tommy spoke at an event here in Moate a few years ago, I have a copy of his talk, in which he spoke about his life and his experiences with his health issues. His positivity was just inspirational. He got a standing ovation at the end.
Some locals who are exiled to Kildare were in attendance on Friday night…. They were raving about the gig yesterday….. all good.
Think I’ll sneak across the border next week.
Ride on.
Patsy.
Christy's reply
Tommie always remembered..never a day passes that hes not remembered, fondly quoted or missed ….His input in and around the Peace Process has never been praised or recognised… a Dear Friend to many
Greetings all for International Women’s Day. When I first started listening to Planxty many decades ago it was the sound and new vibe to Trad music that attracted me. As your music developed Christy it was your highlighting of social justice issues that made such a massive impression on me, along with your One Voice. Your commitment to promoting women’s rights has been core. Be it Stitch, Veronica, going back to Derby Day, Armagh Women, Yellow Furze Woman, Beeswing, Hattie Carroll, On the Bridge, Folk Tale, Wise and Holy Woman, God Woman, Me and the Rose !! Nancy Spain and of course Burning Times and right up to Black and Amber & Cumann Na Mna, what an impressive roll of honour ? So here is BT for the day that is in it https://youtu.be/6SN3XN_85C0?si=aMklREpiSM0JDPqa GRMMA. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
Christy's reply
We rehearsed a version of “Burning Times” for the “Tommie” gig but never got to play it on the night….one of many good reasons to try and gather that combo again….
Happy International Women’s day to You and all our correspondents…..Thank you for all your feedback and shared recordings as we move along the road
Hi Christy
Recently listening to a lot of “If I Get an Encore”.
Brilliant and fun song particularly the live version where the Wild Colonial Boy is referenced as well as the Margaret Barry concerts in Willesden Junction (which I’ve heard the droves of Irish in London at the time fondly remember).
Just wondering how the song has changed over time. The first time I heard you sing it, there was definitely references to Planxty and Kilcrohane.
Thanks,
Colm
Christy's reply
When I hit the road with Planxty
days and nights in that Transit van
criss-crossing the nation
from Kildimo we drove to Kilcrohane
Merrily we kissed the Quaker lay down with the alligator
as we sailed upon the lakes of pontchartrain
O the music and the banter,the sound of Liam Og’s chanter
we’ll never hear the likes of him again
Mike Butler has finished loading up the exhibition cases at Manchester Central Library…a wonderful exhibition,centred on Bill Leader,folk music,social history…the final touch is a case showing the evocative drawings by book illustrator,Peter Seal. There’s something for everybody…
Mike is in residence lots of the time. He’s very happy to chat to visit and share info via
Hi Christy
On behalf of maestro,Mike Butler,it’s great news that Wednesday 19th March features free events via ‘Sounding the Century’:The Concert…
From 11 am – 7 30 pm…1st floor,Manchester Central Library…
Featuring
Rioghnach Connolly
Jennifer Reid
Ryburn Three-Step (Inc Pete Coe)
Plus session players and speakers across music genres…
Mike Butler will host it and talk about the exhibition,Bill Leader etc
I’ll ramble about the Manchester folk scene and your input…when you lived in this area and via cyberspace….
A splendid time is guaranteed for all….as famous Liverpudlians once said…and ample time to peruse the exhibition delights..
All the best
Dave
Hope you are keeping well Christy! Heading to Killashee tomorrow night with my daughter Tara. We brought her to her first gig when she was 4 in Lyrath in Kilkenny in March 2007 and you sang Nancy Spain for herself and Jack. Now she is bringing me to see you 18 years later and we are every bit as excited as we were back then!
Hello Christy
Just arrived from NL! Looking forward to the concert tomorrow night. I knit you an early bday present so hope to get to say to hi!
Cheers
Michelle and Derek Power
Pecker Dunne Festival: The inaugural festival takes place on April 5th 2025. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573938295762
Hello Christy,
A full set of uilleann pipes arrived in our house yesterday. They’ve been away at the maker David Lim’s for a few weeks as he added the bass regulator and made a few final adjustments. I haven’t got a recording of them, not even a sneaky one, or I’d post it. They make a beautiful noise.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/169BWJQ5TZ/
Rebecca
Hi Christy,
Heading towards super Saturday with anticipation high for 3 good games.
I was listening to young Keenan’s fine Isolation Tapes volumes today with an eye on the later races at Cheltenham. Some good things came out of the lockdowns but not many, though your series with Andy was braw. Think i’ll play back a few this evening. How is Andy doing after his triumpant return at Vicar Street?
Take care
Rory
Guilty as charged,Christy….always great to recall happy times and old muckers…a fair few were mentioned yesterday…D
Hi Christy
A great afternoon of chat and memories….mooching around the Bill Leader exhibition in the company of Mr and Mrs Butler,Jim Berry (Houghton Weavers) and Bernard Wrigley…
I hadn’t seen Bernard in decades…as affable and clued up as ever…MSG and you were mentioned. Bernard recalled meeting you a few years ago and was delighted that you remembered him…
Great times and balladeers remembered via the exhibits and many tangent rabbit holes to go down….we remembered a really talented local singer/ writer,’Stanley Accrington ‘….such a great stage name,that none of us could recall his real name!
Terrific camaraderie on the folk scene….as you say,different times now….but the best foundations.
Dave
I’m reminded again of Bernard when he was starting out, his distinctive voice and concertina playing….reminded again this morning of The Oldham Tinkers, Bury’s Valley Folk, The Pennine Folk in Hyde,The Union Folk in Congleton, The Beggarmen in Crown & Anchor, Tom & Smiley,Toni & Arthur, every Town seemed to have a Folk Club and every club had devoted and talented performers…Jack & Mavis, Des English, Frank Duffy, Mike Harding, Marie little, Rose Hardman, Mary Asquith, Pete Smith, Harry Ogden, Harry Bradshaw…. you’ve set me off again Dave…I know I’ve mentioned them all before here .. good memories prevail…euphoric recall
Hello, Christy and 4711ers.
An email arrived informing that David Rawlings and Gillian Welch have a couple of Oct shows in Dublin, then a few in the UK. On sale Wed at what I gather is 10:00 U.S. Eastern time. Presale password is Woodland.
I’ve had pleasure of attending a number of their performances.
Thanks for post Brendan….
Hello Christy,
A bit of rhythm for a beautiful Monday morning
https://youtu.be/OL3W3lAENyE?si=vJvGw3J999IVaXpJ
Rebecca
great post..thank you..
I had the pleasure of playing a concert last Tuesday in Sligo with Seamie O’Dowd, Gerry Grennan and Jessie Whitehead….we celebrated the Life and Times of our Dear Friend Tommie Gorman. …
Sadly just read of the passing of Tom McElroy Christy! His iconic images of Planxty on the “Black Album” and yourself on your own “Black Album” A recognised master of the black and white genre! Still, to this day I use a film camera and dabble in B&W!
Tom was a top man, always a smile and a welcome ..sorry to hear of his passing….he used to frequent gigs during the “golden era” of Music Festivals…I recall him backstage with Shay “El Smir”Spillane at Lisdoonvarna and Ballisodare Festivals to name but two…his Photo for the first Planxty album was iconic
Hi Christy,
By all accounts you have had two wonderful gigs this week. Had a listen to the Tommy Gorman tribute, great mix of Songs and tunes. Tommy spoke at an event here in Moate a few years ago, I have a copy of his talk, in which he spoke about his life and his experiences with his health issues. His positivity was just inspirational. He got a standing ovation at the end.
Some locals who are exiled to Kildare were in attendance on Friday night…. They were raving about the gig yesterday….. all good.
Think I’ll sneak across the border next week.
Ride on.
Patsy.
Tommie always remembered..never a day passes that hes not remembered, fondly quoted or missed ….His input in and around the Peace Process has never been praised or recognised… a Dear Friend to many
Elvis Costello talking about Does this train stop on Merseyside. ‘You don’t get a better recommendation than Christy Moore.
https://x.com/IanProwse/status/1898351829533990915
Good man John, fair play Declan, sound Prowsie
“I wish I was back in Liverpool”
Thanks a million Christy for a fantastic night of music in Kilashee. Every song brought back great memories for me and the hubby. Xx
I love singing at Coill na Sí in Nás na Rí….back there again next week …we’ll go at in agin
Greetings all for International Women’s Day. When I first started listening to Planxty many decades ago it was the sound and new vibe to Trad music that attracted me. As your music developed Christy it was your highlighting of social justice issues that made such a massive impression on me, along with your One Voice. Your commitment to promoting women’s rights has been core. Be it Stitch, Veronica, going back to Derby Day, Armagh Women, Yellow Furze Woman, Beeswing, Hattie Carroll, On the Bridge, Folk Tale, Wise and Holy Woman, God Woman, Me and the Rose !! Nancy Spain and of course Burning Times and right up to Black and Amber & Cumann Na Mna, what an impressive roll of honour ? So here is BT for the day that is in it https://youtu.be/6SN3XN_85C0?si=aMklREpiSM0JDPqa GRMMA. Beir bua agus beannacht go deo. H
We rehearsed a version of “Burning Times” for the “Tommie” gig but never got to play it on the night….one of many good reasons to try and gather that combo again….
Happy International Women’s day to You and all our correspondents…..Thank you for all your feedback and shared recordings as we move along the road
Hello Christy,
Here’s an article I wandered across this morning
https://jacobin.com/2025/03/communists-folk-dylan-guthrie-seeger
Rebecca
gig day today,,,,will get back to it
Hey Christy,
If you every come to play in Kona or Hilo, I can guarantee you’ll have at least 1 dedicated fan in the audience!
I’ll be there…can you put me up ?
Hi Christy
Recently listening to a lot of “If I Get an Encore”.
Brilliant and fun song particularly the live version where the Wild Colonial Boy is referenced as well as the Margaret Barry concerts in Willesden Junction (which I’ve heard the droves of Irish in London at the time fondly remember).
Just wondering how the song has changed over time. The first time I heard you sing it, there was definitely references to Planxty and Kilcrohane.
Thanks,
Colm
When I hit the road with Planxty
days and nights in that Transit van
criss-crossing the nation
from Kildimo we drove to Kilcrohane
Merrily we kissed the Quaker lay down with the alligator
as we sailed upon the lakes of pontchartrain
O the music and the banter,the sound of Liam Og’s chanter
we’ll never hear the likes of him again
Hi Christy,
Just a message to say I thoroughly enjoyed you concert on Tuesday in memory of the late, great Tommie Gorman.
The music you, Jessie, Seamie and Gerry played was a fitting tribute to a man who meant so much to so many people.
Especially the Wondering Aonghus song had me floating away to a land far, far away.
And of course, they meant so much to him as did Sligo Rovers.
To have an evening where Sligo Rovers and music matched up was just magical.
Keep fighting the good fight, hope to see you again soon.
Up The Rovers,
Ronan
It was a special night, great to play with the cream of Sligo musicians, to meet Tommie’s family again
…….and to remember our Dear Friend
Hi Christy
Mike Butler has finished loading up the exhibition cases at Manchester Central Library…a wonderful exhibition,centred on Bill Leader,folk music,social history…the final touch is a case showing the evocative drawings by book illustrator,Peter Seal. There’s something for everybody…
Mike is in residence lots of the time. He’s very happy to chat to visit and share info via
mildchild.butler@gmail.com
A wander through this exhibition is a real treat…
Dave
Fair Play to you Dave….you keep us well informed of all developments and music related happening in Suffragette City….great memories of my time there