Holy Puc Christy, the Lillywhites now eating at Hurlings top table. What are you feeding them down there? Fair play to them, great performance.
Christy's reply
we have a way to go before we can match the Blood & Bandage, The Treaty, The Premier ..but it an unexpected hurling bounty- the Lily Whites facing such seasoned and celebrated puc outs
Got to agree with the comments re Colm & Roisin. Great to see them doing do well, and definitely key members of the 4711 family. Just home from Croke Park. Powerful performance from the Lily Whites to win the Joe McDonagh. Will be some interesting clashes with the likes of Dublin and Kilkenny next year. Great to see them at the top table. They’ve made amazing progress over the past few seasons. Still savouring the memories of this week’s Derry gigs. Two amazing nights and a wonderful mix of songs. Thanks again to you and all of the crew.
Not off topic H.
They are both huge Christy followers and have been for a bigger percentage of their lives than a lot of us !!!
Great to watch their progress in the world of music and song.
I’ve been working on DADGAD tuning on the guitar. The finger stretch on the standard tuning is big for my little fingers and I’m finding the new fingerings easier. You never know, might be comfortable enough to let it be heard at some point…
Hi All. Many people here and at gigs will know Roisin & Colm Seoighe, great musicians and dancers from remote Connemara. Well Colm and his Band will appear on a new TV series starting on RTE 1 on Mon An Gig Mhor, I ‘m not sure what week he will appear, but it will be worth looking out for them. Apologies for this off topic post. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
great to read about the progress being made by Róisín and Colm….we look forward to watch them ag déanamh ceol ar an gig mhór……
no apology called for H……the Seoige family are part of our 4711ers since the very beginning
That’s a great reply, Christy and what an amazing list of outstanding artists and venues from your travels in Scotland!
I remember you talking about hearing ‘Black Is The Colour’ for the first time in the Glasgow Folk Centre in Montrose Street sung, of course, by your great companero, Hamish.
We stayed in the north of Scotland and when my Dad used to go down to Glasgow for the Celtic games back in the early 1960’s he would visit the Folk Centre so you couldn’t have chosen a better song for your dedication to him!
My Dad sang in the small folk clubs in the north and one night he had just started ‘The Holy Ground’ when some idiot shouted out telling him to stop the ‘Irish rebel stuff!’ – my Dad put him right but told him not to worry because the rebel songs were coming up next!
I was delighted on the Wednesday night in Derry that one of your own favourite songs which you wanted to perform was ‘Come All Ye Dreamers’ your beautiful hymn of praise to Barrowland, your favourite venue (and ‘kip’!). I’ve had the pleasure of attending several of your incredible gigs at Mags McIver’s with my daughter and son, and they were always epic nights which filled the soul!
When I’ve heard you sing ‘Viva La Quinte Brigade’ in Belfast, Derry and Dublin, to be honest I’m always a bit disappointed that Hitler, Franco and Mussolini never get the same huge levels of loud abuse that they always deservedly get in the East End of Glasgow!
Many thanks again, Christy for ‘keeping our spirits high’.
Many thanks, Christy for giving us two amazing gigs in Derry this week. A very special thank you too for doing me the great honour of the song dedication to my late Dad. It was a beautiful moment and I really appreciate your kindness.
After last night’s gig I had the pleasure of a lovely wee chat with your brother, Andy who was class. It was obvious that Andy also loved the wonderful performance you had just given and it was brilliant how much it meant to him to see you still on such mighty form.
Thank you also to your terrific crew and backroom team for all their outstanding work in providing you with the platform to go on stage and treat us to such magical evenings like at the Forum this week, the memories of which are treasured forever. Look forward to catching you again along the way soon.
Christy's reply
you rekindle rambles thru bygone days…I remember it like last week…I met Hamish Imlach in The Scotia….back in 1967 he got me my first Glasgow gig….it was the beginning of a 50 year love of Glasgow and the country wrapped around it….so many great Folk Clubs, singers and players….Aly Bain, Mike Whellans, Bobby Eaglesham, Barbara Dickson, Paddie Bell, The Corries, The Elbow Room, The Mucky Byre, Forum East Kilbride, Danny Kyle, Archie Fisher, Jimmy Hutchinson, Torbane Hoolies, Josh McCrae, Blarigowrie, Jimmy Mcbeath, Jeannie Robertson, Davy Stewart, The Police Club, The Traverse, Owen Hand, The St Vincent, Sandy Bells, Mike Brennan, on and on I could ramble….
all this in the 60s & 70s…then came fame and Barrowland …I recall my first gig there in the mid 80s….someone doused in with a pint of somethin, what a waste….then came The Third Eye and the Concert Hall…dossin in fancy hotels and being ferried to other cities ..always returning to Glasgow for free night rogan joshes…
As I wondered about Edinburgh finding my way I hear Ride on coming out of nowhere … there it was coming from Kitty O’ Sheas. Here I sit with a Guinness listening to someone playing your songs. Ireland in 2 day. Castlebar gets coloser and closer
Christy's reply
a cool pint in Auld Reekie….what a life..safe travels,..happy returns to Barcastle
Thank you Dagrab for your lovely words about Fire and Dust – yes – singing Deportees is really hard to do at the moment. Christy – if you’d like a copy or a link to the album please let me know!
Hi Christy
I’ve been playing ‘Fire and Dust’ loads and eagerly anticipated the gig…my first time at Stoller Hall as well…all expectations were eclipsed by a fantastic event.
Reg Meuross interprets Woody Guthrie songs and writes others about Woody. ..he plays a Martin acoustic guitar from 1940s in a subtle melodic way that perfectly compliments his vocals…on stage,he was joined by Marion Fleetwood (fiddle and superb harmony singing),Geraint Watkins (maestro accodian and piano)…with context narration by academic and performer, Will Kaufman.
The acoustics were perfect…so that Woody’s life unfolded/ unravelled in stunning fashion. In 55 years,the man bore more family tragedies than anyone should endure and constantly wrote about injustices,racism and hate. As he grew in fame,’All you can write is what you see’ served him well
Solo,Reg played a lovely version of ‘This land is your land’…the band played tight on ‘Deportees’,chilling in 2025, almost 80 years on..
Reg ‘s compositions are mighty.. the poignancy of ‘Red Shoes’,with Marion’s harmony, ‘got me’, as I knew it would…
I’m sure that many here will love a ‘Fire and Dust’ ‘ gig…they’re on the road for awhile. As the applause rang out,an encore was needed…cleverly ‘This land…’ was repeated,with loud audience participation. It took me back to the end of the recent Springsteen gig.. that night,Woody’s voice ended the night. Last night was equally powerful…less than 200 in the hall,but the optism and emotion of the final song was uplifting. Superb ..
Dave
Christy's reply
I love the sound of this Dave and the way you have described it…may they continue to carry Woody’s legacy ….I’d love to witness this gig……
Hi C. GRMMA for 2 wonderful gigs in the Walled City and what a welcoming place it is ! It’s great to hear you say that you want to choose songs to your own liking, they will also be to ours too, rest assured. You certainly sang some gems featuring injustices in across the globe, from political to religious, both current and ancient. No two gigs are ever the same but what is constant is the energy, the total committment, the fun and banter, from you but from the crew also. Beir bua agus beannacht, go deo. H
Christy's reply
it would not happen without you listeners….the atmosphere you create when you gather makes it all happen….the cash you subscribe keeps the show on the road…so many worked on that gig last night…at a rough guess ,as many as 60 people were involved either directly or as back-up to the front line operatives…its such a privilige to work with so many dedicated people….
The Songs…The Listeners…The Team…. The Singer…..
what a great scenario
Chicago
Quinte
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Cumann na Mná
Lyra McKee
Companeros
Allende
North & South
Delerium Tremens
Burning Times
Smoke & Whiskey
Black & Amber
Ringin The Bell
Voyage
On The Mainland
Derry
Time Has Come
Well Below The Valley
Nancy Spain
Ordinary man
Barrowland
Beeswing
In Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Only Our Rivers
Joxer
I hour 43 minutes
Fair play for a Derry double…I’m getting coffee and notes together from last night’s fab Woody fest…
At the half time break,I got talking to the couple next to me…very quickly your name came up and we chatted about your brilliant gigs with Declan. My neighbour asked if you were still playing.He was delighted with my update and tip off about your YouTube COVID lockdown sessions….at the end of the night we shook hands and he looked like a man on a mission…with treats in store when he hits yourube.
Saw you a couple weeks ago in Newbridge, magic. Booked in straight away after that evening to see you in Galway later this year.
Loved your new verse in Delirium Tremens about the Clifden 4 ball. Was brilliant. Wondering if there’s any chance you’d give us the lyrics to it?
Cheers,
Cormac
Christy's reply
“I dreamt I was over in Clifden havin a round of golf
a 4 ball with Donie Cassidy,Phil Hogan & Seamie Wolf
I dreamt that I was a member of their Golf Society
Covid Lockdown Regulations had feck-all to do with me”
Back of the Net….
No holding back…
Full throttle….
Huge energy gig from start to finish. The two young men with us were blown away by the show , its been a while since they’ve been to one of your concerts…. don’t think they could’ve picked a better one really.
Keep drinking the water….. don’t know what Johnny’s putting in it it’s working.
Christy's reply
Some nights, out of the blue, it all simply comes together…of its own accord, it kicked off high energy….I recognised it straight away,tried to pull it back on track 2…all to no avail..twas like the accelarator was jammed…around track 5 I heard Michael call from side stage “pull back, slow down”, I tried but twas all in vain….”Fidel & Che” leapt out of the traps, then”Allende” had me hangin onto the handlebars….”The Well” calmed a bit until the feckin Bodhrán ran away on me again….
afterwards,I sat with my brother and and two new companeros…drank tae and chewed the fat…signed a guitar for Richard Moore’s upcoming “Children-in-Crossfire” auction, packed the bag, into the van with Mick & Marius….a beautiful twilight on the road….saw some Israeli flags in a County Derry Village….that brought me back down to earth
A great night coming up at The Plough And Stars to honor your birthday with the donations going to starving children in Gaza.The event is put on by Cormac Gannon from the county Mayo, brilliant man.I will be playing about 6 of your songs with my old friend Jerry who will be coming out of a 35 year retirement to play with me.I will also be joined by my daughter Rosie who will sing Motherland.Looking forward to a brilliant night .Hope you are doing great, all the best Vincey K.
Christy's reply
Hope all goes well Vincey….let us know…..I visited the Plough & Stars decades back
Another amazing night in the Millennium Forum. Forum opened in 2001 ( typical “Derry time” instead of 2000). It was a sliw starter. A bit like the Waterfront in that it seemed too posh. It was almost like being in a church with people afraid to applaud. It has definitely got past that now, although the Rialto and and St Columb’s Hall created great memories. I dont recall you ever playing in the guildhall – maybe one for tge future. There was a great energy to tonight’s performance – just unbelievable-. I don’t know what the secret is, but it works . Great to hear Allende and Barrowlands seemed especially good tonight. Listening to John Bowman’s 80th birthday tribute shows this past few Sundays and wonderful how songs clip in and out of the set over the years. I often think of El Salvador ( a girl cries in the early morning… ). Long time since I’ve heard that one live . The Time has Come is always special, but always very poignant in itshome setting. Sad memories of Lyra’s passing too – that will always be a stain on our town. Great seeing Wolfe back again too- hope he enjoyed his visit. Already looking forward to Bundoran and wherever else the road may lead. Thank you and the crew, as always. Keep coming back.
Christy's reply
Sometimes new build art centres and concert halls open up to great fan fare….the high and mighty turn out to cut ribbons and pose for photo calls…..it can take a few years for things to settle down….for arts admin honchos to cool their jets….we are blest to have so many community based venues around the Island…most of them have cast off any elitist delusions…(a few still linger in aspic)
The Forum in Derry is a prime example of a new build taking its proper place at the heart of the community…its always a pleasure to sing there….Thanks John for your feedback
Hello Christy,
Sorry I’m a bit quiet on here. So much going on in the world that I’m struggling with what to say. It feels so wrong to just carry on, but what else can we do. I hope that ship going to gaza is ok.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
we understand….most of us here will have experienced similar struggles ….when you share that you are “struggling with what to say” you are sharing language of the heart…its important that we share the real stuff …….
I remember the kerfuffle about Morrisey’s song – I think there were nearly tariffs put on Ireland at the time, lol. Allende is a fine song and always a special one to hear. Big day for the Lily White hurlers in Croke Park on Sunday – Joe McDonough final against Laois. Maybe not quite a memory of the Larry Stanley days, but an All Ireland on the line nonetheless. A win on Sunday raises them to the Liam McCarthy. Maybe the much sought “one in a row” will be for Liam before Sam?
Christy's reply
19.25pm here John…I’m peeking out the dressing room window as listeners gather for this evenings performance…year 59 of this tour and I have the same feelings ….a tinge of nervousness mixed with the excitement of anticipation…I’ve done my sound check, my stretches, my vocal warm up, got the stage clobber on, I’m just about ready to stand before the lamps once again…a nearby church bell rings 7.30…still they keep on ringin the bell…heard from Rob Corcoran today..gonna give his song a lash tonight…I had to change one word in it ..he did not object..same with Mick Curry’s song Lawless..just had to change one word and the song comes to life once again….
this is a great venue…..its only here about 20 years but already has settled into the fabric of this wonderful City…its a right pisser that its gonna be closed for 7 weeks..what feckin planning genius allowed this to happen…who signed of on this one…we never get to hear who signs off…theyre quick enough to stand up when there is a photo op…
I’d better shut up..I’m starting to undo all my careful prep !
Holy Puc Christy, the Lillywhites now eating at Hurlings top table. What are you feeding them down there? Fair play to them, great performance.
we have a way to go before we can match the Blood & Bandage, The Treaty, The Premier ..but it an unexpected hurling bounty- the Lily Whites facing such seasoned and celebrated puc outs
Got to agree with the comments re Colm & Roisin. Great to see them doing do well, and definitely key members of the 4711 family. Just home from Croke Park. Powerful performance from the Lily Whites to win the Joe McDonagh. Will be some interesting clashes with the likes of Dublin and Kilkenny next year. Great to see them at the top table. They’ve made amazing progress over the past few seasons. Still savouring the memories of this week’s Derry gigs. Two amazing nights and a wonderful mix of songs. Thanks again to you and all of the crew.
Colm and Róisín have the music in them
Not off topic H.
They are both huge Christy followers and have been for a bigger percentage of their lives than a lot of us !!!
Great to watch their progress in the world of music and song.
I’ll second that Marty……Marcaidh ar agaidh
Hello Christy,
Some great portraits by Ellius Grace chosen and posted by Claddagh records.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AqqfdwUbG/
I’ve been working on DADGAD tuning on the guitar. The finger stretch on the standard tuning is big for my little fingers and I’m finding the new fingerings easier. You never know, might be comfortable enough to let it be heard at some point…
Rebecca
best of luck with DADGAD….fair play to you
Hi All. Many people here and at gigs will know Roisin & Colm Seoighe, great musicians and dancers from remote Connemara. Well Colm and his Band will appear on a new TV series starting on RTE 1 on Mon An Gig Mhor, I ‘m not sure what week he will appear, but it will be worth looking out for them. Apologies for this off topic post. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
great to read about the progress being made by Róisín and Colm….we look forward to watch them ag déanamh ceol ar an gig mhór……
no apology called for H……the Seoige family are part of our 4711ers since the very beginning
That’s a great reply, Christy and what an amazing list of outstanding artists and venues from your travels in Scotland!
I remember you talking about hearing ‘Black Is The Colour’ for the first time in the Glasgow Folk Centre in Montrose Street sung, of course, by your great companero, Hamish.
We stayed in the north of Scotland and when my Dad used to go down to Glasgow for the Celtic games back in the early 1960’s he would visit the Folk Centre so you couldn’t have chosen a better song for your dedication to him!
My Dad sang in the small folk clubs in the north and one night he had just started ‘The Holy Ground’ when some idiot shouted out telling him to stop the ‘Irish rebel stuff!’ – my Dad put him right but told him not to worry because the rebel songs were coming up next!
I was delighted on the Wednesday night in Derry that one of your own favourite songs which you wanted to perform was ‘Come All Ye Dreamers’ your beautiful hymn of praise to Barrowland, your favourite venue (and ‘kip’!). I’ve had the pleasure of attending several of your incredible gigs at Mags McIver’s with my daughter and son, and they were always epic nights which filled the soul!
When I’ve heard you sing ‘Viva La Quinte Brigade’ in Belfast, Derry and Dublin, to be honest I’m always a bit disappointed that Hitler, Franco and Mussolini never get the same huge levels of loud abuse that they always deservedly get in the East End of Glasgow!
Many thanks again, Christy for ‘keeping our spirits high’.
and here comes Jinky Johnstone
Many thanks, Christy for giving us two amazing gigs in Derry this week. A very special thank you too for doing me the great honour of the song dedication to my late Dad. It was a beautiful moment and I really appreciate your kindness.
After last night’s gig I had the pleasure of a lovely wee chat with your brother, Andy who was class. It was obvious that Andy also loved the wonderful performance you had just given and it was brilliant how much it meant to him to see you still on such mighty form.
Thank you also to your terrific crew and backroom team for all their outstanding work in providing you with the platform to go on stage and treat us to such magical evenings like at the Forum this week, the memories of which are treasured forever. Look forward to catching you again along the way soon.
you rekindle rambles thru bygone days…I remember it like last week…I met Hamish Imlach in The Scotia….back in 1967 he got me my first Glasgow gig….it was the beginning of a 50 year love of Glasgow and the country wrapped around it….so many great Folk Clubs, singers and players….Aly Bain, Mike Whellans, Bobby Eaglesham, Barbara Dickson, Paddie Bell, The Corries, The Elbow Room, The Mucky Byre, Forum East Kilbride, Danny Kyle, Archie Fisher, Jimmy Hutchinson, Torbane Hoolies, Josh McCrae, Blarigowrie, Jimmy Mcbeath, Jeannie Robertson, Davy Stewart, The Police Club, The Traverse, Owen Hand, The St Vincent, Sandy Bells, Mike Brennan, on and on I could ramble….
all this in the 60s & 70s…then came fame and Barrowland …I recall my first gig there in the mid 80s….someone doused in with a pint of somethin, what a waste….then came The Third Eye and the Concert Hall…dossin in fancy hotels and being ferried to other cities ..always returning to Glasgow for free night rogan joshes…
As I wondered about Edinburgh finding my way I hear Ride on coming out of nowhere … there it was coming from Kitty O’ Sheas. Here I sit with a Guinness listening to someone playing your songs. Ireland in 2 day. Castlebar gets coloser and closer
a cool pint in Auld Reekie….what a life..safe travels,..happy returns to Barcastle
Thank you Dagrab for your lovely words about Fire and Dust – yes – singing Deportees is really hard to do at the moment. Christy – if you’d like a copy or a link to the album please let me know!
Hello Christy,
Here’s something from today. I hope you enjoy it.
https://youtu.be/68sO0WlJGJU?si=_7y4ORvMm3bFCWAI
Rebecca
thanks for sharing….well done
http://www.willkaufman.com
A mine of info about Woody…a fascinating guy. Great to hear him and chat at the gig
D
thanks Dave…I look forward to getting into all this later…great stuff
Hi Christy
I’ve been playing ‘Fire and Dust’ loads and eagerly anticipated the gig…my first time at Stoller Hall as well…all expectations were eclipsed by a fantastic event.
Reg Meuross interprets Woody Guthrie songs and writes others about Woody. ..he plays a Martin acoustic guitar from 1940s in a subtle melodic way that perfectly compliments his vocals…on stage,he was joined by Marion Fleetwood (fiddle and superb harmony singing),Geraint Watkins (maestro accodian and piano)…with context narration by academic and performer, Will Kaufman.
The acoustics were perfect…so that Woody’s life unfolded/ unravelled in stunning fashion. In 55 years,the man bore more family tragedies than anyone should endure and constantly wrote about injustices,racism and hate. As he grew in fame,’All you can write is what you see’ served him well
Solo,Reg played a lovely version of ‘This land is your land’…the band played tight on ‘Deportees’,chilling in 2025, almost 80 years on..
Reg ‘s compositions are mighty.. the poignancy of ‘Red Shoes’,with Marion’s harmony, ‘got me’, as I knew it would…
I’m sure that many here will love a ‘Fire and Dust’ ‘ gig…they’re on the road for awhile. As the applause rang out,an encore was needed…cleverly ‘This land…’ was repeated,with loud audience participation. It took me back to the end of the recent Springsteen gig.. that night,Woody’s voice ended the night. Last night was equally powerful…less than 200 in the hall,but the optism and emotion of the final song was uplifting. Superb ..
Dave
I love the sound of this Dave and the way you have described it…may they continue to carry Woody’s legacy ….I’d love to witness this gig……
Hi C. GRMMA for 2 wonderful gigs in the Walled City and what a welcoming place it is ! It’s great to hear you say that you want to choose songs to your own liking, they will also be to ours too, rest assured. You certainly sang some gems featuring injustices in across the globe, from political to religious, both current and ancient. No two gigs are ever the same but what is constant is the energy, the total committment, the fun and banter, from you but from the crew also. Beir bua agus beannacht, go deo. H
it would not happen without you listeners….the atmosphere you create when you gather makes it all happen….the cash you subscribe keeps the show on the road…so many worked on that gig last night…at a rough guess ,as many as 60 people were involved either directly or as back-up to the front line operatives…its such a privilige to work with so many dedicated people….
The Songs…The Listeners…The Team…. The Singer…..
what a great scenario
Chicago
Quinte
Johnny Boy
Ride On
Cumann na Mná
Lyra McKee
Companeros
Allende
North & South
Delerium Tremens
Burning Times
Smoke & Whiskey
Black & Amber
Ringin The Bell
Voyage
On The Mainland
Derry
Time Has Come
Well Below The Valley
Nancy Spain
Ordinary man
Barrowland
Beeswing
In Palestine
Yellow Triangle
Only Our Rivers
Joxer
I hour 43 minutes
Hi Christy
Fair play for a Derry double…I’m getting coffee and notes together from last night’s fab Woody fest…
At the half time break,I got talking to the couple next to me…very quickly your name came up and we chatted about your brilliant gigs with Declan. My neighbour asked if you were still playing.He was delighted with my update and tip off about your YouTube COVID lockdown sessions….at the end of the night we shook hands and he looked like a man on a mission…with treats in store when he hits yourube.
Enjoy the day
Dave
no decaff for Dagrab
Hi Christy,
Saw you a couple weeks ago in Newbridge, magic. Booked in straight away after that evening to see you in Galway later this year.
Loved your new verse in Delirium Tremens about the Clifden 4 ball. Was brilliant. Wondering if there’s any chance you’d give us the lyrics to it?
Cheers,
Cormac
“I dreamt I was over in Clifden havin a round of golf
a 4 ball with Donie Cassidy,Phil Hogan & Seamie Wolf
I dreamt that I was a member of their Golf Society
Covid Lockdown Regulations had feck-all to do with me”
Back of the Net….
No holding back…
Full throttle….
Huge energy gig from start to finish. The two young men with us were blown away by the show , its been a while since they’ve been to one of your concerts…. don’t think they could’ve picked a better one really.
Keep drinking the water….. don’t know what Johnny’s putting in it it’s working.
Some nights, out of the blue, it all simply comes together…of its own accord, it kicked off high energy….I recognised it straight away,tried to pull it back on track 2…all to no avail..twas like the accelarator was jammed…around track 5 I heard Michael call from side stage “pull back, slow down”, I tried but twas all in vain….”Fidel & Che” leapt out of the traps, then”Allende” had me hangin onto the handlebars….”The Well” calmed a bit until the feckin Bodhrán ran away on me again….
afterwards,I sat with my brother and and two new companeros…drank tae and chewed the fat…signed a guitar for Richard Moore’s upcoming “Children-in-Crossfire” auction, packed the bag, into the van with Mick & Marius….a beautiful twilight on the road….saw some Israeli flags in a County Derry Village….that brought me back down to earth
A great night coming up at The Plough And Stars to honor your birthday with the donations going to starving children in Gaza.The event is put on by Cormac Gannon from the county Mayo, brilliant man.I will be playing about 6 of your songs with my old friend Jerry who will be coming out of a 35 year retirement to play with me.I will also be joined by my daughter Rosie who will sing Motherland.Looking forward to a brilliant night .Hope you are doing great, all the best Vincey K.
Hope all goes well Vincey….let us know…..I visited the Plough & Stars decades back
Another amazing night in the Millennium Forum. Forum opened in 2001 ( typical “Derry time” instead of 2000). It was a sliw starter. A bit like the Waterfront in that it seemed too posh. It was almost like being in a church with people afraid to applaud. It has definitely got past that now, although the Rialto and and St Columb’s Hall created great memories. I dont recall you ever playing in the guildhall – maybe one for tge future. There was a great energy to tonight’s performance – just unbelievable-. I don’t know what the secret is, but it works . Great to hear Allende and Barrowlands seemed especially good tonight. Listening to John Bowman’s 80th birthday tribute shows this past few Sundays and wonderful how songs clip in and out of the set over the years. I often think of El Salvador ( a girl cries in the early morning… ). Long time since I’ve heard that one live . The Time has Come is always special, but always very poignant in itshome setting. Sad memories of Lyra’s passing too – that will always be a stain on our town. Great seeing Wolfe back again too- hope he enjoyed his visit. Already looking forward to Bundoran and wherever else the road may lead. Thank you and the crew, as always. Keep coming back.
Sometimes new build art centres and concert halls open up to great fan fare….the high and mighty turn out to cut ribbons and pose for photo calls…..it can take a few years for things to settle down….for arts admin honchos to cool their jets….we are blest to have so many community based venues around the Island…most of them have cast off any elitist delusions…(a few still linger in aspic)
The Forum in Derry is a prime example of a new build taking its proper place at the heart of the community…its always a pleasure to sing there….Thanks John for your feedback
Hello Christy,
Sorry I’m a bit quiet on here. So much going on in the world that I’m struggling with what to say. It feels so wrong to just carry on, but what else can we do. I hope that ship going to gaza is ok.
Rebecca
we understand….most of us here will have experienced similar struggles ….when you share that you are “struggling with what to say” you are sharing language of the heart…its important that we share the real stuff …….
I remember the kerfuffle about Morrisey’s song – I think there were nearly tariffs put on Ireland at the time, lol. Allende is a fine song and always a special one to hear. Big day for the Lily White hurlers in Croke Park on Sunday – Joe McDonough final against Laois. Maybe not quite a memory of the Larry Stanley days, but an All Ireland on the line nonetheless. A win on Sunday raises them to the Liam McCarthy. Maybe the much sought “one in a row” will be for Liam before Sam?
19.25pm here John…I’m peeking out the dressing room window as listeners gather for this evenings performance…year 59 of this tour and I have the same feelings ….a tinge of nervousness mixed with the excitement of anticipation…I’ve done my sound check, my stretches, my vocal warm up, got the stage clobber on, I’m just about ready to stand before the lamps once again…a nearby church bell rings 7.30…still they keep on ringin the bell…heard from Rob Corcoran today..gonna give his song a lash tonight…I had to change one word in it ..he did not object..same with Mick Curry’s song Lawless..just had to change one word and the song comes to life once again….
this is a great venue…..its only here about 20 years but already has settled into the fabric of this wonderful City…its a right pisser that its gonna be closed for 7 weeks..what feckin planning genius allowed this to happen…who signed of on this one…we never get to hear who signs off…theyre quick enough to stand up when there is a photo op…
I’d better shut up..I’m starting to undo all my careful prep !