Well Christy, we love your music, I have my 9 year old hooked, she’s learning Lyra McKee on the tin whistle! I wanted to bring her to see you in Cavan but it’s over 18s. Can you sneak us in the back?
Hi Christy, can’t wait for the gig tonight. This might be too late in the day for you to see, but thought I’d take a chance. I’m going with my cousins (3 brothers) from Minneapolis. They moved to the States in 1998 and this is the first time the 3 of them have been home all together since. They planned their whole trip around your gig tonight! The last time the oldest seen you, I took him to the gig in Silverbridge Hall back in 2006. I still have your singed autograph from the night framed, hanging pride of place on a Frankie Quinn picture from 1990, that I bought on a stall man years ago on Grafton Street. Just wondering if you could give the Keenan lads a shout out tonight. If you do, please know it’s very much appreciated! If Bright Blue Rose is on the cards, it’ll be like all our Christmases coming at once. Cheers Christy.
Christy's reply
you made it in the nick of time Josephine…hope you and them Keenan boys have a good night….
I remember that night in Silverbridge..it was a cracker..the late Jim Aiken ran that gig, the last gig I did with him…..his son Peter is running tonights gig and his Son-in-Law Killian is the stage manager…
How’s things Christy,
Looking forward to the NCH gigs. Saw you play in the tlt last so the change of scenery will be nice. I’m curious, will it be just yourself or will you have accompanying musicians alongside you on stage?
All the best.
Christy's reply
thats so far ahead I cant give you a straight answer…anything could happen in the meantime***….who knows what way the wind blows….anything can happen on the night…Taj Mahal might be in town,since 1966 there have been many bands… Planxty, Moving Hearts, Trad Outfit, Companeros,Early Grave Band plus many other combos..yet for most of those 60 years I’ve been a solo performer…my hunch is thats the way it will be if I’m still at it come next May….in the meantime Finn, gotta do Vicar St tonight……solo
*** enter a silent order, climb a mountain, dive deep into the ocean,join young Fine Gael, take an oath,go bog snorkelling, join the Barcastle Berks ,
Was listening to Oliver Callan during the week Christy, going from strength to strength with his 2 hour show now. He conducted a fantastic interview with Risteárd Cooper, mostly known for his comedy and acting but was also discussing his singing, having been a boy soprano and now a tenor. He was asked what his party piece was and said without hesitation “Lagan Love”! That straight away brought me back to the Emmet Spiceland recording having long forgotten about it and brought back great memories of buying it in McCullough Piggott. Got the album out and played it. I’d forgotten how stunning it was, absolutely beautiful, Brian Byrne what a voice!
“O then rise up lovely Sweeney and give your horse some hay
give hin a good feed of oats before you go on your way
dont feed him on soft turnips, take him down to your green lawn
and then you might be able, to plough the Rocks of Bawn”
Hi C it’s good to hear your dental issues are healing up, it can’t have been easy singing for 2 hours. It was tough watching the Rugby yesterday and for such a long time, however the mood was lightened some bit when our Moate correspondent was seen on TV jumping up in the air with delight when Ire got a penalty !! I doubt he will be jumping in the air tomorrow night, but Vicar St never disappoints !! Safe travelling all. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Its all in place…flying out soon for a full set of Turkey Teeth…
despite losing to S.A. there was something heroic about our team in defeat…it was a sort of victory in itself…
Westmeath, a hot bed of Rugby..ever since Mullingar RFC won the Provincial Towns Cup in ….. (tbc p94)
Back home after a fantastic Bob Dylan concert at the Waterfront in Belfast on Thursday night. I love the way he can reinvent his songs in so many completely different and interesting ways by changing the melody or tempo. There was a wonderful simple twist of the set list when, for the first time ever live, he ended the show by playing a cover of one of Van Morrison’s songs released in 2016 (he has covered other Van songs live before). It is a raise the roof sort of song that was a great rousing finale. The final song worked really well as part of that set list, and it was a lovely touch to sing something by a Belfast-born musician.
Christy's reply
that old song and dance man still got some tricks up his sleeve
Hello Christy,
Terrible Beauty the expanded edition landed here yesterday. First listenings are always special. I’m tempted to call it the completed version… Here the specialness came for me through those recordings that weren’t planned. The thing turned up and somehow, a freedom and spontaneity was miraculously captured. Kind of like Live on steroids? The warmth and love is in abundance, it’s not tempered by any baggage from a live show. Sweet Thames, Music to our ears. Mine particularly.
It’s the same thing that I treasure about that sliver of a recording of Rocky Road than turns up like an angel at the barrowland soundcheck from Life on the Road. It’s verse two. I’d love to hear the others.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
like your good self…I cherish magic moments when they appear….oft time unnoticed at first , they can emerge in the fullness of time…
but shortcomings can also be revealed ….on reflection, I harbour regrets over certain tracks that could be better
Interesting times! The man-baby, clowns, ex mot and kids being Czech! And I see FIFA have said he has power to change location of matches at world cup!
Fair play Pat Darcy.
I thought Ray was going to come down pitch side
and tell Festy to stop launching throws into the box
“Pick out a big man on the edge to flick it on an’ cause chaos”
Our Caoimhīn with his Liverpool training knew the truth of
There’s no such thing as a long ball or a short ball
Just the right ball and by Jaysus he played it.
Scales knocked it on to our Troy
and the roars around the island …
Joxer’s ould van might get the crew to Prague
and please God back to Dublin for a crack at them Danes
But it’ll be feck all use for Amerikay 2026.
It’s the hope what kills ya
Bourkey
Christy's reply
gonna load her on to a Galway Hooker with a wide berth and a deep draught
Ach no Christy, you can’t drop Ray. Listening to his scream after the third goal, I could hear it all the way over to Germany, he still has the passion. And he looks fit enough.
I reckon Troy could play up front with Ray.
And maybe you can tack on another wee verse ….if not on stage, then maybe in the work room……
Well Joxer he woke up in Budapest,
He saw a wonderful sight;
The boys in green were to be seen
Dancing through the night.
Troy Parrott says what Ray has done,
I can match that yet!
Five times in all he got the ball,
And stuck it in the net!
Christy's reply
You have it started there Pat,
I’m under siege with new songs here
I’ll have to leave it with you
Joxer is confined to barracks here
(except when gig kicks off )
Hello Christy,
Lots of new music being listened to here. I followed your tip and bought Sean McKeon’s new album, Salamanca.
Wow! He is some piper, it’s a wild tumultuous ride that doesn’t take any prisoners. Amazing stuff. He must have at least four hands to play it all!!!
Here’s one of his slow airs that carried me away. https://youtu.be/7oRdCnuiT5Q?si=cPmo0q0wceJ6nSyd
Christy
I am sitting listening to the first day release of David Keenan’s brand new album Modern Mythologies.
Christy i could not feel more fulfilled if i had written it myself.
This is a triumphant, wholesome, rich return from the lad.
Please 4711ers, give it a spin. Buy it if you can ( via his website) but if not just download it from a streamer and let it wash over you.
When he stayed with us in August he explained how he benefitted from your kindness. I am sure this album , his best in 5 years, will make you radiate a smile.
Rory
Christy's reply
We watched Daithí on TG4 last night
that lad is a pure chameleon
great to hear and see him look and sound so well
we look forward to hearing his new work and wish him the very best
Evening Christy, we’re just in from seeing Dylan at The Waterfront. A great evening in the presence of a legend. No caint, all songs. And it was a “phone-free” event. It was my first time at a phone-free concert and I have to say, what a difference i felt it made. No distracting lit-up screens all over the place. Would you consider requesting “no phones” at your own concerts? Now, I know you’re a handsome jigger, sought after, lusted after and betimes drooled over, so people want to capture all that for future viewing and all that…but still, it’s a thought 🤷♂️ Séamus
Christy's reply
Good man Seamus
I’ll have our event planners in for a consultation with our crowd control engineers,
we’ve been working towards developing a fresh dynamic….
Gallagher suggests confiscating the phones on the way in, then charging a levy before handing them back….what do you think ?
Christy I Just wanted to thank you for playing Weekend in Amsterdam for me on Monday. I was so happy it really made my night. Keep watching the video like a child on Christmas. Such a pleasant surprise cause I know you don’t play it often. The show was class and my first christy gig. You are some performer 10/10 hope to catch you again live soon!!
Well Christy, we love your music, I have my 9 year old hooked, she’s learning Lyra McKee on the tin whistle! I wanted to bring her to see you in Cavan but it’s over 18s. Can you sneak us in the back?
not my call Scart…..
Dr Dylan music raising the spirits and banishing the lurgy,Christy…
A dose of Gipp’s old Spiceland went down a treat too!
D
“who passionately hates his life
and likewise fears his death”
forever weaving mystery… for us to ponder
Hi Christy, can’t wait for the gig tonight. This might be too late in the day for you to see, but thought I’d take a chance. I’m going with my cousins (3 brothers) from Minneapolis. They moved to the States in 1998 and this is the first time the 3 of them have been home all together since. They planned their whole trip around your gig tonight! The last time the oldest seen you, I took him to the gig in Silverbridge Hall back in 2006. I still have your singed autograph from the night framed, hanging pride of place on a Frankie Quinn picture from 1990, that I bought on a stall man years ago on Grafton Street. Just wondering if you could give the Keenan lads a shout out tonight. If you do, please know it’s very much appreciated! If Bright Blue Rose is on the cards, it’ll be like all our Christmases coming at once. Cheers Christy.
you made it in the nick of time Josephine…hope you and them Keenan boys have a good night….
I remember that night in Silverbridge..it was a cracker..the late Jim Aiken ran that gig, the last gig I did with him…..his son Peter is running tonights gig and his Son-in-Law Killian is the stage manager…
BBC radio 6 now..
Pentangle ‘Light Flight’… Sounding as stunning as ever…Danny Thompson’s bass driving the song…lucky to have seen them…
RIP…Danny,Bert and John.
D
You’re fingering goodo this morn Dave….3 in 15 minutes !!!…Radio 6, Bob from Killarney, hope your cough recedes
Pontchartrain…even better via headphones…and with correct spelling!!
D
Hi Christy
A low energy weekend,coughing and spluttering…pills and unctions help…but,nothing as good as early morning Bob…
Mighty moth/ YouTube….from last night in Killarney…Dylan…’Lakes of Ponchartrain’ .,
Hallelujah…enjoy gig day
Dave
How’s things Christy,
Looking forward to the NCH gigs. Saw you play in the tlt last so the change of scenery will be nice. I’m curious, will it be just yourself or will you have accompanying musicians alongside you on stage?
All the best.
thats so far ahead I cant give you a straight answer…anything could happen in the meantime***….who knows what way the wind blows….anything can happen on the night…Taj Mahal might be in town,since 1966 there have been many bands… Planxty, Moving Hearts, Trad Outfit, Companeros,Early Grave Band plus many other combos..yet for most of those 60 years I’ve been a solo performer…my hunch is thats the way it will be if I’m still at it come next May….in the meantime Finn, gotta do Vicar St tonight……solo
*** enter a silent order, climb a mountain, dive deep into the ocean,join young Fine Gael, take an oath,go bog snorkelling, join the Barcastle Berks ,
Was listening to Oliver Callan during the week Christy, going from strength to strength with his 2 hour show now. He conducted a fantastic interview with Risteárd Cooper, mostly known for his comedy and acting but was also discussing his singing, having been a boy soprano and now a tenor. He was asked what his party piece was and said without hesitation “Lagan Love”! That straight away brought me back to the Emmet Spiceland recording having long forgotten about it and brought back great memories of buying it in McCullough Piggott. Got the album out and played it. I’d forgotten how stunning it was, absolutely beautiful, Brian Byrne what a voice!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vQd8aQRnVCM
“O then rise up lovely Sweeney and give your horse some hay
give hin a good feed of oats before you go on your way
dont feed him on soft turnips, take him down to your green lawn
and then you might be able, to plough the Rocks of Bawn”
Hi C it’s good to hear your dental issues are healing up, it can’t have been easy singing for 2 hours. It was tough watching the Rugby yesterday and for such a long time, however the mood was lightened some bit when our Moate correspondent was seen on TV jumping up in the air with delight when Ire got a penalty !! I doubt he will be jumping in the air tomorrow night, but Vicar St never disappoints !! Safe travelling all. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Its all in place…flying out soon for a full set of Turkey Teeth…
despite losing to S.A. there was something heroic about our team in defeat…it was a sort of victory in itself…
Westmeath, a hot bed of Rugby..ever since Mullingar RFC won the Provincial Towns Cup in ….. (tbc p94)
I am sorry your feeling under the weather Christy, quickly healing and better days ahead.
Take care of yourself, Brendan
all good Brendan..job done…healing well underway..thanks be
Back home after a fantastic Bob Dylan concert at the Waterfront in Belfast on Thursday night. I love the way he can reinvent his songs in so many completely different and interesting ways by changing the melody or tempo. There was a wonderful simple twist of the set list when, for the first time ever live, he ended the show by playing a cover of one of Van Morrison’s songs released in 2016 (he has covered other Van songs live before). It is a raise the roof sort of song that was a great rousing finale. The final song worked really well as part of that set list, and it was a lovely touch to sing something by a Belfast-born musician.
that old song and dance man still got some tricks up his sleeve
Hello Christy,
Terrible Beauty the expanded edition landed here yesterday. First listenings are always special. I’m tempted to call it the completed version… Here the specialness came for me through those recordings that weren’t planned. The thing turned up and somehow, a freedom and spontaneity was miraculously captured. Kind of like Live on steroids? The warmth and love is in abundance, it’s not tempered by any baggage from a live show. Sweet Thames, Music to our ears. Mine particularly.
It’s the same thing that I treasure about that sliver of a recording of Rocky Road than turns up like an angel at the barrowland soundcheck from Life on the Road. It’s verse two. I’d love to hear the others.
Rebecca
like your good self…I cherish magic moments when they appear….oft time unnoticed at first , they can emerge in the fullness of time…
but shortcomings can also be revealed ….on reflection, I harbour regrets over certain tracks that could be better
Interesting times! The man-baby, clowns, ex mot and kids being Czech! And I see FIFA have said he has power to change location of matches at world cup!
Ronaldo & Donaldo
Fair play Pat Darcy.
I thought Ray was going to come down pitch side
and tell Festy to stop launching throws into the box
“Pick out a big man on the edge to flick it on an’ cause chaos”
Our Caoimhīn with his Liverpool training knew the truth of
There’s no such thing as a long ball or a short ball
Just the right ball and by Jaysus he played it.
Scales knocked it on to our Troy
and the roars around the island …
Joxer’s ould van might get the crew to Prague
and please God back to Dublin for a crack at them Danes
But it’ll be feck all use for Amerikay 2026.
It’s the hope what kills ya
Bourkey
gonna load her on to a Galway Hooker with a wide berth and a deep draught
Ach no Christy, you can’t drop Ray. Listening to his scream after the third goal, I could hear it all the way over to Germany, he still has the passion. And he looks fit enough.
I reckon Troy could play up front with Ray.
And maybe you can tack on another wee verse ….if not on stage, then maybe in the work room……
Well Joxer he woke up in Budapest,
He saw a wonderful sight;
The boys in green were to be seen
Dancing through the night.
Troy Parrott says what Ray has done,
I can match that yet!
Five times in all he got the ball,
And stuck it in the net!
You have it started there Pat,
I’m under siege with new songs here
I’ll have to leave it with you
Joxer is confined to barracks here
(except when gig kicks off )
Hello Christy,
Lots of new music being listened to here. I followed your tip and bought Sean McKeon’s new album, Salamanca.
Wow! He is some piper, it’s a wild tumultuous ride that doesn’t take any prisoners. Amazing stuff. He must have at least four hands to play it all!!!
Here’s one of his slow airs that carried me away.
https://youtu.be/7oRdCnuiT5Q?si=cPmo0q0wceJ6nSyd
Rebecca
Sean is a regulator guy
Hi Christy
What a great start to a cold day…
Rory and David Keenan…fair play to both..DK is a cause well worth championing…
A Bob review,read with great interest…Belfast audio on YouTube..there’s a ‘mighty moth’ who plays a blinder
Kettle on…have a great day .
Dave
he’s below in The Black Valley
winter feeding for the Gondolas
Christy
I am sitting listening to the first day release of David Keenan’s brand new album Modern Mythologies.
Christy i could not feel more fulfilled if i had written it myself.
This is a triumphant, wholesome, rich return from the lad.
Please 4711ers, give it a spin. Buy it if you can ( via his website) but if not just download it from a streamer and let it wash over you.
When he stayed with us in August he explained how he benefitted from your kindness. I am sure this album , his best in 5 years, will make you radiate a smile.
Rory
We watched Daithí on TG4 last night
that lad is a pure chameleon
great to hear and see him look and sound so well
we look forward to hearing his new work and wish him the very best
Evening Christy, we’re just in from seeing Dylan at The Waterfront. A great evening in the presence of a legend. No caint, all songs. And it was a “phone-free” event. It was my first time at a phone-free concert and I have to say, what a difference i felt it made. No distracting lit-up screens all over the place. Would you consider requesting “no phones” at your own concerts? Now, I know you’re a handsome jigger, sought after, lusted after and betimes drooled over, so people want to capture all that for future viewing and all that…but still, it’s a thought 🤷♂️ Séamus
Good man Seamus
I’ll have our event planners in for a consultation with our crowd control engineers,
we’ve been working towards developing a fresh dynamic….
Gallagher suggests confiscating the phones on the way in, then charging a levy before handing them back….what do you think ?
Christy I Just wanted to thank you for playing Weekend in Amsterdam for me on Monday. I was so happy it really made my night. Keep watching the video like a child on Christmas. Such a pleasant surprise cause I know you don’t play it often. The show was class and my first christy gig. You are some performer 10/10 hope to catch you again live soon!!
first time I played guitar on it…