It’s funny where one’s thoughts can lead. Congrats, Patsy, on winning the song quiz. The Joe Dolan references brought to mind the other Joe whose song “Tar and Cement” was sung at the funeral of a dear friend earlier this year. The friend died because of the “Foxy Devil”. He was a larger than life character with a heart that was as big and open as the Grand Canyon, but he had had a battle with the gargle all his life, and eventually it won. He and many others from our small town all worked across the water for years before coming home, and one of the songs they liked to sing was “Tar and Cement”, the sentiments of which they could relate to. (Our wee town didn’t grow into a metropolis as the song says although it did give a shout out to the bubble and tiger days in the form of a few new estates.) So, the song was sung as they were taking the big man out of the house on the morning of the funeral. May he rest in peace.
I had never been to see Matt Talbot’s coffin in the church in Sean McDermott Street, but I visited it when I was last at home and said a few prayers. My mother was a great fan of Matt’s and since she died recently, I find comfort in being connected to things she held dear. She and my father were both Pioneers and we grew up hearing stories about Matt and Fr.Matthew and such. Needless to say, we weren’t one bit interested in these people when we were young (we couldn’t wait to get to the bar), but time goes on and life intrudes and things start to make more sense. In the chapel, the poignancy of the fingerprints on the glass surrounding the coffin tugged at my heart.
Christy's reply
Never heard this Joe Dolan song before.Great performance. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe on two occasions. We were both giving the Gin & Tonics a bit of a lash and a good time was had by all.
I wore the pioneer pin for about 6 months over 55 years ago. It works for many seeking total abstinence but the thirst got the better of me. I slaked the drought for the next 30 years before finding my way to dry dock.
Thanks for sharing.
Dear Christy, you have collected such a family around you, you have given us ordinary boys such pleasure what will it take to make your life complete and please may i give it to you – big hugs from us all 🙂
Christy's reply
I was in Highbury the night of the Viera/Keane spat..my only time to visit that ground..I enjoyed their subsequent conversation before the cameras (after they had both retired)….
Thanks for the reply Christy – aye, deed there was many’s a good night in various venues -dates & places have faded a bit with time, but there was Bellaghy and the Wild Duck in Portglenone.; Watty Graham’s in Maghera in the late 70’s early 80’s , where you might remember a young ‘lady’ in the audience taking exception at you singing ” A Bunch of Thyme” – she was taking some sort of feminist stand-point against the song and there was quite a debate( I’m being polite) between her and yourself until the rest of the audience made her sit down & shut up.( Drink may have been taken) I think the same night some one else switched on the gambling machine and that didnt go down too well either ! (Drink may also have been consumed ) I remember also going to a hotel in Portrush to see Planxty in the early days (late 70’s I think), great gig, but I’d say there was no more than 40 or 50 people at it.There was a good few more at the re-union show in the Waterfront !! -I was able to scrounge a couple of tickets for that , a great show. Anyway that’s enough rambling on for one night – Keep ‘er lit ..
Christy's reply
JoeJoe..you mention 2 gigs there that had slipped the memory entirely..Maghera &Portglenone..both of them well over 30 years ago….How right that woman was to lambast me for singing “The Bunch”…subsequently I had a further look at it and I’ve never sung it since…its one of a small number of songs that I regret singing…but its there on wax so I remain forever shamed…were you in Bellaghy the night of the rear-up? that was exciting while it lasted… that gig in Portrush..are you sure it was Planxty ? I recall a gig in Portrush around that time with Jimmy Faulkner and Kevin Burke
Looking forward to seeing you again at the Sage in Gateshead in a couple of weeks.
I hope you will sing “Viva La Quinta Brigade” as you usually do and perhaps, if you can remember, dedicate it to those Sunderland / North East lads who fought and some died at Jarama: Frank Graham, Eddie Wilkinson, Wilf Jobling and Thomas Dolan, who signed up with Frank in Sunderland. Frank lived to 93 and was a famous publisher later in life,” Larn yersel Geordie” was one of his! Good luck to you and Declan on the tour.
Best wishes,
Ken
Hi Christy
Many thanks for the tip off about the Eliza Carthy BBC Radio4 doc.I found it on the Beeb I player,Broadcast on 5/10,based in Chetham’s Library in search of C19th broadsides.A world class music resource,a bottle’s throw from the oft remembered MSG folk club.After a Martin Carthy gig at the MSG in 1970,I was set upon by a few skinheads.It says much for the Carthys that I could ever listen to any of them again,never mind enjoy their gigs.
Very much looking forward to hearing your new songs inc trad interpretations.No surprise that ‘Penguin Eggs’ is one of your favourite LPs.Pure class.
Thanks again,Dave
Christy's reply
skinheads at the MSG in 1970..or were they just a bunch of baldy auld wankers..glad you survived the horror of it all..around that time I got set upon by a few squaddies after a gig at Folk Club in RAF Sealand…they kicked seven shades of shite out of me but I had a good drink in me and felt nothing (til the following morning)
Over the years Christy,I have seen you perform many many times – from Bellaghy GAA club to the Point in Dublin and various other places, but I have to say, the gig in the Clanree last Friday was one of the best, maybe THE BEST ever. Really enjoyed every minute of it – great atmosphere,great crowd (and the performers weren’t too bad either!) Brilliant night, thanks very much
Christy's reply
great to be still treading the boards…that people want to hear the songs..that I’m still able to sing them…Clanree was a cracker..great atmosphere in that room last fri.. air heady with aftershave and perfume…twas a big turn out and turn on..knobs to the right and away we go…good on you joejoe..if you back to Bellaghy GAA club that makes you a long haul listener..keep coming back
dagrab
October 7, 2015 at 6:47 am
Location: where it keeps on raining (but not as much as it used to do......)
PS
Fantastic news that you re engaged with ‘the tradition.Such a rich source on all our islands.You’ll more than do justice to wherever the wind takes you……as Martin Carthy says,the worst that can be done to trad songs is to ignore them……
Dave
Christy's reply
Lisa Carthy has a radio doc on BBC4 about Manchester songs
Hi Christy
Many thanks for the reply.Long may you and companeros flourish…….if/when you play the mother of all gigs with all aboard,the poster really should be a Motown style…….’Christy Moore and the Permutations’.
Yesterday,I spotted Mike Harding’s ‘Crumpsall Kid’epic in my local ‘The Works ‘shop for a tenner.I reckon that’s a bargain and a copy will be here by night fall……happy days.
Well what about that gig on Saturday night in Sligo, absolutely wonderful. From start to finish the atmosphere was magic, the kind of music that lifts my heart and sends me forward refreshed and ready for the winter ahead. Many thanks to everyone on stage that night and to the crew. We really enjoyed the banter, music and magic.
Christy's reply
thanks for taking the trouble to write in…thats the kinda talk we like here…..we too enjoyed our outing to Sligo..always a good gig town
Good Morning Christy
Despite my best efforts,I don’t think I’ll make the Buxton gig.The Opera House is excellent.I’m sure it will be a great night.
I’m checking with Co Meath family to maybe make Trim/Kells gigs and hope one (or both !) work out.It won’t have any bearing on our decision making but I’m curious to know if any of your companeros will be playing ,in addition to you and Dec.As a result of great reviews and comments on the Guestbook,I’m intrigued by the permutations of musicians at some gigs.Is it down to their availability or the ‘feel’ of the venue?I know you’re busy and am always appreciative of your feedback,if there’s a chance of publishing a set list showing the contributions of Seamie et al,it would be fantastic for those of us who have yet to hear an expanded line up.Maybe in the next ‘chat’ if there’s no time at present?
Good luck with the recording.I hope the process is enjoyable for you.
‘and the man of new October takes the road……’
Cheers,Dave
Christy's reply
yes , the line ups have been varied across the year..both those Meath gigs will feature Declan and Jimmy Higgins…at least that is our hope and intention at the time of writing…its down to a number of factors… I have been re-engaging with the Tradition a bit these past 2 years…I have two albums in the pipeline..one I am about to start recording..the other has been an ongoing project these past months…. an album of new songs is planned for next Spring…. on the back of your query I have done a reckoning that there have been 7 different line-ups this year and a few solo gigs…same songs , different lights !!!
Dear Christy, thanks for your reply to my earlier post, spent tonight listening to Declan’s new album, wonderful but i will go to bed listening to John O’dreams… beautiful 🙂
Christy's reply
my favourite bed time music is Nic Jones’ Penguin Eggs
Well Christy you did not get the Kildare job, but Cian O`Neill another good Town man did. Cian played for Moorefield and was with Kerry,Tipp and Mayo as trainer/selector, keep well in with him and you might get a run in the O`Byrne Cup…… Athy and Sarsfields in the County Final, in the old days my late Mother would be making sambos (a skim of butter) for days before.
Wally Page plays this coming Friday, 9th October in The Annesley House, 70 North Strand, Dublin 3 , along with Johnny Mulhearn and friends, they’ll be knockin out the songs…9.30pm
Luka was a treat last Friday night in The Purty Loft, a great venue for a small gig, and he rocked it…had the place in his hands, hangin on to every word…and we might even get to see him at the Oscars yet..he’s brilliant.
Have a great week CM
LF(46)
Christy's reply
Thanks Lar…great to know that Wally is still knockin the songs out….loved the video you posted of “Mercy”…always loved that song……hearing great reports of the brother’s (Luka) gigs..he’s off soon to Belgium and Holland.. he is currently putting the finishing touches to a new album….I kinda half started a new album last week, I hope to get stuck into it seriously in December…our sister Anne Rynne has commenced recording her first album…we are all very excited by this development..Anne has been singing all her life but in recent years she has gone into a new gear…she picked up the guitar just 2 years ago and has collected a basket of very good songs…. Go Fo It Sis !
Dear Christy, we were lucky enough to see Tom Russell at the 100 Club on Thursday. The place is still dark and still smelly which must be the only reason it has not been bulldozed to the ground. Full of atmosphere. It was standing gig and after a while there were creaking knees and hips. We saw him again on Saturday in a church in leafy stockbroker country near Guildford (!!). It was a great day as we went to the football and then to the gig. Have you thought of singing Love Abides. The words seem fitting. I hope you’re well. xx
Christy's reply
All good here (apart from chainsaws,diggers, mulchers,kickin in at 8.03.am in the next door garden) Probably wont make it to 100 Club, despite it being a place of legend…played The Marquee in Wardour St in 1973 …The Forum Kentish Town would be closer to home (for us) if an atmospheric sweaty stand-up be required, or The National Kilburn or The Electric Ballroom but who knows what way the wind will blow….the first London gig I can recall was back in 1967 at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, or maybe The Hammersmith Folk Centre, or was it The Troubador
our Gaelic and Hurling seasons are complete, The KIlkenny Cats retained The McCarthy Cup whilst The Dubs snatched Sam Maguire from The Kingdom. Currently many of us are in The Rugby Zone….
After the great gig in L’kenny , I couldn’t resist and made a late dash thru the gap for Sligo. So glad I did for we were treated to another special evening …..and Seamie adding to the mix . Thanks to all for two incredible shows. Hope to make it to Lisdoon…
Christy's reply
very different nights….I love that road from Letterkenny to Sligo..its a grand spin…
Thanks for another special gig last night in the Clanree. Seemed that you were in a special place with each song inspiring memories and remembrances – we were honoured to share those. Even a blast of Lake of Shadows from Declan. Wish I could have made Sligo but life gets in the way sometimes. Please God I’ll see you in Lisdoon- if I can get the Sat nav fitted to the Honda 50 in time ?. Keep well Christy.
Christy's reply
Lidl have a new sat nav on offer. Specially designed by VW it will fit on the handlebars of the Honda 50..it includes a built-in breathalyser plus an adrenalin counter..it has a warning system should the load exceed the recommended averdupois and will also provide wireless internet provided you are not riding too hard on your trip to Lisdoon
Go Raibh Maith Agat, Christy!
I guess the last time you walked Lake Alster in sunshine was just 4 years ago. We also remember well these golden October days.
Best wishes from the both of us to the “land of heart’s desire” where we hope you’re having a great time, Traudel
Christy's reply
we are having a great time…we played for 2 hours and 10 minutes in Letterkenny…2 hours and 5 in Sligo…. we all got home safe…Ireland have just defeated Italy at the Rugby World Cup and I got a beautiful Sunday dinner…life is good…Thanks Be….
It’s funny where one’s thoughts can lead. Congrats, Patsy, on winning the song quiz. The Joe Dolan references brought to mind the other Joe whose song “Tar and Cement” was sung at the funeral of a dear friend earlier this year. The friend died because of the “Foxy Devil”. He was a larger than life character with a heart that was as big and open as the Grand Canyon, but he had had a battle with the gargle all his life, and eventually it won. He and many others from our small town all worked across the water for years before coming home, and one of the songs they liked to sing was “Tar and Cement”, the sentiments of which they could relate to. (Our wee town didn’t grow into a metropolis as the song says although it did give a shout out to the bubble and tiger days in the form of a few new estates.) So, the song was sung as they were taking the big man out of the house on the morning of the funeral. May he rest in peace.
I had never been to see Matt Talbot’s coffin in the church in Sean McDermott Street, but I visited it when I was last at home and said a few prayers. My mother was a great fan of Matt’s and since she died recently, I find comfort in being connected to things she held dear. She and my father were both Pioneers and we grew up hearing stories about Matt and Fr.Matthew and such. Needless to say, we weren’t one bit interested in these people when we were young (we couldn’t wait to get to the bar), but time goes on and life intrudes and things start to make more sense. In the chapel, the poignancy of the fingerprints on the glass surrounding the coffin tugged at my heart.
Never heard this Joe Dolan song before.Great performance. I had the pleasure of meeting Joe on two occasions. We were both giving the Gin & Tonics a bit of a lash and a good time was had by all.
I wore the pioneer pin for about 6 months over 55 years ago. It works for many seeking total abstinence but the thirst got the better of me. I slaked the drought for the next 30 years before finding my way to dry dock.
Thanks for sharing.
who could ever forget this https://www.facebook.com/groups/christymoorefans/10153655664904764/?notif_t=like
you never know whats going on behind your back! thanks for posting
Dear Christy, you have collected such a family around you, you have given us ordinary boys such pleasure what will it take to make your life complete and please may i give it to you – big hugs from us all 🙂
I was in Highbury the night of the Viera/Keane spat..my only time to visit that ground..I enjoyed their subsequent conversation before the cameras (after they had both retired)….
Thanks for the reply Christy – aye, deed there was many’s a good night in various venues -dates & places have faded a bit with time, but there was Bellaghy and the Wild Duck in Portglenone.; Watty Graham’s in Maghera in the late 70’s early 80’s , where you might remember a young ‘lady’ in the audience taking exception at you singing ” A Bunch of Thyme” – she was taking some sort of feminist stand-point against the song and there was quite a debate( I’m being polite) between her and yourself until the rest of the audience made her sit down & shut up.( Drink may have been taken) I think the same night some one else switched on the gambling machine and that didnt go down too well either ! (Drink may also have been consumed ) I remember also going to a hotel in Portrush to see Planxty in the early days (late 70’s I think), great gig, but I’d say there was no more than 40 or 50 people at it.There was a good few more at the re-union show in the Waterfront !! -I was able to scrounge a couple of tickets for that , a great show. Anyway that’s enough rambling on for one night – Keep ‘er lit ..
JoeJoe..you mention 2 gigs there that had slipped the memory entirely..Maghera &Portglenone..both of them well over 30 years ago….How right that woman was to lambast me for singing “The Bunch”…subsequently I had a further look at it and I’ve never sung it since…its one of a small number of songs that I regret singing…but its there on wax so I remain forever shamed…were you in Bellaghy the night of the rear-up? that was exciting while it lasted… that gig in Portrush..are you sure it was Planxty ? I recall a gig in Portrush around that time with Jimmy Faulkner and Kevin Burke
Hello Christy,
Looking forward to seeing you again at the Sage in Gateshead in a couple of weeks.
I hope you will sing “Viva La Quinta Brigade” as you usually do and perhaps, if you can remember, dedicate it to those Sunderland / North East lads who fought and some died at Jarama: Frank Graham, Eddie Wilkinson, Wilf Jobling and Thomas Dolan, who signed up with Frank in Sunderland. Frank lived to 93 and was a famous publisher later in life,” Larn yersel Geordie” was one of his! Good luck to you and Declan on the tour.
Best wishes,
Ken
Adelante
Hi Christy
Many thanks for the tip off about the Eliza Carthy BBC Radio4 doc.I found it on the Beeb I player,Broadcast on 5/10,based in Chetham’s Library in search of C19th broadsides.A world class music resource,a bottle’s throw from the oft remembered MSG folk club.After a Martin Carthy gig at the MSG in 1970,I was set upon by a few skinheads.It says much for the Carthys that I could ever listen to any of them again,never mind enjoy their gigs.
Very much looking forward to hearing your new songs inc trad interpretations.No surprise that ‘Penguin Eggs’ is one of your favourite LPs.Pure class.
Thanks again,Dave
skinheads at the MSG in 1970..or were they just a bunch of baldy auld wankers..glad you survived the horror of it all..around that time I got set upon by a few squaddies after a gig at Folk Club in RAF Sealand…they kicked seven shades of shite out of me but I had a good drink in me and felt nothing (til the following morning)
Over the years Christy,I have seen you perform many many times – from Bellaghy GAA club to the Point in Dublin and various other places, but I have to say, the gig in the Clanree last Friday was one of the best, maybe THE BEST ever. Really enjoyed every minute of it – great atmosphere,great crowd (and the performers weren’t too bad either!) Brilliant night, thanks very much
great to be still treading the boards…that people want to hear the songs..that I’m still able to sing them…Clanree was a cracker..great atmosphere in that room last fri.. air heady with aftershave and perfume…twas a big turn out and turn on..knobs to the right and away we go…good on you joejoe..if you back to Bellaghy GAA club that makes you a long haul listener..keep coming back
PS
Fantastic news that you re engaged with ‘the tradition.Such a rich source on all our islands.You’ll more than do justice to wherever the wind takes you……as Martin Carthy says,the worst that can be done to trad songs is to ignore them……
Dave
Lisa Carthy has a radio doc on BBC4 about Manchester songs
Hi Christy
Many thanks for the reply.Long may you and companeros flourish…….if/when you play the mother of all gigs with all aboard,the poster really should be a Motown style…….’Christy Moore and the Permutations’.
Yesterday,I spotted Mike Harding’s ‘Crumpsall Kid’epic in my local ‘The Works ‘shop for a tenner.I reckon that’s a bargain and a copy will be here by night fall……happy days.
All the best,Dave
and The Crumpsall Kid rides again
Well what about that gig on Saturday night in Sligo, absolutely wonderful. From start to finish the atmosphere was magic, the kind of music that lifts my heart and sends me forward refreshed and ready for the winter ahead. Many thanks to everyone on stage that night and to the crew. We really enjoyed the banter, music and magic.
thanks for taking the trouble to write in…thats the kinda talk we like here…..we too enjoyed our outing to Sligo..always a good gig town
Good Morning Christy
Despite my best efforts,I don’t think I’ll make the Buxton gig.The Opera House is excellent.I’m sure it will be a great night.
I’m checking with Co Meath family to maybe make Trim/Kells gigs and hope one (or both !) work out.It won’t have any bearing on our decision making but I’m curious to know if any of your companeros will be playing ,in addition to you and Dec.As a result of great reviews and comments on the Guestbook,I’m intrigued by the permutations of musicians at some gigs.Is it down to their availability or the ‘feel’ of the venue?I know you’re busy and am always appreciative of your feedback,if there’s a chance of publishing a set list showing the contributions of Seamie et al,it would be fantastic for those of us who have yet to hear an expanded line up.Maybe in the next ‘chat’ if there’s no time at present?
Good luck with the recording.I hope the process is enjoyable for you.
‘and the man of new October takes the road……’
Cheers,Dave
yes , the line ups have been varied across the year..both those Meath gigs will feature Declan and Jimmy Higgins…at least that is our hope and intention at the time of writing…its down to a number of factors… I have been re-engaging with the Tradition a bit these past 2 years…I have two albums in the pipeline..one I am about to start recording..the other has been an ongoing project these past months…. an album of new songs is planned for next Spring…. on the back of your query I have done a reckoning that there have been 7 different line-ups this year and a few solo gigs…same songs , different lights !!!
Dear Christy, thanks for your reply to my earlier post, spent tonight listening to Declan’s new album, wonderful but i will go to bed listening to John O’dreams… beautiful 🙂
my favourite bed time music is Nic Jones’ Penguin Eggs
Well Christy you did not get the Kildare job, but Cian O`Neill another good Town man did. Cian played for Moorefield and was with Kerry,Tipp and Mayo as trainer/selector, keep well in with him and you might get a run in the O`Byrne Cup…… Athy and Sarsfields in the County Final, in the old days my late Mother would be making sambos (a skim of butter) for days before.
Wally Page plays this coming Friday, 9th October in The Annesley House, 70 North Strand, Dublin 3 , along with Johnny Mulhearn and friends, they’ll be knockin out the songs…9.30pm
Luka was a treat last Friday night in The Purty Loft, a great venue for a small gig, and he rocked it…had the place in his hands, hangin on to every word…and we might even get to see him at the Oscars yet..he’s brilliant.
Have a great week CM
LF(46)
Thanks Lar…great to know that Wally is still knockin the songs out….loved the video you posted of “Mercy”…always loved that song……hearing great reports of the brother’s (Luka) gigs..he’s off soon to Belgium and Holland.. he is currently putting the finishing touches to a new album….I kinda half started a new album last week, I hope to get stuck into it seriously in December…our sister Anne Rynne has commenced recording her first album…we are all very excited by this development..Anne has been singing all her life but in recent years she has gone into a new gear…she picked up the guitar just 2 years ago and has collected a basket of very good songs…. Go Fo It Sis !
Dear Christy, we were lucky enough to see Tom Russell at the 100 Club on Thursday. The place is still dark and still smelly which must be the only reason it has not been bulldozed to the ground. Full of atmosphere. It was standing gig and after a while there were creaking knees and hips. We saw him again on Saturday in a church in leafy stockbroker country near Guildford (!!). It was a great day as we went to the football and then to the gig. Have you thought of singing Love Abides. The words seem fitting. I hope you’re well. xx
All good here (apart from chainsaws,diggers, mulchers,kickin in at 8.03.am in the next door garden) Probably wont make it to 100 Club, despite it being a place of legend…played The Marquee in Wardour St in 1973 …The Forum Kentish Town would be closer to home (for us) if an atmospheric sweaty stand-up be required, or The National Kilburn or The Electric Ballroom but who knows what way the wind will blow….the first London gig I can recall was back in 1967 at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, or maybe The Hammersmith Folk Centre, or was it The Troubador
our Gaelic and Hurling seasons are complete, The KIlkenny Cats retained The McCarthy Cup whilst The Dubs snatched Sam Maguire from The Kingdom. Currently many of us are in The Rugby Zone….
Never heard that song before…thanks for sharing
hi christy thanks for 2 great nights ,, they were great gigs ,,,
good to see you there Adam…you are a great supporter of the music…thanks too for the help you give others in sharing your pictures videos and sounds…
After the great gig in L’kenny , I couldn’t resist and made a late dash thru the gap for Sligo. So glad I did for we were treated to another special evening …..and Seamie adding to the mix . Thanks to all for two incredible shows. Hope to make it to Lisdoon…
very different nights….I love that road from Letterkenny to Sligo..its a grand spin…
toms Sko billig
Shark bites get media attention because that is what people want to read about. Don’t just blame the media.
is this Eric Cantona?
Thanks for another special gig last night in the Clanree. Seemed that you were in a special place with each song inspiring memories and remembrances – we were honoured to share those. Even a blast of Lake of Shadows from Declan. Wish I could have made Sligo but life gets in the way sometimes. Please God I’ll see you in Lisdoon- if I can get the Sat nav fitted to the Honda 50 in time ?. Keep well Christy.
Lidl have a new sat nav on offer. Specially designed by VW it will fit on the handlebars of the Honda 50..it includes a built-in breathalyser plus an adrenalin counter..it has a warning system should the load exceed the recommended averdupois and will also provide wireless internet provided you are not riding too hard on your trip to Lisdoon
Go Raibh Maith Agat, Christy!
I guess the last time you walked Lake Alster in sunshine was just 4 years ago. We also remember well these golden October days.
Best wishes from the both of us to the “land of heart’s desire” where we hope you’re having a great time, Traudel
we are having a great time…we played for 2 hours and 10 minutes in Letterkenny…2 hours and 5 in Sligo…. we all got home safe…Ireland have just defeated Italy at the Rugby World Cup and I got a beautiful Sunday dinner…life is good…Thanks Be….