Looking forward to seeing you at The Barras. I was wondering if you could sing Beeswing for my wife, Claire.
I know it’s not the ideal venue for such a song, but here’s hoping we can get 4mins of hush for it… We saw you at The Barras the last two times you were here and during that time Claire has been promoted (or demoted) from girlfriend, to fiancée, to wife. I always request this song for her, but alas the moment never seems right to fit it in.
christy and declan have brought the sunshine to the west coast of scotland today.
looking forward to the gig tonight, am hearing yous are in good form. my first time in the royal concert, DEEP DOWN AM A BARRAS MAN, ITS WHERE I COME FROM……
Looking forward to the gig tonight in Glasgow. I understand you knew Joe Monaghan, we are friends with his son Mark and family and met Joe in Tenerife a few times when we lived there.
Christy's reply
had the great pleasure of gigging with Joe 20 years back…also played at his venue in Foulksmills Co.Wexford back in the day…a lovely man and a very accomplished singer…best wishes to his family
It wasn’t so much that I wasn’t asked back – technically I was never asked in the first place!
The Celtic Connections festival sometime in the 1990’s and Radio Two are broadcasting live from the concert hall at 10:00pm. The producers invite me and some others as guests and we are treated to a mountain of sandwiches and rivers of red wine.
The gig ends at midninght and a few of us are back in the hospitality room for more wine sandwiches and chat.
At 2:30 am or so we are still there and some of us go wandering in the concert hall and sure enough we come across the main hall which is completely empty.
I was always told it had great accoustics and so three of us decided to test it out. We climbed up the steps on to the stage and looked out and started to sing. The Whistling Gypsy Rover and Spancill Hill were followed by a unique version of Nessum Dorma sung in a mixture of English, Italian, Esperanto and Swahili. The Audience loved it — both of them told me so.
However, the record producers and talent scouts had all stayed in the hospitality room and so we never got the record contract nor international stardom!
In the sixties and early seventies, my late father was the Scottish agent of The Dubiners. They were in the charts at the time and used to stand outside his office on Dumbarton Road singing the Black Velvet band and selling cuts from their beards for 10 shillings to passing girls!
Ah, you can but dream!!
Wonders off singing ” From Berlin to San Francisco, I went on before the Disco, and I once stood in for Johnnie McEvoy …..”
See you tonight!
Jim
Christy's reply
fair play to you Jim McGinley…thanks for sharing that bit of sport….Espresso in Swahili, fancy a bit of that myself..the auld Nessum Dorma is best sung after a good feed of pasta….Hopefully The Celtic Connections will soon see their error of omission and Brogan’s Heroes will gain their rightful broadcast to the nation
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! Tickets bought, we’ll all be there, cannot wait. Pre sale wouldn’t allow seat choice so we’re quite far back in row J, hope this means a-i had already sold. Until April, stay well and thanks to the powers that be that are bringing you back to us. Helen and co
Christy's reply
well done Helen….hopefully we’ll all survive the winter and have Spring in our step when we reach Brighton next April…I’ll have a bouquet of new songs prepared
So, I am looking forward to tomorrow night in the concert hall in Glasgow.
I sang there myself once as part of a trio — The Three Fivers — after abusing the hospitality of the BBC who were there for a recording of Folk on Two featuring The Rankine Family and others.
It was a great performance – never asked back!
Anyway, I wonder if you could give a shout out to myself ( Jim McGinley ) and Dermo Hill and for the rest of us (Brogan’s Heroes) who are doing the charity sleep out at Celtic park on the 14th of November.
Shelter reckon 90,000 kids will wake up homeless on Christmas day and that is a disgrace.
As always, I hope you enjoy my home city – it has many a tale to tell and always welcomes a kindred spirit.
Take care
Jim ( Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan )
Christy's reply
tell us more about ” abusing the hospitality”…how come you were “never asked back'” no good in tantalising us with bits of the story.. …I always enjoy myself here Jim..its a great City, a home from home for many
but an extremely cold spot if your sleeping in a doorway exposed to the cold wet winds and the scorn of some drunk who feels like givin you a kickin..its a mean old world….well done on your sleep out..hope you raise a bundle and some consciousness…
we have the same scenario back home..homelessness on the increase
Great rendition of the well below the valley last night at the Usher hall, You mentioned how it stays with you.I remember watching the film of the magdelene laundries and the opening part of the film the priest sang a version of it, Well it stuck with me too so I did a you tube on the song and it was yourself Christy that popped up singing the song and it was an absolute privilege to see you perform it live.
Christy's reply
twas a rough Film that Stevie…have you seen Raggy Boy or Jimmy’s Hall..two good movies…
Brilliant concert at Usher Hall last night atmosphere really good, heart still jumps at Ride On. Will be at Barrowland Friday for another excellent concert, thanks
Christy's reply
you’re a glutton for punishment William….be sure and wear your shinguards
Along with 22 other revellers from Co. Armagh, we are very much looking forward to the show in the Barrowlands on Friday evening to help usher us into a hefty weekend in Glasgow. My first visit to Glasgow almost 20 years ago was a gift to see my beloved Glasgow Celtic from my brother for my 11th birthday who also accompanied me to Letterkenny 7 years later on my 18th where I met your good self for the first time in person, had a laugh and took a photo of the 3 of us outside the Wolfe Tone bar. Unfortunately the brother is no longer with us but him being an Everton fan, Bright Blue Rose always brings back memories of that great night in Letterkenny. My 14th Christy gig awaits and no doubt it will be another memorable one and emotional no doubt….thanks for the memories Christy
Dermot Devlin, Lurgan, Co.Armagh
Christy's reply
” I love her Cathedrals and Cities,once founded by Patrick so true
and it bears in the heart of its bosom, the ashes of Brian Ború” (Bridie Gallagher)
22 feckin lunatics on the lash..there will be peace in Árd Macha for the weekend..pub takings will spiral downwards in Lurgan only to soar in the East End of Glasgow…be sure and take your Scott’s Emulsion
Hi Christy, Brilliant stuff in Edinburgh last night. As a song smith and singer you speak in a way that politicians struggle when communicating people’s life experiences. Back home in Derry made me think of the poor souls leaving the middle east trying to find a better life. Over 100 years on and we have not learned how to help people in trouble. Hopefully with you on Friday. What about a rousing ‘Holy Ground’ for Glasgow’s east end? Charlie Broadfoot
Christy's reply
Fare thee well my lovely Dinah, a thousand times adieu
I’m goin away from the Holy Ground and the girls that I loved true
I’ll sail the salt seas over and then I’ll return for sure
to see again the girl I love and the Holy Ground once more…Fine Girl You are !
(as I heard The Clancy Brothers sing over 50 years ago)
My wife and I have been following you for some years and it was great seeing you in Cardiff, Dublin and Glasgow. Gutted I ended up getting shipped out to the Pacific for the Barrowlands gig. Our science control room GPS says 11,779 km to Glasgow and 11hrs time difference – Ordinary Man has just come on and the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and German contingent are singing away to the amusement of the Argentinian observer. Contrary to popular belief not all Welsh can sing. All the best from several Christy fans on a ship bobbing like a cork in the middle of the Pacific. Back to work the Canadian science folk have just requested Sonny’s Dream and we all currently feel like sailors who never get home!
Christy's reply
When first I landed in Liverpool I went upon the spree
my money at last,I spent it fast, got drunk as drunk could be
when my money was all spent twas then I wanted more
a man must be blind to make up his mind to go to sea once more
they shipped me on board of a whaling ship bound for the Artic Sea
where cold winds blow mid the frost and snow and Jamaica Rum would freeeze
worse to bear, I’d no hard weather gear for I’d spent all my money on shore
twas then that I wished that I was dead so I’d go to sea no more
so come all of you seafaring men who listen to my song
when you come off those long long trips I’d have you not go wrong
take my advice drink no strong drink go sleepin with no hure
get married instead, spend all night in bed and go to sea no more…
(part of an old English sea shanty we used to sing in the 60s)
What a night in Edinburgh last night, Christy you were in great form. Always love the Shane McGowan tribute at your concerts. Now the warm-up is done, on to the Barras on Friday night for round 2, can’t wait.
Any chance of Black is the Colour and Spancil Hill?
Thank you Christy for the fabulous evening at the Usher Hall tonight. I knew we were in for another great show as soon as you stepped onto the stage to loud, rapturous applause from us all. I was thrilled to hear Ride On amongst the fine selection of songs sung in your inimitable, very relaxed style. Your haunting voice is just perfect for the excellent acoustics at the Usher Hall. Edinburgh loves you…. Haste ye back! 🙂
Christy's reply
Coming back to Auld Reekie is always special for me, soon as I get the whiff I’m transported back to heady bygone days of yore….Henderson Row, Hand in Hand, Big Andy Scapp, Easter Road, Sandy Bell’s, Kushi’s, Aly Bain, all the Hamishes,David Letham, Thistle Street, St Vincent, Stockbridge,Leith,Reyries,Finn McCool,Mick Brennan,The Corries Show,its all long since gone up in smoke but,like an old movie, after the opening sequence,I’m back there again,I’m 50 years younger looking for myself …… then I wake from my reverie and its show time…instead of The Police Club I’m in The Usher Hall….instead of a hangover and a lump of hash I gotta big concert,a great band, a solid roadcrew, a bunch of songs and an expectant audience gathered in the great hall to surrender their ears….I give thanks
Great gig tonight at the Usher christy! Never heard the shimmy shimmy how’s yer mammy song! Damn good! Really enjoyed back home in Derry and mcillhatton, the Christmas song was a bit early!!!
Christy's reply
“Sugar Sugar,hows your Mother”( Pádraig Stevens)……nor is it ever too early for a Shane Song
The performance last night at the Sage was brilliant – especially Spancilhill. Where is Spancilhill? Last saw you a lifetime ago at the Krumlin Festival in 1970 – but the CDs from later times are always there in the car when heading north.
Christy's reply
Its halfway between Ennis and Tulla in the East of County Clare
Krumlin …now there is a flashback….not many survivors of that great calamity..well referenced Russell….are you a Halifax ?
Christy – another storming show at The Sage last night; thanks for responding to my request for “Spancill Hill” – unaccompanied simply blew me away…. it made up for Sunday’s derby day disaster… the last time you did The Sage was the day after NUFC had beaten sunderland 5-1, so i’d vainly expected your presence to be a lucky omen – some hope eh? Thanks again & all the best.
Christy's reply
passing the angel of the north I decided its best to spread it around….James Park & Roker…next time will be the turn of Blythe Spartans
I’m flying up for the gig on Friday (I think this is maybe my 8th time of seeing one of your concerts) but I’ve never heard you playing Lakes of Ponchartrain. Appreciate it’s maybe a bit of a long one, but thought I’d ask just in case you might be planning to sing it.
Looking forward to it as always!
Cheers
Christy's reply
Wilks, if your not in you cant win..played it in the soundcheck the other day..great old song…maybe give it a whirl in The Church of Céilí
Thank you
Maurstan said it so well with more feeling than I did this morning and he was right especially about Spancilhill magic…..wow
Still dancing in your flickering light!
A pal ( his first show ) and myself are travelling to see you in the barrowlands this Friday, the timing is perfect as we are going to see the hoops take 3 points the day after v Aberdeen !!
I have seen you 4 times prior including an intimate gig at the now closed Beechmount Leisure Centre ( Feile an Phobial Joe Cahill gig – what a performance ) !
I have seen Declan and yourself in the barrowlands last year, I loved Viva la quinta as the place lifted from the rafters, I would love to hear it again. My big pal loves north and south of the river, you won’t miss him he is 6’4″ lol
Would love a shout out: Declan and Gary
Roll on Friday.. give it a good lash
Christy's reply
counting 3 in advance is always risky, we must never tempt fate in such a fashion, I saw Raith Rovers beat Rangers once, and lets not forget Caledonian Thistle… nor “a young man named John Thompson, from the West of Fife he came”
Hi Christy,
Looking forward to seeing you at The Barras. I was wondering if you could sing Beeswing for my wife, Claire.
I know it’s not the ideal venue for such a song, but here’s hoping we can get 4mins of hush for it… We saw you at The Barras the last two times you were here and during that time Claire has been promoted (or demoted) from girlfriend, to fiancée, to wife. I always request this song for her, but alas the moment never seems right to fit it in.
Cheers,
(not so) lonesome-boatman
christy and declan have brought the sunshine to the west coast of scotland today.
looking forward to the gig tonight, am hearing yous are in good form. my first time in the royal concert, DEEP DOWN AM A BARRAS MAN, ITS WHERE I COME FROM……
Looking forward to the gig tonight in Glasgow. I understand you knew Joe Monaghan, we are friends with his son Mark and family and met Joe in Tenerife a few times when we lived there.
had the great pleasure of gigging with Joe 20 years back…also played at his venue in Foulksmills Co.Wexford back in the day…a lovely man and a very accomplished singer…best wishes to his family
Christy,
It wasn’t so much that I wasn’t asked back – technically I was never asked in the first place!
The Celtic Connections festival sometime in the 1990’s and Radio Two are broadcasting live from the concert hall at 10:00pm. The producers invite me and some others as guests and we are treated to a mountain of sandwiches and rivers of red wine.
The gig ends at midninght and a few of us are back in the hospitality room for more wine sandwiches and chat.
At 2:30 am or so we are still there and some of us go wandering in the concert hall and sure enough we come across the main hall which is completely empty.
I was always told it had great accoustics and so three of us decided to test it out. We climbed up the steps on to the stage and looked out and started to sing. The Whistling Gypsy Rover and Spancill Hill were followed by a unique version of Nessum Dorma sung in a mixture of English, Italian, Esperanto and Swahili. The Audience loved it — both of them told me so.
However, the record producers and talent scouts had all stayed in the hospitality room and so we never got the record contract nor international stardom!
In the sixties and early seventies, my late father was the Scottish agent of The Dubiners. They were in the charts at the time and used to stand outside his office on Dumbarton Road singing the Black Velvet band and selling cuts from their beards for 10 shillings to passing girls!
Ah, you can but dream!!
Wonders off singing ” From Berlin to San Francisco, I went on before the Disco, and I once stood in for Johnnie McEvoy …..”
See you tonight!
Jim
fair play to you Jim McGinley…thanks for sharing that bit of sport….Espresso in Swahili, fancy a bit of that myself..the auld Nessum Dorma is best sung after a good feed of pasta….Hopefully The Celtic Connections will soon see their error of omission and Brogan’s Heroes will gain their rightful broadcast to the nation
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! Tickets bought, we’ll all be there, cannot wait. Pre sale wouldn’t allow seat choice so we’re quite far back in row J, hope this means a-i had already sold. Until April, stay well and thanks to the powers that be that are bringing you back to us. Helen and co
well done Helen….hopefully we’ll all survive the winter and have Spring in our step when we reach Brighton next April…I’ll have a bouquet of new songs prepared
Hi Christy,
I hear Edinburgh was a gas!
So, I am looking forward to tomorrow night in the concert hall in Glasgow.
I sang there myself once as part of a trio — The Three Fivers — after abusing the hospitality of the BBC who were there for a recording of Folk on Two featuring The Rankine Family and others.
It was a great performance – never asked back!
Anyway, I wonder if you could give a shout out to myself ( Jim McGinley ) and Dermo Hill and for the rest of us (Brogan’s Heroes) who are doing the charity sleep out at Celtic park on the 14th of November.
Shelter reckon 90,000 kids will wake up homeless on Christmas day and that is a disgrace.
As always, I hope you enjoy my home city – it has many a tale to tell and always welcomes a kindred spirit.
Take care
Jim ( Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan )
tell us more about ” abusing the hospitality”…how come you were “never asked back'” no good in tantalising us with bits of the story.. …I always enjoy myself here Jim..its a great City, a home from home for many
but an extremely cold spot if your sleeping in a doorway exposed to the cold wet winds and the scorn of some drunk who feels like givin you a kickin..its a mean old world….well done on your sleep out..hope you raise a bundle and some consciousness…
we have the same scenario back home..homelessness on the increase
Great rendition of the well below the valley last night at the Usher hall, You mentioned how it stays with you.I remember watching the film of the magdelene laundries and the opening part of the film the priest sang a version of it, Well it stuck with me too so I did a you tube on the song and it was yourself Christy that popped up singing the song and it was an absolute privilege to see you perform it live.
twas a rough Film that Stevie…have you seen Raggy Boy or Jimmy’s Hall..two good movies…
Brilliant concert at Usher Hall last night atmosphere really good, heart still jumps at Ride On. Will be at Barrowland Friday for another excellent concert, thanks
you’re a glutton for punishment William….be sure and wear your shinguards
Along with 22 other revellers from Co. Armagh, we are very much looking forward to the show in the Barrowlands on Friday evening to help usher us into a hefty weekend in Glasgow. My first visit to Glasgow almost 20 years ago was a gift to see my beloved Glasgow Celtic from my brother for my 11th birthday who also accompanied me to Letterkenny 7 years later on my 18th where I met your good self for the first time in person, had a laugh and took a photo of the 3 of us outside the Wolfe Tone bar. Unfortunately the brother is no longer with us but him being an Everton fan, Bright Blue Rose always brings back memories of that great night in Letterkenny. My 14th Christy gig awaits and no doubt it will be another memorable one and emotional no doubt….thanks for the memories Christy
Dermot Devlin, Lurgan, Co.Armagh
” I love her Cathedrals and Cities,once founded by Patrick so true
and it bears in the heart of its bosom, the ashes of Brian Ború” (Bridie Gallagher)
22 feckin lunatics on the lash..there will be peace in Árd Macha for the weekend..pub takings will spiral downwards in Lurgan only to soar in the East End of Glasgow…be sure and take your Scott’s Emulsion
seriously tho..sorry to read about your loss
Hi Christy, Brilliant stuff in Edinburgh last night. As a song smith and singer you speak in a way that politicians struggle when communicating people’s life experiences. Back home in Derry made me think of the poor souls leaving the middle east trying to find a better life. Over 100 years on and we have not learned how to help people in trouble. Hopefully with you on Friday. What about a rousing ‘Holy Ground’ for Glasgow’s east end? Charlie Broadfoot
Fare thee well my lovely Dinah, a thousand times adieu
I’m goin away from the Holy Ground and the girls that I loved true
I’ll sail the salt seas over and then I’ll return for sure
to see again the girl I love and the Holy Ground once more…Fine Girl You are !
(as I heard The Clancy Brothers sing over 50 years ago)
My wife and I have been following you for some years and it was great seeing you in Cardiff, Dublin and Glasgow. Gutted I ended up getting shipped out to the Pacific for the Barrowlands gig. Our science control room GPS says 11,779 km to Glasgow and 11hrs time difference – Ordinary Man has just come on and the Irish, Welsh, Scottish and German contingent are singing away to the amusement of the Argentinian observer. Contrary to popular belief not all Welsh can sing. All the best from several Christy fans on a ship bobbing like a cork in the middle of the Pacific. Back to work the Canadian science folk have just requested Sonny’s Dream and we all currently feel like sailors who never get home!
When first I landed in Liverpool I went upon the spree
my money at last,I spent it fast, got drunk as drunk could be
when my money was all spent twas then I wanted more
a man must be blind to make up his mind to go to sea once more
they shipped me on board of a whaling ship bound for the Artic Sea
where cold winds blow mid the frost and snow and Jamaica Rum would freeeze
worse to bear, I’d no hard weather gear for I’d spent all my money on shore
twas then that I wished that I was dead so I’d go to sea no more
so come all of you seafaring men who listen to my song
when you come off those long long trips I’d have you not go wrong
take my advice drink no strong drink go sleepin with no hure
get married instead, spend all night in bed and go to sea no more…
(part of an old English sea shanty we used to sing in the 60s)
What a night in Edinburgh last night, Christy you were in great form. Always love the Shane McGowan tribute at your concerts. Now the warm-up is done, on to the Barras on Friday night for round 2, can’t wait.
Any chance of Black is the Colour and Spancil Hill?
planning a set for Barrowlands is beyond my ken
Thank you Christy for the fabulous evening at the Usher Hall tonight. I knew we were in for another great show as soon as you stepped onto the stage to loud, rapturous applause from us all. I was thrilled to hear Ride On amongst the fine selection of songs sung in your inimitable, very relaxed style. Your haunting voice is just perfect for the excellent acoustics at the Usher Hall. Edinburgh loves you…. Haste ye back! 🙂
Coming back to Auld Reekie is always special for me, soon as I get the whiff I’m transported back to heady bygone days of yore….Henderson Row, Hand in Hand, Big Andy Scapp, Easter Road, Sandy Bell’s, Kushi’s, Aly Bain, all the Hamishes,David Letham, Thistle Street, St Vincent, Stockbridge,Leith,Reyries,Finn McCool,Mick Brennan,The Corries Show,its all long since gone up in smoke but,like an old movie, after the opening sequence,I’m back there again,I’m 50 years younger looking for myself …… then I wake from my reverie and its show time…instead of The Police Club I’m in The Usher Hall….instead of a hangover and a lump of hash I gotta big concert,a great band, a solid roadcrew, a bunch of songs and an expectant audience gathered in the great hall to surrender their ears….I give thanks
Great gig tonight at the Usher christy! Never heard the shimmy shimmy how’s yer mammy song! Damn good! Really enjoyed back home in Derry and mcillhatton, the Christmas song was a bit early!!!
“Sugar Sugar,hows your Mother”( Pádraig Stevens)……nor is it ever too early for a Shane Song
The performance last night at the Sage was brilliant – especially Spancilhill. Where is Spancilhill? Last saw you a lifetime ago at the Krumlin Festival in 1970 – but the CDs from later times are always there in the car when heading north.
Its halfway between Ennis and Tulla in the East of County Clare
Krumlin …now there is a flashback….not many survivors of that great calamity..well referenced Russell….are you a Halifax ?
Christy you were flying tonight. Thank you for a wonderful melodic night and a shout out for the Shiels family was just brill !!! Thank you. X
Goodnight Josephine….you are more then welcome
Christy – another storming show at The Sage last night; thanks for responding to my request for “Spancill Hill” – unaccompanied simply blew me away…. it made up for Sunday’s derby day disaster… the last time you did The Sage was the day after NUFC had beaten sunderland 5-1, so i’d vainly expected your presence to be a lucky omen – some hope eh? Thanks again & all the best.
passing the angel of the north I decided its best to spread it around….James Park & Roker…next time will be the turn of Blythe Spartans
Christy,
I’m flying up for the gig on Friday (I think this is maybe my 8th time of seeing one of your concerts) but I’ve never heard you playing Lakes of Ponchartrain. Appreciate it’s maybe a bit of a long one, but thought I’d ask just in case you might be planning to sing it.
Looking forward to it as always!
Cheers
Wilks, if your not in you cant win..played it in the soundcheck the other day..great old song…maybe give it a whirl in The Church of Céilí
Thank you
Maurstan said it so well with more feeling than I did this morning and he was right especially about Spancilhill magic…..wow
Still dancing in your flickering light!
see you down South if all goes well
Hi Christy, I hope all is well.
A pal ( his first show ) and myself are travelling to see you in the barrowlands this Friday, the timing is perfect as we are going to see the hoops take 3 points the day after v Aberdeen !!
I have seen you 4 times prior including an intimate gig at the now closed Beechmount Leisure Centre ( Feile an Phobial Joe Cahill gig – what a performance ) !
I have seen Declan and yourself in the barrowlands last year, I loved Viva la quinta as the place lifted from the rafters, I would love to hear it again. My big pal loves north and south of the river, you won’t miss him he is 6’4″ lol
Would love a shout out: Declan and Gary
Roll on Friday.. give it a good lash
counting 3 in advance is always risky, we must never tempt fate in such a fashion, I saw Raith Rovers beat Rangers once, and lets not forget Caledonian Thistle… nor “a young man named John Thompson, from the West of Fife he came”