Glad to hear you’re home safe and back in training.
I just wanted to thank you for coming back again. For me, every gig I get to see you is a privilege to witness, just a brilliant, life affirming experience.
Really loved what Jimmy brought to the shows, I hope he enjoyed his experiences. Declan was sublime, as ever. And yourself, you unlocked some truly beautiful moments, and your energy on Friday was a wonder to behold.
A camera man was asking round about what makes your music so special. I feel I didn’t really do the question justice, isn’t that always the way?! If he’d asked me after the gig, I might have done better. There’s music that you enjoy listening to, and then there’s music that is about who you are in your soul, and who you want to be – listening to you has taught and given me so much that transcends simple explanation.
Anyway, that’s getting a bit deep. How about the mega encore that just picked right back up when you stopped after being in the wrong key?! Nearly enough to make you go wrong just to witness the joy of it!
Thank you Christy, for giving me moments like this. Same place, same time, in 18 months?!
Christy's reply
Thank you Susie.Your reflections on last Friday are a grand start to the day.
Jimmy Higgins has become a great addition to the band.He pins down the lower end and keeps us rock solid. When we were a two piece I used stray from the rhythm which,in turn, interfered with Declan’s flow. Now we are more locked in to The Beat. Jimmy is also a good travelling companion and a true knight of the road.I first encountered him when I toured with Eleanor Shanley a few decades ago.
This is, by far, our longest-lasting band for both Declan and myself. We joined 14 years ago. The longest time either of us lasted in previous bands was 2-3 years.
You bring me back to that strange moment.Coming back out to encore in Barrowland is always an uplifting experience. Last Friday we had no idea what we were about to play. As we sat amidst the chant and rattled our old drums I decided to venture”The Time Has Come”.I began to play but in the wrong key. Half an octave too high I did not realise my error ’til the high notes approached, by which time many members of the audience were already singing with me . I had to jump ship but the audience saved the day (and my embarassment )by instantly returning to that affirming chant.
If all goes well, we will return once more to the Church of Céilí, come back to waltz again beneath the Carousel of healing. There is no audience nor venue to match Mags McIvor’s. As we left Barrowlands early last Saturday morning we were already on our way back.
I have been playing the Planxty reunion dvd whilst working all day and am in the process of listening to your comments about the agelessness of the music and emotions wrapped up in the songs. I loved it when you said what unites us is the beauty of the ancient work that has survived and when we feel the music we celebrate the imagery the words conjure up. Of course this is so for me ….the pictures in my brain are there and help me to create my silver sculptures but wierdly I had not thought about it before in the same way as you said it in the interview so thank you for making me think about why I love these stories set to music so much. Things evolve and you may even have a different or further insite now.
Oh and the background was Vicar Street I wondered what it meant when I got my ticket saying a table number now I know. I thought I would like to return to Ireland,catch you singing In Dublin and visit some ancient sites
Christy's reply
Planxty music, for me, was like no other. When we were at our very best, it was pure joy to be in its midst. I played with 5 different line ups and I recall each period distinctly. Thinking back this morning I realise its been many years since I have listened to Planxty. Perhaps as far back as the last reunion. Maybe its time to get the old albums down again. Time will cure me.
Hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the gigs!
My wife is a HUGE fan of yours (I feel like there’s 3 of us in the marriage) and I am taking her to Galway on the 5th December for your gig, which is in fact, her birthday!
It would mean the world to her and me, if you could give her a shout out as she won’t be expecting it.
She’ll be 34 and her name is Danielle.
Can’t wait to see you and thank you in advance for reading this!
Lisa
Christy's reply
happy to read anything Lisa…hope ye have a good trip cross-country from The Bog Meadow to The City of Tribes…we’ll do our best to help mark the occasion but for jasus sake dont be going so public on your mot’s age….she’ll ate the head off you
Well Christy. Just wanna echo everyone else’s comments on the Barrowlands and say how great the night was. I’m lucky enough to have been to some standout gigs over the last 15 or so years. Favourites been yourself and John Spillane in vicar st, planxty in Galway, the pbs in newbridge, any gig in the forum in Waterford (was a fantastic venue), iveagh gardens to name but a few. Last Friday night for me tops them all however. Never witnessed anything like it. The three of ye gave it absolutely everything and so did the crowd, and thanks to Adam Sherwood for uploading some clips to YouTube we can re live it. Looking forward to the Keadeen now where we can all take a breather after the madness of Glasgow.
Christy's reply
I lost 2 stone on Fri night but have since put it back on again…in serious ttraining now for Keadeen…did 2 laps of The Curragh this morning..feckin sheep shite all over me runners
dagrab
November 3, 2015 at 6:54 am
Location: Physically in Manchester- mentally en route to the Kells gig (via Salford......)
Hi Christy
A highlight (amongst many)of your recent Buxton gig was your interpretation of several Ewan MacColl songs, around the time of his centenary.I’ve just seen an ad for a concert at The Lowry Theatre,Salford Quays on 4/11/15 and thought I’d mention it here.Part of a short ‘Blood and Roses’ tour,featuring MacColls,Seeger,Carthys.Waterson,Dempsey et al………illustrious names for sure.
As you’ll know ,The Lowry and its glitzy neighbours, seems along way from the Dirty Old Town image,but on the night it’ll be close in spirit.
I hope fellow enthusiasts can catch one of the shows.It’ll set me up nicely for Friday in Kells.Also ,a great coincidence that a highlight of a 70’s gig in Slane was your mighty rendition of Go,Move,Shift.This was included in your tribute to Ewan at Buxton and sounded wonderful.
See you Friday – Dave
Christy,
I just wanted to thank you for giving us another magical Barrowland experience on Friday night. The energy field which was created between the stage and the audience created so much electricity that it could light up the whole east end of Glasgow for months to come! Musically, you, Declan and Jimmy are the same wondrous, unified force that the All Blacks are on the rugby field!
Many thanks again for a special night to remember.
Christy's reply
Kevin B…..Declan,Jimmy and I plus all our crew Paddy,Michael,Dickon, John,Davy,Geoff pulled out of Glasgow well charged up by our Barrowland experience last Friday night.It really was the icing on the cake that was our jaunt around Northern England and Southern Scotland…..another great memory for the book of song
Any chance you might come to the US (NYC area) for a concert in the next year or so? Would so love to hear you live.
Wishing you all the best!
Christy's reply
thank you…there is no chance….it is with regret that I have made this essential decision….I very much enjoyed my 6 visits to the USA in the 80s and 90s and, with gratitude, wish all my listeners long life, good health and happy listening..let the music keep your spirits high
I just want to make Christy aware that Thur Nov 19th would have been Christie Hennessy’s 70th Birthday. I think it would be a good idea for Artists such as yourself who have recorded with Christie to come together for an annual concert of his songs. I mentioned the 70th Birthday to Aonghus McAnally who I bumped into in the National Concert Hall during the summer – he was a friend of Christie and played him in ‘When Jolie Met Christie’. I also mentioned it to the Marketing Department in IMRO who organised the Christie Hennessy Song Competition – the final tool place last night (Oct 31st) : http://www.imro.ie/member-news/christie-hennessy-song-competition-open-entries/. Thank you.
Go raibh mile maith agat aris Christy! We were lucky enough to catch the Tralee show on our 30th anniversary and your voice and guitar with Dec and Jimmy are just as great as they were the first time we saw you at the Symphony Space. Love the new turn on Farmer Michael Hayes.
All the best from Brooklyn Paul McK
Christy's reply
fáilte róibh….Symphony Space was my first USA gig….
Long shot I know, but me and my old man are making the trip to Ireland around Easter next year to commemorate and celebrate. Just wondering if anything was in the pipeline for gigs, as your presence in “the colony” isn’t as regular these days.
Christy's reply
a few ideas floating about among a few companeros,…but nothing that will compete the national parades and charades..the country will be awash with allsorts of flag waving and bugle blowing…keep an eye on the news sheet and we will try and keep you posted
Hi Christy,
Firstly thanks a million to yourself & Paddy for help re tickets, I am forever grateful. An even bigger thanks for a wonderful performance from all three of you at the Barras. Jimmy Higgins is an inspired addition. I thought the barras chanting was going to silence you at one point (god forbid)!, but it only added to a great atmosphere & you handled it all like the consummate pro that you are.
My 16 year-old daughter Aisling was well impressed, so you must have something going for you!!!
Stay healthy & haste ye back
Christy's reply
we could’nt leave a Doherty out…nearly sang Aisling but somehow got sidetracked..I even practiced it to give it a whirl for your Aisling …back home now combing me sporran
How about this for a memory…. Best night at the Barras filled with shimmy shammy and carousing the likes of which I’ll not see again… There was fire and ice and the small one saying ‘I love christy he sweats on his guitar’ . She told the interview man that difference between you and Ed Sheeran was that you have more grit. See Christy you have changed someone’s life. When I’m gone she’ll remember me through your work. And then she’ll pass it on. As we got off the train at Euston we bumped into Jeremy Corbyn. He asked us where we’d been. He remembered you and he had stood on a stage at a concert for the Guildford 4 and spoke of Paddy Hill. I knew he’d be a Christy fan. All the best people are. The Dons sorted out Hartlepool and the Hammers had a good cry at Watford. Thank you Christy for feeding the soul and the spirit and stoking the fire. Xx
Christy's reply
we did not realise that you are such a brilliant singer…you surely joined in on Friday night… Declan said to me after one song “Did you just hear Anuk singing?”…sorry I did not meet ye….good to read your Jeremy Corbyn encounter….long may he rattle the system….
Thanks Christy from my family Vharis said you were amazing both nights and you voice was amazing just gutted I couldn’t make. See you soon awra best far Mrs McGuire big hugs xxxx
Christy's reply
There I was, in my sleeping bag, comfy on the floor behind the couch with me head stickin out the window.Red Billy snored upon the sofa. The four wains were lookin for their schoolbags wondering why Hamish had so many homeless friends….out the door they went singing:
“Mrs McGuire she piddled in the fire,
the fire was hot so she piddled in the pot
the pot was wide so she piddled in The Clyde
and all the little fishes swam up her backside”
Dear Christy. Thanks so much for the dedication for Mary Corcoran at the Liverpool show. It really meant a lot. My two boys couldn’t believe it. The show capped off an eventful day. Driving up from Poole to Liverpool we hit a deer on the road. Made shite of the grille of the car but amazingly it pulled back into shape and did us fine for the rest of the week. Not so sure about the deer. Thanks again. Paul
Christy's reply
Hey Paul…the story you shared remains with me….in future,every time I play that song I will think of Mary Corcoran….I will sing it to her ….
Someone may well be eating Roast Venison today between Poole and Liverpool
Thank You Christy for taking the time to dedicate Ride On to the memory of my son.I really did “stand up and Cry Like A Man”.Good Luck for the future,and here’s to some more great nights at The Barrowlands
Michael Riley
Christy's reply
Thank you for sharing your story and your loss..it contributed to the night we all shared at “Mags McIvor’s”
“Haste ye back, we love you dearly
Call again, you’re welcome here.
May your days be free from sorrow,
And your friends be ever near.”.
Safe journey home Christy, see you again next time.
Christy's reply
safely back here after 9 days across the water…..I could not have asked for more, such was the welcome, the listening, the warmth, the hospitality…if spared, we will return to sing with you again
Hi Christy,
Thanks so much for Two wonderful nights in Glasgow. From the grandeur of the Concert Hall to the rawness of the Barras……….you and the Boys really nailed both of them. It was great to be in the company of the travelling Gaggle ………all songsters at heart. Safe journey home and rest well.
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
“your a harum-scarum-divvil-may-carum dacent Irish Boy”
The last time i saw Christy was Glastonbury 1986, you sang the Old Trangle with no instruments, it was breath taking…….always remembered it. I have loved the music always over the years but never got to another gig until last night. WOW What was I thinking all those years, it was the best night ever. You have all the spirit and spark you had back in 1986 and more. Thank you for a truely superb evening , rock on Christy, you are a legend.
Christy's reply
fair play TC I was wondering where you got to…..dont go leavin it another 29 years…the lights might be gone out !
Glad to hear you’re home safe and back in training.
I just wanted to thank you for coming back again. For me, every gig I get to see you is a privilege to witness, just a brilliant, life affirming experience.
Really loved what Jimmy brought to the shows, I hope he enjoyed his experiences. Declan was sublime, as ever. And yourself, you unlocked some truly beautiful moments, and your energy on Friday was a wonder to behold.
A camera man was asking round about what makes your music so special. I feel I didn’t really do the question justice, isn’t that always the way?! If he’d asked me after the gig, I might have done better. There’s music that you enjoy listening to, and then there’s music that is about who you are in your soul, and who you want to be – listening to you has taught and given me so much that transcends simple explanation.
Anyway, that’s getting a bit deep. How about the mega encore that just picked right back up when you stopped after being in the wrong key?! Nearly enough to make you go wrong just to witness the joy of it!
Thank you Christy, for giving me moments like this. Same place, same time, in 18 months?!
Thank you Susie.Your reflections on last Friday are a grand start to the day.
Jimmy Higgins has become a great addition to the band.He pins down the lower end and keeps us rock solid. When we were a two piece I used stray from the rhythm which,in turn, interfered with Declan’s flow. Now we are more locked in to The Beat. Jimmy is also a good travelling companion and a true knight of the road.I first encountered him when I toured with Eleanor Shanley a few decades ago.
This is, by far, our longest-lasting band for both Declan and myself. We joined 14 years ago. The longest time either of us lasted in previous bands was 2-3 years.
You bring me back to that strange moment.Coming back out to encore in Barrowland is always an uplifting experience. Last Friday we had no idea what we were about to play. As we sat amidst the chant and rattled our old drums I decided to venture”The Time Has Come”.I began to play but in the wrong key. Half an octave too high I did not realise my error ’til the high notes approached, by which time many members of the audience were already singing with me . I had to jump ship but the audience saved the day (and my embarassment )by instantly returning to that affirming chant.
If all goes well, we will return once more to the Church of Céilí, come back to waltz again beneath the Carousel of healing. There is no audience nor venue to match Mags McIvor’s. As we left Barrowlands early last Saturday morning we were already on our way back.
I have been playing the Planxty reunion dvd whilst working all day and am in the process of listening to your comments about the agelessness of the music and emotions wrapped up in the songs. I loved it when you said what unites us is the beauty of the ancient work that has survived and when we feel the music we celebrate the imagery the words conjure up. Of course this is so for me ….the pictures in my brain are there and help me to create my silver sculptures but wierdly I had not thought about it before in the same way as you said it in the interview so thank you for making me think about why I love these stories set to music so much. Things evolve and you may even have a different or further insite now.
Oh and the background was Vicar Street I wondered what it meant when I got my ticket saying a table number now I know. I thought I would like to return to Ireland,catch you singing In Dublin and visit some ancient sites
Planxty music, for me, was like no other. When we were at our very best, it was pure joy to be in its midst. I played with 5 different line ups and I recall each period distinctly. Thinking back this morning I realise its been many years since I have listened to Planxty. Perhaps as far back as the last reunion. Maybe its time to get the old albums down again. Time will cure me.
Hi Christy,
Hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the gigs!
My wife is a HUGE fan of yours (I feel like there’s 3 of us in the marriage) and I am taking her to Galway on the 5th December for your gig, which is in fact, her birthday!
It would mean the world to her and me, if you could give her a shout out as she won’t be expecting it.
She’ll be 34 and her name is Danielle.
Can’t wait to see you and thank you in advance for reading this!
Lisa
happy to read anything Lisa…hope ye have a good trip cross-country from The Bog Meadow to The City of Tribes…we’ll do our best to help mark the occasion but for jasus sake dont be going so public on your mot’s age….she’ll ate the head off you
Well Christy. Just wanna echo everyone else’s comments on the Barrowlands and say how great the night was. I’m lucky enough to have been to some standout gigs over the last 15 or so years. Favourites been yourself and John Spillane in vicar st, planxty in Galway, the pbs in newbridge, any gig in the forum in Waterford (was a fantastic venue), iveagh gardens to name but a few. Last Friday night for me tops them all however. Never witnessed anything like it. The three of ye gave it absolutely everything and so did the crowd, and thanks to Adam Sherwood for uploading some clips to YouTube we can re live it. Looking forward to the Keadeen now where we can all take a breather after the madness of Glasgow.
I lost 2 stone on Fri night but have since put it back on again…in serious ttraining now for Keadeen…did 2 laps of The Curragh this morning..feckin sheep shite all over me runners
Hi Christy
A highlight (amongst many)of your recent Buxton gig was your interpretation of several Ewan MacColl songs, around the time of his centenary.I’ve just seen an ad for a concert at The Lowry Theatre,Salford Quays on 4/11/15 and thought I’d mention it here.Part of a short ‘Blood and Roses’ tour,featuring MacColls,Seeger,Carthys.Waterson,Dempsey et al………illustrious names for sure.
As you’ll know ,The Lowry and its glitzy neighbours, seems along way from the Dirty Old Town image,but on the night it’ll be close in spirit.
I hope fellow enthusiasts can catch one of the shows.It’ll set me up nicely for Friday in Kells.Also ,a great coincidence that a highlight of a 70’s gig in Slane was your mighty rendition of Go,Move,Shift.This was included in your tribute to Ewan at Buxton and sounded wonderful.
See you Friday – Dave
im hibernating til Fri
Christy,
I just wanted to thank you for giving us another magical Barrowland experience on Friday night. The energy field which was created between the stage and the audience created so much electricity that it could light up the whole east end of Glasgow for months to come! Musically, you, Declan and Jimmy are the same wondrous, unified force that the All Blacks are on the rugby field!
Many thanks again for a special night to remember.
Kevin B…..Declan,Jimmy and I plus all our crew Paddy,Michael,Dickon, John,Davy,Geoff pulled out of Glasgow well charged up by our Barrowland experience last Friday night.It really was the icing on the cake that was our jaunt around Northern England and Southern Scotland…..another great memory for the book of song
Any chance you might come to the US (NYC area) for a concert in the next year or so? Would so love to hear you live.
Wishing you all the best!
thank you…there is no chance….it is with regret that I have made this essential decision….I very much enjoyed my 6 visits to the USA in the 80s and 90s and, with gratitude, wish all my listeners long life, good health and happy listening..let the music keep your spirits high
I just want to make Christy aware that Thur Nov 19th would have been Christie Hennessy’s 70th Birthday. I think it would be a good idea for Artists such as yourself who have recorded with Christie to come together for an annual concert of his songs. I mentioned the 70th Birthday to Aonghus McAnally who I bumped into in the National Concert Hall during the summer – he was a friend of Christie and played him in ‘When Jolie Met Christie’. I also mentioned it to the Marketing Department in IMRO who organised the Christie Hennessy Song Competition – the final tool place last night (Oct 31st) : http://www.imro.ie/member-news/christie-hennessy-song-competition-open-entries/. Thank you.
thank you
Go raibh mile maith agat aris Christy! We were lucky enough to catch the Tralee show on our 30th anniversary and your voice and guitar with Dec and Jimmy are just as great as they were the first time we saw you at the Symphony Space. Love the new turn on Farmer Michael Hayes.
All the best from Brooklyn Paul McK
fáilte róibh….Symphony Space was my first USA gig….
Christy,
Long shot I know, but me and my old man are making the trip to Ireland around Easter next year to commemorate and celebrate. Just wondering if anything was in the pipeline for gigs, as your presence in “the colony” isn’t as regular these days.
a few ideas floating about among a few companeros,…but nothing that will compete the national parades and charades..the country will be awash with allsorts of flag waving and bugle blowing…keep an eye on the news sheet and we will try and keep you posted
Hi Christy,
Firstly thanks a million to yourself & Paddy for help re tickets, I am forever grateful. An even bigger thanks for a wonderful performance from all three of you at the Barras. Jimmy Higgins is an inspired addition. I thought the barras chanting was going to silence you at one point (god forbid)!, but it only added to a great atmosphere & you handled it all like the consummate pro that you are.
My 16 year-old daughter Aisling was well impressed, so you must have something going for you!!!
Stay healthy & haste ye back
we could’nt leave a Doherty out…nearly sang Aisling but somehow got sidetracked..I even practiced it to give it a whirl for your Aisling …back home now combing me sporran
How about this for a memory…. Best night at the Barras filled with shimmy shammy and carousing the likes of which I’ll not see again… There was fire and ice and the small one saying ‘I love christy he sweats on his guitar’ . She told the interview man that difference between you and Ed Sheeran was that you have more grit. See Christy you have changed someone’s life. When I’m gone she’ll remember me through your work. And then she’ll pass it on. As we got off the train at Euston we bumped into Jeremy Corbyn. He asked us where we’d been. He remembered you and he had stood on a stage at a concert for the Guildford 4 and spoke of Paddy Hill. I knew he’d be a Christy fan. All the best people are. The Dons sorted out Hartlepool and the Hammers had a good cry at Watford. Thank you Christy for feeding the soul and the spirit and stoking the fire. Xx
we did not realise that you are such a brilliant singer…you surely joined in on Friday night… Declan said to me after one song “Did you just hear Anuk singing?”…sorry I did not meet ye….good to read your Jeremy Corbyn encounter….long may he rattle the system….
Thanks Christy from my family Vharis said you were amazing both nights and you voice was amazing just gutted I couldn’t make. See you soon awra best far Mrs McGuire big hugs xxxx
There I was, in my sleeping bag, comfy on the floor behind the couch with me head stickin out the window.Red Billy snored upon the sofa. The four wains were lookin for their schoolbags wondering why Hamish had so many homeless friends….out the door they went singing:
“Mrs McGuire she piddled in the fire,
the fire was hot so she piddled in the pot
the pot was wide so she piddled in The Clyde
and all the little fishes swam up her backside”
Dear Christy. Thanks so much for the dedication for Mary Corcoran at the Liverpool show. It really meant a lot. My two boys couldn’t believe it. The show capped off an eventful day. Driving up from Poole to Liverpool we hit a deer on the road. Made shite of the grille of the car but amazingly it pulled back into shape and did us fine for the rest of the week. Not so sure about the deer. Thanks again. Paul
Hey Paul…the story you shared remains with me….in future,every time I play that song I will think of Mary Corcoran….I will sing it to her ….
Someone may well be eating Roast Venison today between Poole and Liverpool
Great to see you in Buxton Christy, loved hearing all your songs, but especially John’O’Dreams xxx
Come back soon!
Tomorrow’s cares are many dreams away…..I have good memories of Stockport
Thank You Christy for taking the time to dedicate Ride On to the memory of my son.I really did “stand up and Cry Like A Man”.Good Luck for the future,and here’s to some more great nights at The Barrowlands
Michael Riley
Thank you for sharing your story and your loss..it contributed to the night we all shared at “Mags McIvor’s”
I was at the concert on Friday 30 October at Barrowland which I may say was excellent. What a night and a great atmosphere
I’ll second that…..thanks to all who came and contributed
“Haste ye back, we love you dearly
Call again, you’re welcome here.
May your days be free from sorrow,
And your friends be ever near.”.
Safe journey home Christy, see you again next time.
safely back here after 9 days across the water…..I could not have asked for more, such was the welcome, the listening, the warmth, the hospitality…if spared, we will return to sing with you again
Hi Christy,
Thanks so much for Two wonderful nights in Glasgow. From the grandeur of the Concert Hall to the rawness of the Barras……….you and the Boys really nailed both of them. It was great to be in the company of the travelling Gaggle ………all songsters at heart. Safe journey home and rest well.
Ride on
Patsy
“your a harum-scarum-divvil-may-carum dacent Irish Boy”
The last time i saw Christy was Glastonbury 1986, you sang the Old Trangle with no instruments, it was breath taking…….always remembered it. I have loved the music always over the years but never got to another gig until last night. WOW What was I thinking all those years, it was the best night ever. You have all the spirit and spark you had back in 1986 and more. Thank you for a truely superb evening , rock on Christy, you are a legend.
fair play TC I was wondering where you got to…..dont go leavin it another 29 years…the lights might be gone out !