Gordon Lightfoot seems to be doing pretty well these days. Had a bad bought of food poisoning this year and in the past some abdominal problems but now seems good as he is still touring. Saw him on the news tonight discussing the making of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Both songs are favourites of mine. Funny though, I saw you sing Back Home in Derry in Waterford back in 2010 but I’ve never seen Gordon here in Canada. Just can’t seem to make a show when he comes around. Gonna have to try harder. BTW, my wife’s aunt use to visit Bobby Sands in prison back in the ’80’s.
Christy's reply
Best Wishes to Gordon…good to know he is still “in front of the lamps”
Today is the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the shipping freighter, the Edmund Fitzgerald that sank in Lake Superior in a fierce storm. That sinking inspired the song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald that was written by Gordon Lightfoot and is the basis of the song Back Home in Derry by Christy. Both great songs. Thanks Gordon and Christy.
Christy's reply
Thanks EH…the lyric of Back Home in Derry of Back Home in Derry was written by Bobby Sands in the H.Blocks during the Blanket Protest. The tune a variant of Gordon’s.How is Gordon Lightfoot these times ?
Dear Christy ..
Thank YOU for two fantastic concerts in Kells and Trim. I really enjoyed it. I love your energy, humor, the issues you express in the songs, your concern for the not so fortunate in this world .. Your music and voice is so capture waiting, and I must admit I am hooked. Especially, – I was so happy for the gesture you showed the disabled girl in Trim. I have a photo of my daughter, who is a great fan of you, even she does not know or understands the words you are singing.She loves your music and says to be: ” Mom, this is about feelings and emotions, right?” She has Downs Syndrome and she is crazy about the music 🙂 I have a photo where she is wearing “your hat” and poster .. I wish I could send it to you, – but can´t see an e-mail address anywhere ?
I HOPE I will be able to visit Ireland again soon and see you again. ! I guess I can´t persuade you to come to Denmark ? 🙂
All the best to you Christy
Hugs from The Danish Viking 🙂 Anette
Christy's reply
greetings to you and your daughter…happy to know that your daughter likes the sounds…I have not played in Denmark for many years..last time was at the Festival of Tonder….who knows what the future holds….I stopped air travel in1998 and, since then, I seldom venture too far from Ireland.
I’m reading comments here with much interest.
So – one hundred years this year since the great Ewan McColl was born, I saw Ewan and Peggy in London one time, 1983 I think, he always put one hand to his ear as he sang or reached some level of intensity in the song. I have recorded somewhere the great Johnstons version of Ewan’s ‘The Travelling People.’
C, two anniversaries looming; I see a mention of Christy Hennessy and his 70th birthday on the 19th, so a song in tribute to the great Christy will be appropriate on the 19th. The next day, the twentieth, sees the fortieth anniversary of General Franco’s death, sing a bar of ‘Ten years before the light of morning…’ at your Kildare gig on the 20th.
‘Let us all remember them tonight.’
The odd thing is Irishmen fought on both sides – each thinking, each side thinking they ultimately were ‘right.’ My esteemed late mother told me once she recalls a rally or parade, she says it was in Kilkenny city, a big parade or gathering of men going to fight in Spain. I said it was probably was a mobilising of men organised by the Church to fight and repel those ‘evil communists.’
I see some interesting references and comments from a Dagrab here, I can tell him caught the ‘bug’ sometime in either 1978 or ’79 as Christy sang ‘Tim Evans’ in a field in Ballisodare, Co Sligo, and I havnt shook it off; yet! And, Planxty is never ever far off my playlist I can tell both of ye.
Christy's reply
Even the Olives are Bleeding- 1976 Documentary by Cathal O’Shannon.
Interesting doc film on youtube.
A terrible war, a terrible time. They fought on both sides..for and against Fascism.
When The Blueshirts returned they were feted and celebrated. When The Brigadistas returned they were blacklisted and read from the altars of Catholic Ireland….
I saw a great play last night in Peckham, London called ‘United We Stand’, about Ricky Tomlinson, Des Warren and the Shrewsbury 24. Thought you would appreciate it, especially after seeing your gig at Barrowlands at the end of October just gone. Wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve come across it before but here is the link:
hi, Christy,
I came from Italy, to listen you in Trim, and every of second of your concert was worth of it. I wish to thank you for the energy you communicated and the strenght of the ideals which are still moving you. As long as you keep on singing, the world is a better place.
Christy's reply
Thank you Donatella…thank you for making the journey to Trim from Milano…good to know that you had a good time in County Meath…your journey and words are greatly appreciated…
Hi Christy
Hope all well.
There was some energy in the room in Kells.I know you have a ban on the wedding gigs but the hen party sneaked under the radar!They were in fine voice though.
There’ll always be a great welcome for you with ‘The Royals’.My Slane family have enjoyed your music for decades and see you as a kindred spirit in many ways,not least your family connections to the area..My son finally got to see your gig.The soundtrack to his childhood was an in car cassette of ‘Ride On’ alternating with ‘A Woman’s Heart”,so he was delighted to hear the three of you playing songs from ‘his ‘ era.Dec’s guitar lines on ‘Ride On’were were powerful as was his slide playing and ‘runs’ elsewhere.Jimmy has the Tuam beat nailed to the floor at all times it seems.
It was only two weeks since I’d seen the ace Buxton gig and Kells was my first concert on your home turf since the 70s.Being amongst the locals and hearing your back story to ‘Oblivious'(?) was insightful and emotional ,placing events in context in a very erudite way.That kind of sums up your connection with an audience,I reckon…
Cheers for all the great times over decades and it certainly won’t be another 30+ years before I get to hear you play a gig in Ireland.
To finish…’True Loves No Season’…a joy to hear that again .The trio arrangement takes it to a new place.
The magic of the music and the vibe on a gig…Ride On,indeed
Thanks,Dave
Christy's reply
never better Dave…glad you had a good trip back to the auld sod…I love hearing a report like yours…when listeners of different generations gather together to hear the ballads…had some Stackallen cousins there myself which always adds to the Meath sessions…
My 3rd time in that room since the first visit back in 1981…that was a very different occasion …dark dark days
Thank you for all your feedback…wish you well in your travels
PS….RTE Radio have asked me to make a programme about MacColl’s Centenary Album “The Joy of Living”…I’m looking forward to that and we’ll give notice here when its due to be aired….amazing are the twists and turns along the
Singing Road…
Hi Christy,
Many thanks again for a fantastic night on Saturday in Trim. My wife Els, Eva our daughter and myself enjoyed the gig very much, which was a great end to a too few holiday days in Ireland. Each time we can look back on a relaxing stay, so we’ll keep coming back for sure.
Also many thanks to Declan and Jimmy.
hope to see you soon again and keep up all the good work
Eva-Els-Piet
Christy's reply
Hey Piet,
Good to meet you again “anyone for the last few Belgique Choclates”
I wanted to sing ‘Brown Eyes” on Saturday night but each time I got distracted…hopefully, I will sing it again for you some day in your Country. Greetings to Eva and Els
Hi Christy, It’s me again I was wondering if you have an email account in which I could contact you to ask you a couple of questions for a project I am doing!! Alice says thank you so much for giving her a mention and we can’t wait to see you again!!!
Christy's reply
if its a music project you can ask your questions here
Hi Christy, I’m 14 years old and I saw you for the third time 2 weeks ago in Glasgow! I was so excited to see you as was my older sister Alice who hasn’t stopped talking about it, she is your biggest fan, (I’m a close second) and knows all the words to your songs!!!! We just wanted to say thank you so much for an amazing night and we cant wait until you’re back in Scotland so we can come see you again!!
Christy's reply
Hey Toddle85….good to hear from you…I was14 in 1959…I was listening to Elvis,playing piano, trying to learn “Heartbreak Hotel”. Then The Clancy Brothers came along with “Brennan on the Moor” and I changed to guitar. Been bangin the box ever since.Tell Alice to keep singin.See ye both next time we sail back up The Clyde.
Had a great night in Trimm, Co Meath last night, I first seen you in Berlin apprx 20 years ago and got addicted to you and your music, my mother is in her early 80s and travelled from Belfast to see you for the first time last night and to bring me a big cake for my 50th and she was in her element There was 10 of us, 5 travelled from Birmingham who had seen you on numerous occasions and 5 first timers who got blown away. One day I’ll get to shake your hand, you got away from me again But thanks for making my 50th special
A very satisfied customer
All the very best
Marty Breen, Belfast/Birmingham
Christy's reply
Berlin is a mighty City but I’ll take Trim any night of the week. I love playing in Germany but feel more at home in Nobber. The Rhine is fine but The Boyne is mine.What a buzz to read of your Mother coming down from The Bog Meadow to see her boy and bring you cake for the 50th.
Plans are afoot to return to Brum next year. Its been a while since but, if all goes Marty, we’ll do the travelling next time
Flew in from Birmingham with the family and friends this morning, also sister drove mother down from Belfast to catch you on this very day a special one for me as I’ve manage to hit 50 on this very day, didn’t think is make it and spend it with my idol WHAT A RESULT
Marty Breen
Belfast/Birmingham X
Christy's reply
glad your trip went well Marty….well done on hittin the 50….safe journey back to the Bullring
I was at the barrowlands gig last week good as ever seen you a few times now .I was wondering what was it getting filmed for
Christy's reply
RTE (The National Broadcaster here in Ireland) have commissioned a documentary about the songs I’ve been singing these past 50 years. I have been working with Mark McLoughlin, an award winning film maker, these past two months. We have travelled to numerous locations connected to songs and also recorded a number of diverse gigs, some large some very small and intimate. It is a very interesting process. We have been to Dublin, Cork, Tralee, Inis Oírr, Lisdoonvarna, Charlestown, Westmeath, Derry, Belfast, Bellaghy, Newbridge, Pollardstown, The Curragh, Milltown,Ballyporeen, Clonmel, Liverpool, Glasgow and also to my workroom at home…I have no idea how mark is going to stitch it all together,thats where the Film-Making comes into play. Starting out in 1966 I never dreamt that the songs would lead to such a place….some buzz
Good man Christy! First time I sat down all week after the BARROWLAND!!. It was a gig full of everything. First of all can I say to Michael Riley that my thoughts are with you and your a credit to all fathers out there…
I have been a follower of this forum for many a year and Michaels posts are one that I will always remember. It was only fitting and right to tribute ‘ride on’ to his late son. The first note from Dec was perfect and the rest was worthy.
I hope you enjoyed the gig as a much as the rest of us did? The energy that was given out from the stage and back from the crowd was second to none. I never experienced anything like it, The sash jersey was being spun around like it was in a tumble dryer and on Saturday morning I had aches in places that I shouldn’t have aches..
I met some brilliant people at the gig last week, future friends, even “pedro ” was a good guy.. I felt like the president with the amount of hand shakes!
Anyways, next stop the is Keadeen! Pauline and I were looking forward to the next gig(hopefully)
rang looking to tickets for the Friday night and they tell me its jamed packed, only Thursday available… the problem is our babysitters don’t work on a school night!!!. so hopefully some cancellation tickets will come back.!
up the sash for sunday!
no time for love… ha ha legend.
Christy's reply
Played in Kells ,County Meath last night. Great gathering from The Royal County. Two Newbridge boys stuck in the middle of them reminded me of you in Glasgow last week…you Sash boys surely make your presence felt !
You had aches and pains!! Imagine how this auld balladeer felt after that Barrowland joust..I felt like I was after going 60 minutes with the Castlemitchel GFC and the Narraghmore Pipe Band marched allover me..(older readers may understand !)
Hopefully something will show for you and Pauline…’twould he a hoor to miss the hometown (Moorefield) gig after you travelling international to he last one
Dear Christy, another fine Friday night, spent listening to your songs… and Kevin’s.. what a talented family you are… every song is so different and so soulful, one thing stays consistent.. the spell that you cast on the audience.. may you rock forever, i will listen to you till the day i die.. and from heaven – or wherever i end up 🙂
Hi Christy
Your mention of the wonders of Planxty resonates powerfully with me ,for the gigs I saw and the albums I still play regularly – especially the first release.
‘Sweet Thames Flow Softly’ is in my head right now ,as it was last night at The Lowy Theatre ,Salford where it featured in ‘Blood and Roses’,the tribute to Ewan MacColl in his hundredth year.
Song after song by a classy selection of guests portrayed the human experience that he expressed so well.Several times I recalled a song from one of your albums.’Tim Evans’ ,where the chill came back to me from first hearing it on a mangled cassette in the 70s.’Go ,Move,Shift’f eatured on many gigs.
I hope your listeners catch this show and that it tours Ireland.Damien Dempsey was on top form and received a great reception.I’d never heard ‘Tunnel Tigers’ which recounts the hardships of the vast number of Irish labourers slogging away digging out miles of earth for The Underground in London.Damien did full justice to the weighty song’s emotions .
Great that you deliver ‘Companeros ‘ so well (on the linked album, ‘The Joy of Living’) and on current gigs.
Its easy to see how the songs of Ewan MacColl have drawn you (and listeners) in throughout your career.They reflect their times so well,(with some irony in the glitz of the Lowry theatre complex on the site of the former Salford docks in the dirty old town.)whilst having a permanence in expressing genuine thought provoking sentiments.
Really looking forward to seeing you in Kells…..a huge bonus after the recent night in Buxton.
All the best,Dave
Christy's reply
I believe that Ewan’s place in the Folk Revival of the late 50’s 60’s and into the 70s was greatly under estimated. Whilst I have nothing but great personal memories of my 6 years on the British Circuit I also remember that MacColl and Seeger were not always appreciated back in the day. I recall petty jealousies, resentments and back biting. Ewan had very definite views politically and did not suffer fools gladly. Nor would he cow tow to Folk Club Organisers who felt he should be grateful for playing in “their” folk clubs. Everyone sang Ewan’s songs back then.Solo singers and bands from every genre within the folk spectrum. His place in the Folk Revival was most influential. I feel priviledged to have met him, to have played at His and Peggy’s Club (The Critics had a night off when I played there) and to have had the pleasure of singing so many of his great songs these past 50 years. Even now, I’m still learning and covering new MacColl songs….Every one with an interest in song should try and hear this album…Congrats to his family for making it happen
I am only 16 but ever since I can remember I have listened to your music. To say that it has had an influence on my life is an understatement. The man who introduced me to your music was my grandfather and he was a huge fan of yours. Sadly in July 2014 we lost him through depression and suicide. Every day i listen to your music and it brings me back so much good times that i had with my Grandad. I love how open you are about the issue of mental health surrounding men in particular and your music have helped me grieve my grandad. In your music his memory will always live on to me and I am forever grateful to you. Thank you Christy.
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing your story with us Conor…we all wish you well through life…great that you can carry such good memories of your Grandad with you…may he rest in peace…..music carries healing balm in its notes and melody, songs in their verses and refrains…I think of Declan O Rourke’s song..
“If I was a bird upon the wing
the sweetest song you’d hear me sing
I’d fill the air with secret words
in a language no one’s ever heard
round and round the the tune would ring,
the melody reverberating,
mesmerising and absurd,
more like an angel then a bird”
Hi Christy,
we are ready for what became a yearly tradition, visiting beautiful Ireland combining with a Christy & Declan gig in your own country. Recent years we visited Royal theatre in Castlebar, beautiful town hall of Knocknagoshel and the Great Northern in Bundoran, and your tour brings us on Saturday in Trim. Together with our daughter Eva, who will join us again, we are looking forward to our visit.
anyone for the last few Belgian chocolates ?
see you on Saturday !
Els-Eva-Piet
Christy's reply
Welcome back again dear listeners from Belgium..after Saturday you will have visited all four ancient provinces of Ireland….Ulster,Munster,Leinster and Connacht, in pursuit of song…we will raise to roof in Royal Meath…..thank you for listening
Gordon Lightfoot seems to be doing pretty well these days. Had a bad bought of food poisoning this year and in the past some abdominal problems but now seems good as he is still touring. Saw him on the news tonight discussing the making of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Both songs are favourites of mine. Funny though, I saw you sing Back Home in Derry in Waterford back in 2010 but I’ve never seen Gordon here in Canada. Just can’t seem to make a show when he comes around. Gonna have to try harder. BTW, my wife’s aunt use to visit Bobby Sands in prison back in the ’80’s.
Best Wishes to Gordon…good to know he is still “in front of the lamps”
Today is the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the shipping freighter, the Edmund Fitzgerald that sank in Lake Superior in a fierce storm. That sinking inspired the song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald that was written by Gordon Lightfoot and is the basis of the song Back Home in Derry by Christy. Both great songs. Thanks Gordon and Christy.
Thanks EH…the lyric of Back Home in Derry of Back Home in Derry was written by Bobby Sands in the H.Blocks during the Blanket Protest. The tune a variant of Gordon’s.How is Gordon Lightfoot these times ?
Dear Christy ..
Thank YOU for two fantastic concerts in Kells and Trim. I really enjoyed it. I love your energy, humor, the issues you express in the songs, your concern for the not so fortunate in this world .. Your music and voice is so capture waiting, and I must admit I am hooked. Especially, – I was so happy for the gesture you showed the disabled girl in Trim. I have a photo of my daughter, who is a great fan of you, even she does not know or understands the words you are singing.She loves your music and says to be: ” Mom, this is about feelings and emotions, right?” She has Downs Syndrome and she is crazy about the music 🙂 I have a photo where she is wearing “your hat” and poster .. I wish I could send it to you, – but can´t see an e-mail address anywhere ?
I HOPE I will be able to visit Ireland again soon and see you again. ! I guess I can´t persuade you to come to Denmark ? 🙂
All the best to you Christy
Hugs from The Danish Viking 🙂 Anette
greetings to you and your daughter…happy to know that your daughter likes the sounds…I have not played in Denmark for many years..last time was at the Festival of Tonder….who knows what the future holds….I stopped air travel in1998 and, since then, I seldom venture too far from Ireland.
I’m reading comments here with much interest.
So – one hundred years this year since the great Ewan McColl was born, I saw Ewan and Peggy in London one time, 1983 I think, he always put one hand to his ear as he sang or reached some level of intensity in the song. I have recorded somewhere the great Johnstons version of Ewan’s ‘The Travelling People.’
C, two anniversaries looming; I see a mention of Christy Hennessy and his 70th birthday on the 19th, so a song in tribute to the great Christy will be appropriate on the 19th. The next day, the twentieth, sees the fortieth anniversary of General Franco’s death, sing a bar of ‘Ten years before the light of morning…’ at your Kildare gig on the 20th.
‘Let us all remember them tonight.’
The odd thing is Irishmen fought on both sides – each thinking, each side thinking they ultimately were ‘right.’ My esteemed late mother told me once she recalls a rally or parade, she says it was in Kilkenny city, a big parade or gathering of men going to fight in Spain. I said it was probably was a mobilising of men organised by the Church to fight and repel those ‘evil communists.’
I see some interesting references and comments from a Dagrab here, I can tell him caught the ‘bug’ sometime in either 1978 or ’79 as Christy sang ‘Tim Evans’ in a field in Ballisodare, Co Sligo, and I havnt shook it off; yet! And, Planxty is never ever far off my playlist I can tell both of ye.
Even the Olives are Bleeding- 1976 Documentary by Cathal O’Shannon.
Interesting doc film on youtube.
A terrible war, a terrible time. They fought on both sides..for and against Fascism.
When The Blueshirts returned they were feted and celebrated. When The Brigadistas returned they were blacklisted and read from the altars of Catholic Ireland….
Hello Christy,
I saw a great play last night in Peckham, London called ‘United We Stand’, about Ricky Tomlinson, Des Warren and the Shrewsbury 24. Thought you would appreciate it, especially after seeing your gig at Barrowlands at the end of October just gone. Wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve come across it before but here is the link:
http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/productions/united-we-stand
See you for the next Barrowlands gig!
Christine
Thanks for sharing..
just heard a great song from Ian Prowse….”My Name is Dessie Warren”
hi, Christy,
I came from Italy, to listen you in Trim, and every of second of your concert was worth of it. I wish to thank you for the energy you communicated and the strenght of the ideals which are still moving you. As long as you keep on singing, the world is a better place.
Thank you Donatella…thank you for making the journey to Trim from Milano…good to know that you had a good time in County Meath…your journey and words are greatly appreciated…
Hi Christy
Hope all well.
There was some energy in the room in Kells.I know you have a ban on the wedding gigs but the hen party sneaked under the radar!They were in fine voice though.
There’ll always be a great welcome for you with ‘The Royals’.My Slane family have enjoyed your music for decades and see you as a kindred spirit in many ways,not least your family connections to the area..My son finally got to see your gig.The soundtrack to his childhood was an in car cassette of ‘Ride On’ alternating with ‘A Woman’s Heart”,so he was delighted to hear the three of you playing songs from ‘his ‘ era.Dec’s guitar lines on ‘Ride On’were were powerful as was his slide playing and ‘runs’ elsewhere.Jimmy has the Tuam beat nailed to the floor at all times it seems.
It was only two weeks since I’d seen the ace Buxton gig and Kells was my first concert on your home turf since the 70s.Being amongst the locals and hearing your back story to ‘Oblivious'(?) was insightful and emotional ,placing events in context in a very erudite way.That kind of sums up your connection with an audience,I reckon…
Cheers for all the great times over decades and it certainly won’t be another 30+ years before I get to hear you play a gig in Ireland.
To finish…’True Loves No Season’…a joy to hear that again .The trio arrangement takes it to a new place.
The magic of the music and the vibe on a gig…Ride On,indeed
Thanks,Dave
never better Dave…glad you had a good trip back to the auld sod…I love hearing a report like yours…when listeners of different generations gather together to hear the ballads…had some Stackallen cousins there myself which always adds to the Meath sessions…
My 3rd time in that room since the first visit back in 1981…that was a very different occasion …dark dark days
Thank you for all your feedback…wish you well in your travels
PS….RTE Radio have asked me to make a programme about MacColl’s Centenary Album “The Joy of Living”…I’m looking forward to that and we’ll give notice here when its due to be aired….amazing are the twists and turns along the
Singing Road…
Hi Christy,
Many thanks again for a fantastic night on Saturday in Trim. My wife Els, Eva our daughter and myself enjoyed the gig very much, which was a great end to a too few holiday days in Ireland. Each time we can look back on a relaxing stay, so we’ll keep coming back for sure.
Also many thanks to Declan and Jimmy.
hope to see you soon again and keep up all the good work
Eva-Els-Piet
Hey Piet,
Good to meet you again “anyone for the last few Belgique Choclates”
I wanted to sing ‘Brown Eyes” on Saturday night but each time I got distracted…hopefully, I will sing it again for you some day in your Country. Greetings to Eva and Els
Hi Christy, It’s me again I was wondering if you have an email account in which I could contact you to ask you a couple of questions for a project I am doing!! Alice says thank you so much for giving her a mention and we can’t wait to see you again!!!
if its a music project you can ask your questions here
Hi Christy, I’m 14 years old and I saw you for the third time 2 weeks ago in Glasgow! I was so excited to see you as was my older sister Alice who hasn’t stopped talking about it, she is your biggest fan, (I’m a close second) and knows all the words to your songs!!!! We just wanted to say thank you so much for an amazing night and we cant wait until you’re back in Scotland so we can come see you again!!
Hey Toddle85….good to hear from you…I was14 in 1959…I was listening to Elvis,playing piano, trying to learn “Heartbreak Hotel”. Then The Clancy Brothers came along with “Brennan on the Moor” and I changed to guitar. Been bangin the box ever since.Tell Alice to keep singin.See ye both next time we sail back up The Clyde.
Had a great night in Trimm, Co Meath last night, I first seen you in Berlin apprx 20 years ago and got addicted to you and your music, my mother is in her early 80s and travelled from Belfast to see you for the first time last night and to bring me a big cake for my 50th and she was in her element There was 10 of us, 5 travelled from Birmingham who had seen you on numerous occasions and 5 first timers who got blown away. One day I’ll get to shake your hand, you got away from me again But thanks for making my 50th special
A very satisfied customer
All the very best
Marty Breen, Belfast/Birmingham
Berlin is a mighty City but I’ll take Trim any night of the week. I love playing in Germany but feel more at home in Nobber. The Rhine is fine but The Boyne is mine.What a buzz to read of your Mother coming down from The Bog Meadow to see her boy and bring you cake for the 50th.
Plans are afoot to return to Brum next year. Its been a while since but, if all goes Marty, we’ll do the travelling next time
Flew in from Birmingham with the family and friends this morning, also sister drove mother down from Belfast to catch you on this very day a special one for me as I’ve manage to hit 50 on this very day, didn’t think is make it and spend it with my idol WHAT A RESULT
Marty Breen
Belfast/Birmingham X
glad your trip went well Marty….well done on hittin the 50….safe journey back to the Bullring
I was at the barrowlands gig last week good as ever seen you a few times now .I was wondering what was it getting filmed for
RTE (The National Broadcaster here in Ireland) have commissioned a documentary about the songs I’ve been singing these past 50 years. I have been working with Mark McLoughlin, an award winning film maker, these past two months. We have travelled to numerous locations connected to songs and also recorded a number of diverse gigs, some large some very small and intimate. It is a very interesting process. We have been to Dublin, Cork, Tralee, Inis Oírr, Lisdoonvarna, Charlestown, Westmeath, Derry, Belfast, Bellaghy, Newbridge, Pollardstown, The Curragh, Milltown,Ballyporeen, Clonmel, Liverpool, Glasgow and also to my workroom at home…I have no idea how mark is going to stitch it all together,thats where the Film-Making comes into play. Starting out in 1966 I never dreamt that the songs would lead to such a place….some buzz
Good man Christy! First time I sat down all week after the BARROWLAND!!. It was a gig full of everything. First of all can I say to Michael Riley that my thoughts are with you and your a credit to all fathers out there…
I have been a follower of this forum for many a year and Michaels posts are one that I will always remember. It was only fitting and right to tribute ‘ride on’ to his late son. The first note from Dec was perfect and the rest was worthy.
I hope you enjoyed the gig as a much as the rest of us did? The energy that was given out from the stage and back from the crowd was second to none. I never experienced anything like it, The sash jersey was being spun around like it was in a tumble dryer and on Saturday morning I had aches in places that I shouldn’t have aches..
I met some brilliant people at the gig last week, future friends, even “pedro ” was a good guy.. I felt like the president with the amount of hand shakes!
Anyways, next stop the is Keadeen! Pauline and I were looking forward to the next gig(hopefully)
rang looking to tickets for the Friday night and they tell me its jamed packed, only Thursday available… the problem is our babysitters don’t work on a school night!!!. so hopefully some cancellation tickets will come back.!
up the sash for sunday!
no time for love… ha ha legend.
Played in Kells ,County Meath last night. Great gathering from The Royal County. Two Newbridge boys stuck in the middle of them reminded me of you in Glasgow last week…you Sash boys surely make your presence felt !
You had aches and pains!! Imagine how this auld balladeer felt after that Barrowland joust..I felt like I was after going 60 minutes with the Castlemitchel GFC and the Narraghmore Pipe Band marched allover me..(older readers may understand !)
Hopefully something will show for you and Pauline…’twould he a hoor to miss the hometown (Moorefield) gig after you travelling international to he last one
oops forgot to add the link, d’oh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5lzSYL2gSg&spfreload=1
love the way you and Declan do this Christy, this song changed things.. and changed my ideas too… We have Dylan to thank for a lot 🙂
Dear Christy, another fine Friday night, spent listening to your songs… and Kevin’s.. what a talented family you are… every song is so different and so soulful, one thing stays consistent.. the spell that you cast on the audience.. may you rock forever, i will listen to you till the day i die.. and from heaven – or wherever i end up 🙂
Hi Christy
Your mention of the wonders of Planxty resonates powerfully with me ,for the gigs I saw and the albums I still play regularly – especially the first release.
‘Sweet Thames Flow Softly’ is in my head right now ,as it was last night at The Lowy Theatre ,Salford where it featured in ‘Blood and Roses’,the tribute to Ewan MacColl in his hundredth year.
Song after song by a classy selection of guests portrayed the human experience that he expressed so well.Several times I recalled a song from one of your albums.’Tim Evans’ ,where the chill came back to me from first hearing it on a mangled cassette in the 70s.’Go ,Move,Shift’f eatured on many gigs.
I hope your listeners catch this show and that it tours Ireland.Damien Dempsey was on top form and received a great reception.I’d never heard ‘Tunnel Tigers’ which recounts the hardships of the vast number of Irish labourers slogging away digging out miles of earth for The Underground in London.Damien did full justice to the weighty song’s emotions .
Great that you deliver ‘Companeros ‘ so well (on the linked album, ‘The Joy of Living’) and on current gigs.
Its easy to see how the songs of Ewan MacColl have drawn you (and listeners) in throughout your career.They reflect their times so well,(with some irony in the glitz of the Lowry theatre complex on the site of the former Salford docks in the dirty old town.)whilst having a permanence in expressing genuine thought provoking sentiments.
Really looking forward to seeing you in Kells…..a huge bonus after the recent night in Buxton.
All the best,Dave
I believe that Ewan’s place in the Folk Revival of the late 50’s 60’s and into the 70s was greatly under estimated. Whilst I have nothing but great personal memories of my 6 years on the British Circuit I also remember that MacColl and Seeger were not always appreciated back in the day. I recall petty jealousies, resentments and back biting. Ewan had very definite views politically and did not suffer fools gladly. Nor would he cow tow to Folk Club Organisers who felt he should be grateful for playing in “their” folk clubs. Everyone sang Ewan’s songs back then.Solo singers and bands from every genre within the folk spectrum. His place in the Folk Revival was most influential. I feel priviledged to have met him, to have played at His and Peggy’s Club (The Critics had a night off when I played there) and to have had the pleasure of singing so many of his great songs these past 50 years. Even now, I’m still learning and covering new MacColl songs….Every one with an interest in song should try and hear this album…Congrats to his family for making it happen
I am only 16 but ever since I can remember I have listened to your music. To say that it has had an influence on my life is an understatement. The man who introduced me to your music was my grandfather and he was a huge fan of yours. Sadly in July 2014 we lost him through depression and suicide. Every day i listen to your music and it brings me back so much good times that i had with my Grandad. I love how open you are about the issue of mental health surrounding men in particular and your music have helped me grieve my grandad. In your music his memory will always live on to me and I am forever grateful to you. Thank you Christy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Conor…we all wish you well through life…great that you can carry such good memories of your Grandad with you…may he rest in peace…..music carries healing balm in its notes and melody, songs in their verses and refrains…I think of Declan O Rourke’s song..
“If I was a bird upon the wing
the sweetest song you’d hear me sing
I’d fill the air with secret words
in a language no one’s ever heard
round and round the the tune would ring,
the melody reverberating,
mesmerising and absurd,
more like an angel then a bird”
Hi Christy,
we are ready for what became a yearly tradition, visiting beautiful Ireland combining with a Christy & Declan gig in your own country. Recent years we visited Royal theatre in Castlebar, beautiful town hall of Knocknagoshel and the Great Northern in Bundoran, and your tour brings us on Saturday in Trim. Together with our daughter Eva, who will join us again, we are looking forward to our visit.
anyone for the last few Belgian chocolates ?
see you on Saturday !
Els-Eva-Piet
Welcome back again dear listeners from Belgium..after Saturday you will have visited all four ancient provinces of Ireland….Ulster,Munster,Leinster and Connacht, in pursuit of song…we will raise to roof in Royal Meath…..thank you for listening