Hi All,,,, what a triumphant return to VIcar St this week, ? its a wonderful venue,,and always draws great crowds from all over,,,, beside me were a Scouser, a Londoner, 2 Germans, A Blackrock Elvis, A Rossie,,, a lad from Wickla, lots of Dubs, a woman from California and that’s only in 2 or 3 tables !! I ‘d say most of the 32 were represented, as well as some other Europeans probably and perhaps other far flung listeners also. It was mighty to see Cathal Hayden on stage and to hear the wonderful harmonies that Vicky brings to the singing,,, I only wish that she could be at all the gigs,, The songs were well chosen with a rare outing of Johnny Jump Up,,, although I think I heard it in Youghal by the sea in March 2015… So wishing Happy Holidays to all and already looking forward to the next outings, Beir bua agus Beannacht, H
Christy's reply
shhhh Hilary…we never let the truth get in the way of a good intro……in fairness you never heard that version before,,,,previously it was sung out like a ballad…before we went on stage monday we had a wee play of it,, a full half octave lower then previous versions in a laid back rhythm..it felt to me like a new song..its prob gonna be around for a while in this new arrangement…Barney McKenna played on the original version on the Kunta Kinta “Roots” album..that was back in 1975..what a time we had…..
hope this threatened storm dont materialise..hope you are enjoying the festives..thanks for sharing the recordings
Fair play to ye lads! Great gig in Vicars Street last night. Ended up bringing the world’s biggest Christy fan last night after the Red Hot Chili Peppers cancelled. Best gig he’s ever seen! He lashed out Joxer in McDonalds at 6am this morning for the whole place after a feed of pints. Loved Lingo Politico last night…. Great laugh altogether
Christy's reply
Heres hopin that Flea gets his voice back…its very traumatic to cancel gigs..the voice is such a delicate instrument and so much can depend upon it…one small voice box and thousands of people depending upon it for entertainment, for work, for succour…good luck to Flea and The Peppers
on the Burgers at 6am Eoin…..brings me back…nothing like a greasy burger with carmelised onion, a dollop of Heinz permato landing down into a “feed of pints”…I usually had to go for the 2nd Burger before lying down to a morning of hot sweats and daylight nighmares..then awaking to jaws clamped together with fear and grease, heart throbbing and the beard matted with gristle, dried stout and god knows what..
Hi Christy, thank you and the band for the wonderful music yesterday. It seems to be a good decision to spend a few pre-Christmas days in Dublin to go to the Vicar Street Gigs. Looking forward to the songs tonight
Christy's reply
two very different nights..hope all went well for you after journeying from Germany
Happy Christmas Christy from downtown Ringsend. Keep the flames burning in 2017!!! Fantastic that you have lent your hand to the Homeless crisis. Protest songs are needed now more than ever!!!
Regards
Shay Connolly
Christy's reply
Home Sweet Home in The Court today ..fingers crossed
Really looking forward to the Vicar St gig tonight. Could you please mention the Baker brothers from Baker’s pub just up the road on the corner of Meath St and Thomas St. It’s thirty years since our parents RIP sold the pub. At this time of year we remember the wonderful community of people who lived above the shop, the Harringtons from the Clock, the O Neills from the Mayo stores, the Larkins from the butchers and so many others. It was a wonderful place to grow up, full of life and great characters from Bang Bang to the dealers along Thomas St. In those days dealers were stall holders selling fruit and veg, fish and flowers, not the other kind of dealers who have done so much damage to my beloved Liberties. I’m looking forward to a great night’s music and a stroll down memory lane. I wish you and yours a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New year. God Bless, Brendan Baker.
Christy's reply
sorry Bren, did not read your post ’til today….hope all went well and you got back to Lucan in one piece…I have boyhood memories of Lucan..my Grandparents lived in BackWeston and I used to cycle into Dick Simms Bookies Office to back horses for my Granny…my Grandad used to visit The Ball Alley House where the owner Mr Barrett always gave me lemonade and peanuts…used to swim across the road where The Liffey flowed thru the Sarsfield Demesne….I’m going back to the mid 50s
Marvellous gig last night and a treat to hear Johnny Jump Up! It’s great to have you all back in Vicar Street this December, it just wasn’t the same without those gigs! Lovely sound and energy, sure you’d be buzzing for a week after it ☺ xx
Really looking forward to the show tomorrow night Christy. Would be great if you could play Beeswing for my girlfriend Sarah Donnelly. We’re currently living in Perth (Australia) and she requests this song on an almost weekly basis from the Irish musicians in the pubs out there. Would mean a lot if we could hear it live from the man himself. Hope you have a great Christmas and best of luck for the year ahead.
Christy's reply
gotta try and satisfy our long haul listeners…welcome home from WA….Black Swan Territory
Hi Christy. Thanks so much to yourself, Declan, Vicki, Cathal and Jimmy for a magical evening’s entertainment tonight in Vicar St. The standing ovation at the end was spontaneous and richly deserved. The three of us (myself, Paul and Tomás) were together at the gig again continuing the family tradition. Tonight was another night that you made us very glad that we’re doing that. Happy Christmas. Ciaran.
Christy's reply
The Band had a good time last night…the audience was superb…..one down, five to go…..
Thank you Christy, you made Jack’s night. We all sang along to the songs, brought back lots of memories. Happy Christmas and best wishes to you for the year ahead.
Christy's reply
it was a lovely moment…best wishes to Jack and crew
Hi Christy, heading to tomorrow nights gig. Been away travelling for the last 18 months and reuniting with two very good friends tomorrow night for the first time. The Vicar street Christmas gigs have been a tradition for quite some time and last year was the first time we missed it in some years! Would love to hear Beeswing for the Taney boys. Can’t wait. Cian
Hello Dear Christy
The year is coming to an end and in Belgium around this period we have a radio station that organize a show called The Warmest Week where everybody can ask for a song and donate money instead for good charity . Free to chose witch charity.
It’s a good initiative and it’s amazing how much money people donate .
Anyway you will be on our radio, I will gladly donate something to hear you and let
my countryman to wonder who is this great singer ( for those who don’t know you!)
A few weeks ago your dear brother was in the Roma and I do not know what they gave him to eat but he was in such great shape, he just couldn’t stop.
He let us laughing and singing for over 2 hours!
Great venue the Roma !
There hangs a poster of Planxty from a gig in may 1979 ! I have a picture of it and send it to Hillary so she can send it to you.
In January the 11th we will come to Vicar street so we will start the new year well.
I hope you and your family and the whole crew will have nice Christmas days and
a happy new year.
See you soon in Dublin !
Warm greetings from Chris the shy chocolate woman.
Christy's reply
good to hear from you….forgot to thank you for that great Planxty poster from ROMA 1979…brought back memories of happy Planxty times..Enjoy your intervening days and we’ll see you on Jan 11th
Luka loved his Belgian gigs and came home to Clare energised by the welcome he recieved
It is THAT time of the year already ! Vicar Street… where it all began for me… Have some great nights every one, listeners, performers, neighbours, long-haulers…
May the crowd howl out for more, may the band never finish playing, may the bells ring out… and may all your dreams come true.
Well done everyone on Home Sweet Home, Merry Christmas to the clan. Maryline
Christy's reply
just arrived back in here…nothing has changed, still the same sweet waft..we got some new songs to play….we got a full house of listeners making their way to Vicar St as I write…Declan is sound checking…. Mick is plannng, Paddy is percolating, Geoff is focusing Davy is Mixing, Dikon is tweeking, Johnny is changing strings, Adam is snapping, Jimmy is tightening his skins, Vicky is checking her lyrics…I’m sewing my corset,checking wardrobe, getting nervous . seeking distraction in Santiago…..good wishes to you and your family across the boundless Oceans..beneath the glttering skies….Adelante ! x
It ain’t over yet, but congratulations on another great year on the never ending tour…The Journey, Lily , the gigs and lots more too. Wish you well for Vicar St gigs, but mostly to wish you and all around you, family and crew , the happiest of Christmasses and best to come in ’17….hup Apollo.
L x
Christy's reply
O down at the end of Lonely St ‘s the Harcourt Hotel
I’m ever so lonely baby
Thank you Christy!
I’m delighted you found a way to sing “The Gardener” in an adequate key – I love this wonderful song!
Great to see your commitment to “Home Sweet Home” … wishing the campaign every success in protecting homeless people!
Yesterday we went to the cinema and saw (eventually) “I, Daniel Blake”, a very moving film and so realistic. Ken Loach is a genius.
All the best and enjoy Vicar Street! Traudel
Christy's reply
Home Sweet Home at Apollo House is coming together gradually…a great initiative being developed by as fine a group of young activists as I have ever encountered…their purpose, their integrity, their work ethic, their enthusiasm and body politic makes the glue that is holding it all together
when I was there yesterday there were nurses, social workers,legal people, a chef, an electrical company, plumbers, plasterers, Mattress Mick,singers, performance artist,activists, security,trade unionists all gathered together voluntarily, all pulling together to make “Home Sweet Home” work
but, of course, there are snipers in the long grass,including Minister Simon Coveney whose brief it is to provide shelter for the Homeless
but a great surge of public support and interest is carrying it on..
this is a very difficult and complex project to develop….
Well, I will try once more. If it is blocked again, try looking the video up on bbtesla on YouTube. Maybe the Queen is pissed at my dissing the Anglican Church. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRgosf5GPag
Christy's reply
I’ve already wasted too many valuable, sacred years riding the high stool…heard enough drunk slobbers to last me many lifetimes , betimes I was both listener and slobberer…happy christmas, hope your liver survives…that you continue to truly enjoy the beauty that remains
Christy, looking forward to gig tomorrow evening in Vicar St, an annual event. We would be very grateful if you could say Hello to Jack Hughes,my father in law, who is attending his first concert in Vicar St at 88 years young. It was his wish to attend this year as has not been to see you in a few years,and has never been to Vicar St( has attended all other Dublin venues over the years and sung as a choir member in many).Would live to hear The Voyage. Looking forward to the evening
Christy's reply
and there was me thinking I’d be the oldest in the room tonight….fair play to Jack and co for coming out to hear the songs…Rock on Good Companero !
Season’s Greetings to you and yours, dear Christy!
This is always a busy time when the year is coming to the end – so it’s good to pause sometimes to read your Guestbook with all the enthusiastic reviews from listeners or their anticipation when going to gigs … the meaningful comments of yourself … and to listen and enjoy your music …
Your last weekend’s gigs at Limerick were a smasher! Glad The Gardener isn’t hibernating and you are singing it again (most beautifully!!!) – so there’s hope he’ll get an appearance when the January Man comes around to Vicar Street at the first days of the new year.
We are looking forward to returning to Erin’s shores come winter solstice. Hopefully all goes well and we’re seeing you again soon.
Best of Luck for your Vicar St gigs! Traudel
PS: Sorry to say (as BUAGH9 did before) the video clip you sent isn’t available here too.
“The Gardener” is starting to blossom…I struggled with the high notes when recording it and subsequenty when performing it..then one night I inadvertently sang it in a higher key then usual and it worked!…. when I go for the high notes in falsetto mode the “difficulty” fades away….it is such a beautiful song from Paul Doran..he also wrote “Natives” from the “Unfinished Revolution” album of 30 years ago…
rehearsing this evening for our upcoming Vicar St Gigs…the winter sun is beaming today
I spent time yesterday in the Apollo Building in Dublin City centre..it has been occupied under the banner of “Home Sweet Home” run by a Collective who are attempting to provide shelter for Homeless in the City….
We are very excited to be travelling to Dublin tomorrow to see you at Vicar Street on Monday and Tuesday evening. This is a special birthday present for my husband and I was wondering if you ever do signings. As a Christmas present I have got him your new DVD & a turning it into a signed copy would be wonderful. Thanks and hoping. Tricia
Christy's reply
Tricia…I am unable to do signings around gigs…when the gig ends I am usually saturated and need to cool off and drink lots of tea…
Hi All,,,, what a triumphant return to VIcar St this week, ? its a wonderful venue,,and always draws great crowds from all over,,,, beside me were a Scouser, a Londoner, 2 Germans, A Blackrock Elvis, A Rossie,,, a lad from Wickla, lots of Dubs, a woman from California and that’s only in 2 or 3 tables !! I ‘d say most of the 32 were represented, as well as some other Europeans probably and perhaps other far flung listeners also. It was mighty to see Cathal Hayden on stage and to hear the wonderful harmonies that Vicky brings to the singing,,, I only wish that she could be at all the gigs,, The songs were well chosen with a rare outing of Johnny Jump Up,,, although I think I heard it in Youghal by the sea in March 2015… So wishing Happy Holidays to all and already looking forward to the next outings, Beir bua agus Beannacht, H
shhhh Hilary…we never let the truth get in the way of a good intro……in fairness you never heard that version before,,,,previously it was sung out like a ballad…before we went on stage monday we had a wee play of it,, a full half octave lower then previous versions in a laid back rhythm..it felt to me like a new song..its prob gonna be around for a while in this new arrangement…Barney McKenna played on the original version on the Kunta Kinta “Roots” album..that was back in 1975..what a time we had…..
hope this threatened storm dont materialise..hope you are enjoying the festives..thanks for sharing the recordings
Wishing you and all dear to you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Well done to all connected with “Home Sweet Home”. This is a clip of the late George Carlin talking on the subject almost twenty-five years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lncLOEqc9Rw
thanks for sharing this Lizzy…..George Carlin was a mighty man
Fair play to ye lads! Great gig in Vicars Street last night. Ended up bringing the world’s biggest Christy fan last night after the Red Hot Chili Peppers cancelled. Best gig he’s ever seen! He lashed out Joxer in McDonalds at 6am this morning for the whole place after a feed of pints. Loved Lingo Politico last night…. Great laugh altogether
Heres hopin that Flea gets his voice back…its very traumatic to cancel gigs..the voice is such a delicate instrument and so much can depend upon it…one small voice box and thousands of people depending upon it for entertainment, for work, for succour…good luck to Flea and The Peppers
on the Burgers at 6am Eoin…..brings me back…nothing like a greasy burger with carmelised onion, a dollop of Heinz permato landing down into a “feed of pints”…I usually had to go for the 2nd Burger before lying down to a morning of hot sweats and daylight nighmares..then awaking to jaws clamped together with fear and grease, heart throbbing and the beard matted with gristle, dried stout and god knows what..
O happy Christmas ,I Love You baby
Hi Christy, thank you and the band for the wonderful music yesterday. It seems to be a good decision to spend a few pre-Christmas days in Dublin to go to the Vicar Street Gigs. Looking forward to the songs tonight
two very different nights..hope all went well for you after journeying from Germany
Happy Christmas Christy from downtown Ringsend. Keep the flames burning in 2017!!! Fantastic that you have lent your hand to the Homeless crisis. Protest songs are needed now more than ever!!!
Regards
Shay Connolly
Home Sweet Home in The Court today ..fingers crossed
Really looking forward to the Vicar St gig tonight. Could you please mention the Baker brothers from Baker’s pub just up the road on the corner of Meath St and Thomas St. It’s thirty years since our parents RIP sold the pub. At this time of year we remember the wonderful community of people who lived above the shop, the Harringtons from the Clock, the O Neills from the Mayo stores, the Larkins from the butchers and so many others. It was a wonderful place to grow up, full of life and great characters from Bang Bang to the dealers along Thomas St. In those days dealers were stall holders selling fruit and veg, fish and flowers, not the other kind of dealers who have done so much damage to my beloved Liberties. I’m looking forward to a great night’s music and a stroll down memory lane. I wish you and yours a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New year. God Bless, Brendan Baker.
sorry Bren, did not read your post ’til today….hope all went well and you got back to Lucan in one piece…I have boyhood memories of Lucan..my Grandparents lived in BackWeston and I used to cycle into Dick Simms Bookies Office to back horses for my Granny…my Grandad used to visit The Ball Alley House where the owner Mr Barrett always gave me lemonade and peanuts…used to swim across the road where The Liffey flowed thru the Sarsfield Demesne….I’m going back to the mid 50s
Marvellous gig last night and a treat to hear Johnny Jump Up! It’s great to have you all back in Vicar Street this December, it just wasn’t the same without those gigs! Lovely sound and energy, sure you’d be buzzing for a week after it ☺ xx
Up The Rossies !
Really looking forward to the show tomorrow night Christy. Would be great if you could play Beeswing for my girlfriend Sarah Donnelly. We’re currently living in Perth (Australia) and she requests this song on an almost weekly basis from the Irish musicians in the pubs out there. Would mean a lot if we could hear it live from the man himself. Hope you have a great Christmas and best of luck for the year ahead.
gotta try and satisfy our long haul listeners…welcome home from WA….Black Swan Territory
Hi Christy. Thanks so much to yourself, Declan, Vicki, Cathal and Jimmy for a magical evening’s entertainment tonight in Vicar St. The standing ovation at the end was spontaneous and richly deserved. The three of us (myself, Paul and Tomás) were together at the gig again continuing the family tradition. Tonight was another night that you made us very glad that we’re doing that. Happy Christmas. Ciaran.
The Band had a good time last night…the audience was superb…..one down, five to go…..
Thank you Christy, you made Jack’s night. We all sang along to the songs, brought back lots of memories. Happy Christmas and best wishes to you for the year ahead.
it was a lovely moment…best wishes to Jack and crew
Hi Christy, heading to tomorrow nights gig. Been away travelling for the last 18 months and reuniting with two very good friends tomorrow night for the first time. The Vicar street Christmas gigs have been a tradition for quite some time and last year was the first time we missed it in some years! Would love to hear Beeswing for the Taney boys. Can’t wait. Cian
fáilte arais Cian….we’ll do our best tonight
Hello Dear Christy
The year is coming to an end and in Belgium around this period we have a radio station that organize a show called The Warmest Week where everybody can ask for a song and donate money instead for good charity . Free to chose witch charity.
It’s a good initiative and it’s amazing how much money people donate .
Anyway you will be on our radio, I will gladly donate something to hear you and let
my countryman to wonder who is this great singer ( for those who don’t know you!)
A few weeks ago your dear brother was in the Roma and I do not know what they gave him to eat but he was in such great shape, he just couldn’t stop.
He let us laughing and singing for over 2 hours!
Great venue the Roma !
There hangs a poster of Planxty from a gig in may 1979 ! I have a picture of it and send it to Hillary so she can send it to you.
In January the 11th we will come to Vicar street so we will start the new year well.
I hope you and your family and the whole crew will have nice Christmas days and
a happy new year.
See you soon in Dublin !
Warm greetings from Chris the shy chocolate woman.
good to hear from you….forgot to thank you for that great Planxty poster from ROMA 1979…brought back memories of happy Planxty times..Enjoy your intervening days and we’ll see you on Jan 11th
Luka loved his Belgian gigs and came home to Clare energised by the welcome he recieved
It is THAT time of the year already ! Vicar Street… where it all began for me… Have some great nights every one, listeners, performers, neighbours, long-haulers…
May the crowd howl out for more, may the band never finish playing, may the bells ring out… and may all your dreams come true.
Well done everyone on Home Sweet Home, Merry Christmas to the clan. Maryline
just arrived back in here…nothing has changed, still the same sweet waft..we got some new songs to play….we got a full house of listeners making their way to Vicar St as I write…Declan is sound checking…. Mick is plannng, Paddy is percolating, Geoff is focusing Davy is Mixing, Dikon is tweeking, Johnny is changing strings, Adam is snapping, Jimmy is tightening his skins, Vicky is checking her lyrics…I’m sewing my corset,checking wardrobe, getting nervous . seeking distraction in Santiago…..good wishes to you and your family across the boundless Oceans..beneath the glttering skies….Adelante ! x
It ain’t over yet, but congratulations on another great year on the never ending tour…The Journey, Lily , the gigs and lots more too. Wish you well for Vicar St gigs, but mostly to wish you and all around you, family and crew , the happiest of Christmasses and best to come in ’17….hup Apollo.
L x
O down at the end of Lonely St ‘s the Harcourt Hotel
I’m ever so lonely baby
Thank you Christy!
I’m delighted you found a way to sing “The Gardener” in an adequate key – I love this wonderful song!
Great to see your commitment to “Home Sweet Home” … wishing the campaign every success in protecting homeless people!
Yesterday we went to the cinema and saw (eventually) “I, Daniel Blake”, a very moving film and so realistic. Ken Loach is a genius.
All the best and enjoy Vicar Street! Traudel
Home Sweet Home at Apollo House is coming together gradually…a great initiative being developed by as fine a group of young activists as I have ever encountered…their purpose, their integrity, their work ethic, their enthusiasm and body politic makes the glue that is holding it all together
when I was there yesterday there were nurses, social workers,legal people, a chef, an electrical company, plumbers, plasterers, Mattress Mick,singers, performance artist,activists, security,trade unionists all gathered together voluntarily, all pulling together to make “Home Sweet Home” work
but, of course, there are snipers in the long grass,including Minister Simon Coveney whose brief it is to provide shelter for the Homeless
but a great surge of public support and interest is carrying it on..
this is a very difficult and complex project to develop….
Well, I will try once more. If it is blocked again, try looking the video up on bbtesla on YouTube. Maybe the Queen is pissed at my dissing the Anglican Church.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRgosf5GPag
I’ve already wasted too many valuable, sacred years riding the high stool…heard enough drunk slobbers to last me many lifetimes , betimes I was both listener and slobberer…happy christmas, hope your liver survives…that you continue to truly enjoy the beauty that remains
Christy, looking forward to gig tomorrow evening in Vicar St, an annual event. We would be very grateful if you could say Hello to Jack Hughes,my father in law, who is attending his first concert in Vicar St at 88 years young. It was his wish to attend this year as has not been to see you in a few years,and has never been to Vicar St( has attended all other Dublin venues over the years and sung as a choir member in many).Would live to hear The Voyage. Looking forward to the evening
and there was me thinking I’d be the oldest in the room tonight….fair play to Jack and co for coming out to hear the songs…Rock on Good Companero !
Season’s Greetings to you and yours, dear Christy!
This is always a busy time when the year is coming to the end – so it’s good to pause sometimes to read your Guestbook with all the enthusiastic reviews from listeners or their anticipation when going to gigs … the meaningful comments of yourself … and to listen and enjoy your music …
Your last weekend’s gigs at Limerick were a smasher! Glad The Gardener isn’t hibernating and you are singing it again (most beautifully!!!) – so there’s hope he’ll get an appearance when the January Man comes around to Vicar Street at the first days of the new year.
We are looking forward to returning to Erin’s shores come winter solstice. Hopefully all goes well and we’re seeing you again soon.
Best of Luck for your Vicar St gigs! Traudel
PS: Sorry to say (as BUAGH9 did before) the video clip you sent isn’t available here too.
https://youtu.be/QoowIeJ1YXo
“The Gardener” is starting to blossom…I struggled with the high notes when recording it and subsequenty when performing it..then one night I inadvertently sang it in a higher key then usual and it worked!…. when I go for the high notes in falsetto mode the “difficulty” fades away….it is such a beautiful song from Paul Doran..he also wrote “Natives” from the “Unfinished Revolution” album of 30 years ago…
rehearsing this evening for our upcoming Vicar St Gigs…the winter sun is beaming today
I spent time yesterday in the Apollo Building in Dublin City centre..it has been occupied under the banner of “Home Sweet Home” run by a Collective who are attempting to provide shelter for Homeless in the City….
We are very excited to be travelling to Dublin tomorrow to see you at Vicar Street on Monday and Tuesday evening. This is a special birthday present for my husband and I was wondering if you ever do signings. As a Christmas present I have got him your new DVD & a turning it into a signed copy would be wonderful. Thanks and hoping. Tricia
Tricia…I am unable to do signings around gigs…when the gig ends I am usually saturated and need to cool off and drink lots of tea…
Hiya Christy, got your youtube link for Home Sweet Home , but its saying the video is unavailable so ……… that’s weird huh?
https://youtu.be/QoowIeJ1YXo