Hi Christy
The West will be well and truly awake this week……..a good venue to dust off the Cobwebs……….in between the Races and the All-Ireland. Was down there myself on Plate day, there was one almighty shower of Rain which had an awful effect on the “Fake Tan”. I couldn’t but think of the words from “Ruby”. I wonder will Iggy be joining us, or will he be busy preparing for the First Sunday. All the best on the next Leg of the never ending tour.
Ride on
Patsy
Christy's reply
I first sang in Galway in 1962…went to the Galway races and ended up in O’Connors out in Salthill..got to sing on the stage there invited up by Christy O’Connor of that famous music house..probably sang Rosin The Bow and The Jug of Punch…20 years later returned to play for Neilus and Benny and thru the 80s had manys the good night there always welcomed with fine hospitality…two outstanding memories…one night a fierce thunder and lightning storm hit Galway and the power went down during my set…Jim Donohoe got his torch out and we continued the gig in a thronged room in torchlight..no PA and 500 people in the room.. the silence that descended was remarkabale…..the power returned and the spell was broken……another year I sang Quinte Brigada,,at the end two Spainsih Women stood up and yelled Viva Franco before exiting dramatically..the song flushed them out !! ( have to admit that I (almost) admired their tenacity)
Hi C,,, In case you need to know I just checked there are only 136 Shopping Days to Christmas !!!!,,, but more importantly only 4 more sleeps to the Galway Black Box,, I trust you had a good break,,,even though it was short enough,,,, best of luck for the next season,,,the calender is filling up already, with some new and interesting venues,,,,and no doubt a mixture of combinations at gigs from solos to duos and multiple performers,,safe travelling all…. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
Christy's reply
its just galloping away, in the blink of an eye, last years pudding still fermenting in the biscuit tin, christmas cards still hanging over the mantle, 3 selection boxes remain unopened and those mince pies are looking a dangerous green…its all a pain in the whole really, a huge shopping extravaganza nightmare, more for the haves, less for the have nots.. a falsity….based on myth and exploited to the hilt by the merchants, moneylenders, tax gatherers, airlines,
but still, we’ll have a bit of crack, pull a few crackers, ate rings round us, put on half a stone, talk of times of yore, long remembered Santa times.. I got a fire engine in 1949 and to this day I believe my Granny stole it…best ever was Christmas day in the Sergeants mess in Connolly Barracks , The Curragh Camp 1963…..my cousin Paddy Power, home from Yonkers, stood on the table and sang “Come all you young rebels, and list while I sing”
You’re wrong actually Christy on a technicality. You played the Apollo in April 1979 in the reincarnation of Planxty with the addition of Matt playing majestically on flute. I know the date because of my father’s death round about that time.
Christy's reply
fair play John,you are quite correct…we played The United City on April 11th 1979….I’d forgotten that the venue was in Ardwick Green…..I still recall the sparks flying when Matt Molloy and Liam O’Flynn tore into sets of reels as Andy, Donal and I tried to keep apace with them..that was good Planxty time
This is the day….well it’s Friday 11th in The Annesley House on the North Strand Rd, that the great WALLY PAGE plays along with Johnny Mulhearn…. knockin out the hits and tunes..
Thank you.L
Hello Christy,
July 21 in Arklow Bay Hotel was magic for my wife, son and me. It was surreal for me singing and laughing along with everyone else, 31 years after that concert in Manchester Apollo (12 Oct 1986 if not wrong). And your autograph has given a new lease of life to The Christy Moore Songbook even as the pages are yellowing.
Had toured your beautiful land as a student with friends in ’83 and this trip has also been fabulous in so many ways including July 21 evening. Cheers!
Sukhihotu (May you be well and happy always)
Christy's reply
To Siew Yen,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story…..I heard you sing in Arklow, I caught sight of you from the stage….
I also remember that 1986 gig..I played that Apollo once and remember that part of Manchester from 20 years earlier is 1966….I used to visit another musician ,Packie Manus Byrne, who lived nearby in Ardwick..
its always a treat to hear from you long distance listeners..to read that the songs resound in far away places….best wishes to you and your family
Sukhihotu
go n’eirí an mBóthar leat ( that the road may go with you)
Hi C… speaking of new Albums over the weekend someone asked me about the name of the song you ” know the one about stichin your man up in the sheets “,,,which lead me onto goggling Mike Waterson,,,, and I discovered that the album “Bright Phoebus ” made by Mike and Lal in the early 1970’s has been re released, it may be of interest to people here,,, it received great reviews in The Guardian and even in the Financial Times !! here is a link to a website with the full story http://brightphoeb.us/ Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
Christy's reply
lovely to see Mike and Lal Waterson mentioned here..both gone on to the great Halting Site…I still cherish the memory of first hearing them with sister Norma and cousin John…I went to The Pennine Folk Club in Hyde, Chesire one Thursday night in 1967 when The Watersons were the guest “turn”…got chatting with them and they arranged for me to come and play at their Folk Club in Hull….that very first night in Hull Mike sang “The Lakes of Pontchartrain’ to me and, 50 years later, almost everyone in Ireland loves that beautiful song ..that same night he gave me his version of “Van Diemen’ Land” which I still sing. years later I was honoured to sing one of Lal’s songs “The Piper’s Path” on a tribute album dedicated to Lal. Later again I recorded “Stitch in Time” which was written by Mike.
Never a week goes by without my listening to a few Waterson songs. I just love their raw sound, their unique harmonising in unison like I once loved their good company…I often think of those times spent in Hull…
” sing woe me lads sing woe, ride on me lads ride on
who would’nt be for all the world a Jolly Waggoner”
Morning Christy, I’ve been in my workshop for a few hours this morning an have stopped for a cuppa. The window looks on to the garden and I was delighted to see blackbird, wren, robin and thrush among others stopping by. the birdbath it’s like an international airport! The wren scooted about the raised beds; the blackbird inspected the lawn; the robin perched on the handle of the garden fork and the little thrush rooted under the hedgerow, cautious as always. Three songs that I love: The Boys of Barr Na Sráide, The Singing Bird and The Gardener. Enough twittering heading back to my bench with my favourite music on shuffle! Thanks for the music…
Christy's reply
Cathal Haydens new album arrived in the post here this morning…”Bow Brothers”
is bringing me on a lovely jaunt as I type…
“The New Policeman” “The Hare’s Paw” and”The Sailor on the Rock” bringing light to this cloudy day….no music lifts my heart like our Trad..especially when played this way…a great group of players join Cathal here including his brother Stephen and Seamie O’Dowd…
hope you are happy at your bench…I pass beneath your “bookcase” a dozen times a day often pausing to reflect on the state of the nation!!
Hello Christy. I hope you and yours are well. Thank you for your response. As you said it is a difficult question to answer in any real quantitative way. I may well take a PhD in this subject when I am retired! 🙂
Have you seen this video? https://thisaintnodisco.ie/episode-iii/
I like it because it has Lisa O’Neill and Radie Peat sing on it and they are such great female voices. But the best bit is the interspersed recording of Maggie Barry speaking about her love of music. ‘Every question asked of her, her answer was always music.’ Which is very cool.
Anyhoo take care see you soon. xx
Christy's reply
I love to hear Radie Peat..Lisa O’Neill too…and Margaret Barry…..
“One Winter’s night in London, out beyond Willesden Junction,how my heart it filled with joy.
‘Twas the night that Maggie Barry called me up to sing The Wild Colonial Boy”
Listen to me Anuk, have you heard Gerry Divers Album “Speech Project”?
Margaret Barry’s tracks are my absolute favourites on this brilliant album…get it if you aint got it…
Summer Camp is going well… we are servicing the gear.. greasing the axles…polishing the chrome…learning new tricks and training the animals as we prepare for year 52 of the never ending Fleadh Ceoil na h Éireann
A few bits and pieces … I thought we would have been playing Kildare this weekend but not to be. Delighted that we won but both matches today were a bit one-sided. The Dublin game will be a different matter. Hope the matches tomorrow and Monday are better.
The demise of Sam Shepard is a sad event. That image of you and him having breakfast together is a good one… two really cool dudes dining together. You may have read this piece by Patti Smith but if not, here it is. She mentions the Cobblestone:
The best music event I’ve been to this year is the Roger Waters “Us and Them” concert. It’s political, visually stunning, and the music is absolutely brilliant. The tour is currently heading to the east coast and then Canada, So, all you exiles, if you haven’t bought your tickets …
Up Tyrone
Christy's reply
2 bad games yesterday
bit of hurlin today might revive us
Patti writes beautiful for her ex
we saw Roger Waters here a few years back,great gig,
if Us &Them gets here we’ll give it a go
thanks for sharing
I’ve just bought tickets to bring a few ‘Christy newbies’ to see you in the Millennium Forum on Nov 3rd. I can’t wait as I know these lads will love you! In fact the last time I saw you perform there, I met you afterwards in the Green Room with the ‘Field Day’ crew and the late, great, Sam Shepard (RIP). You asked him if he wanted to play a song/tune but he respectfully declined. It was only a few days later that I found out that he co-wrote songs with Bob Dylan – that he was a talented musician in his own right. I particularly remember him ask you about Phil Chevrons ‘Faithful Departed’ – you had played it in memory of Philip who had just passed away – one of my favourites too. I think it was the fantastic lyrics that he was fascinated by – and their delivery of course! I had the opportunity/pleasure to talk a lot more to him when we moved on to Peadar O Donnell’s on Waterloo St about the concert and the songs and I couldn’t get over how much he enjoyed the night. Anyhow I’ll be onto you closer to the date to ask you maybe to play ‘Faithful Departed’ in his memory on that night in November. Before then, 6 of us will attend your concert in the Black Box in Galway on August 19th. I’ve a story about that night too but I’ll leave it until another time to torture you with it. Until then, keep up the great energy and drive and enjoy the performing.
Christy's reply
I was sorry to read of Sam’s passing….the morning after that Derry gig I had breakfast with him when we met again, purely by chance….
Hi Christy looking forward to the 17th and my first Irish gig in Galway. Last couple of times we have seen you in Cheltenham and Swansea, but this time we have loaded up the campervan and crossed the Irish Sea, looking forward to some great music in some wonderful locations. Dragged the husband along with me would love to hear The Voyage if at all possible, know I will enjoy whatever you decide to play. Thanks/ Diolch yn fawr Fiona and Martyn.
Hi Christy
Heading to Galway to see you on 17th. Really looking forward to it. Usually have seen you at Bridgewater in Manchester but looking forward to an ‘Irish gig’. Converted my girlfriend, Tracy, to your music. She loves it! ‘Ride On’ her favourite. Would love to hear you play it on the night…..
Regards
Brian
Christy's reply
you remind me of the great “Singing Jenny” Folk Club which ran in Huddersfield every Wednesday night back in the 60s. Located in the Polish Club in Wood Street it was run by Brian Lawton, a charismatic Postman who welcomed all with abiding warmth and good humour…hope ye enjoy Galway…
Hello Christy
Here I am again. I’ve finally got tickets for U2 and Bono promissed us an epic night and so it was!
I don’t like big stadions and shows and try to avoid them but 50.000 people singing “It’s a Beautiful Day” that let not a man/woman unmoved.
The first verse of “I’Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”was sang completely by the public. Goes bumps !
The theme of The Joshua Tree is again highly topical only the politicians have another name ( Reagan- Trump/ Thatcher-Brexit).
During” Red Hill Mining Town” there was on a big screen The Irish Salvation Army playing Brass instruments, just lovely.
It was a wonderful trip down in Memory Lane. I’m still buzzing!
It’s true what you’ve said earlier the connection completely strangers have during a gig can neither be analyze nor bottled!
I must again thank Irish Men for an amazing night.
Many greetings Chris
Christy's reply
Adam,Bono,Larry,Edge….I’ve heard nothing but good reports from their recent Croke Park gig…..they have created a unique sound and developed and honed it for almost four decades…their talent,artistry,focus,comradeship,hard work, determination,global perspective and burning ambition have all combined with wily management and good fortune to making U2 a much loved, worldwide Band and phenomenon.
I gigged with them once in Croke Park 30 years ago…wrote North & South with Bono, Edge played briefly on Traveller Album, played with Larry in the Self-Aid Band in the 80s, all thoroughly enjoyable experiences….I wish them well wherever they may be…
thanks for sharing your experience
Hi Christy. Hope your well. It’s been a tough year for the rock world, another one gone in Chester Bennington. Us mortals look up to ye singers thinking ye have it all. Can you make heads or tails of it at all?
Listening to this song, its as beautiful and as passionate singing as you’d find. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXYiU_JCYtU
Did you hear the recent damien dempsey song ‘sam jenkins’? Tis great stuff. Also ‘soft rain’ is another classic
Afternoon Christy.
Greetings from the wet and dour Pennines today. Missed the boat it seems. Got the e-mail alert this morning about the gigs in Ratoath. Rang my friend who lives a cock’s stride from the venue to make an enquiry and sadly both nights sold out. Do you fancy staying over for the Sunday night as well whilst you have it all in place. My mate can put you up and you’ll get a fine breakfast. I’ll keep my eyes open.
As a way of compensation there is Cropredy next weekend. Can’t wait. 4 days of bliss with sweet mesmeric sounds wafting through the Oxfordshire countryside. On a good day mind you it’s not only the music wafting through the air.
I paid a visit over to the WW1 cemetery’s in May at Tyne Cot etc. Very moving and very humbling. Didn’t realise beforehand how many Irish boys went over. There was quite a few Byrne’s on the memorials which made me feel a little proud in a certain way.
Keep pounding the tunes out.
Did you hear about the fella who went into the bank in Dublin and says ‘This is a F*** Up’ the bank clerk says ‘Don’t you mean a stick up’. He says ‘No, it’s a F*** up I forgot me gun’.
best wishes
Frankie
Christy's reply
I’ve not been in Rathoath since I was a young lad. Visited with my Grandparents Jack Power and Elly Sheeran back in 1952….the recollection is very vague…Jack drove an old Ford Prefect…I travelled in the back with pillow and blanket and Prince the dog….one of their best friends was Jim Byrne from near Navan…..
CM (72) How are you doing these days?
There has been a lot of rain and that means bailing boats,!
The donkeys(bláthín and noinín) hate rain and make a b-line for the shed .My neighbour’s donkeys have taken to eating anything wooden ,pallets, bark , sheds , fences ,anything they can get at.I told him he would want to stop them as they are worse than woodworm and the poor donkeys might even get a dose of the woodworm which would be very hard to get rid of.!
My dadó once knew a man with a wooden leg who got woodworm in it and he felt slug-ish!
I am going to bring my little noinín for the best donkey prize at the fair .My neighbour said she is so small she should be entered into the dog category.
He said he is bringing his donkeys to the competition and was going to win,I told him there was no point because his are so big and there is no giraffe category. ! I know a lad up the road who only has one tune on the accordion, so he just plays the same one over and over all night in the bar.He also taps coins on a piece of wood as he thinks hes keeping beat when someone sings a sean nós song .I wish the donkeys would eat his noisy piece of wood.!
I.was wondering did you ever forget yourself and play the same song twice in one gig?
CS (12)
Christy's reply
CS(12) Doin very well these days Cara…got 2 Duck-Eggs for the breakfast this mornin alongside 4 slices of hairy bacon and 3 cuts of brown bread….all washed down with mugs of strong tea (Barry’s Classic Blend no less)
I have to tell you Colm but that Nóinín is as handsome an donkey as I ever set eyes on…we are well used to viewing Asals up around the Bogs of Kildare for a good ass was worth its weight in gold when it came time for “cuttin it ,footin it, clampin it together”
We used to have a Donkey Derby every year in Newbridge after which there was always a special award for the most beautiful beast…your Nóinín would have been be a shoo-in, not a doubt in the world about it…
you ask about singin the same song twice !!
back in 1968 (or’69) I briefly held the world record for non-stop singing…I did 13 hours non stop and its The Guinness Book of Records of that year, it was in a Folk Club in Blyth, Northumberland. I repeated a few songs that day no doubt.. Sang The Rocks of Bawn at least 3 times…. the record has been often smashed since. Its up to about 3 weeks now but God only knows what enhancements they’re taking God Blast ‘Em the cheatin amadáns….the only additives I took was a few gallons of ale to stop me dyin of the thirst….
Thats all behind me now this 28 years Thanks Be, but I drank me share…
Heya, CM!
Been head down at work for five months straight, but the mares are now safely in foal for next year, all the foals this year alive and thriving–one had to be bottle raised, but doing well. So can join the world, or what’s left of it until it all starts again next February.. Listening to some songs again…is a balm to the soul.
Hope you are down south, enjoying the respite..walking the roads, fuschia blooming…. I can picture it now. Lovin’ it…
Be well,
ott
Christy's reply
Begod Otter, it sounds like you are flat out with the GeeGees…..I’m a bit that way myself down here at The Galway Races…..hopin for a bumper week wit some very good information underneath my cap…I’m determined this year to make it a bad week for Paddy Power, Betfair and Boyle Sports….my first visit to Galway Races was in 1961…a neighbour of mine, the late Kevin Bell, marked my race-card… Along with my good buddy John Flood (RIP)we fairly ripped it out in Salthill night after night…the Rum & Black was flyin and we lost our tent…but the coffers were healthy so we checked into a minus 2 star B&B (nylon sheets and boil your own egg)….us being two shams down from The Bog we thought we were in The Gresham
hope to head to the Fuschia in a few weeks to hear what Martin Hayes has in store at The Masters
Enjoy your break, let the music keep your spirits high (JB)
Hi christy, looking to come to London concert with my father . The cover version you did of “the ballad of patrick murphy”, was excellant written by john spillane and was in memory of my great grandfather and my dads grandfather . I would be grateful if i could surprise my dad by having a chance to meet you at Some point or even join you on stage. You have met my dads cousin wacker/frick both from cork. Look forward seeing you / hearing back..
Christy's reply
Another great ballad from John Spillane….
its a pleasure and a priviledge to sing his songs……
Hi Christy
The West will be well and truly awake this week……..a good venue to dust off the Cobwebs……….in between the Races and the All-Ireland. Was down there myself on Plate day, there was one almighty shower of Rain which had an awful effect on the “Fake Tan”. I couldn’t but think of the words from “Ruby”. I wonder will Iggy be joining us, or will he be busy preparing for the First Sunday. All the best on the next Leg of the never ending tour.
Ride on
Patsy
I first sang in Galway in 1962…went to the Galway races and ended up in O’Connors out in Salthill..got to sing on the stage there invited up by Christy O’Connor of that famous music house..probably sang Rosin The Bow and The Jug of Punch…20 years later returned to play for Neilus and Benny and thru the 80s had manys the good night there always welcomed with fine hospitality…two outstanding memories…one night a fierce thunder and lightning storm hit Galway and the power went down during my set…Jim Donohoe got his torch out and we continued the gig in a thronged room in torchlight..no PA and 500 people in the room.. the silence that descended was remarkabale…..the power returned and the spell was broken……another year I sang Quinte Brigada,,at the end two Spainsih Women stood up and yelled Viva Franco before exiting dramatically..the song flushed them out !! ( have to admit that I (almost) admired their tenacity)
Hi C,,, In case you need to know I just checked there are only 136 Shopping Days to Christmas !!!!,,, but more importantly only 4 more sleeps to the Galway Black Box,, I trust you had a good break,,,even though it was short enough,,,, best of luck for the next season,,,the calender is filling up already, with some new and interesting venues,,,,and no doubt a mixture of combinations at gigs from solos to duos and multiple performers,,safe travelling all…. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
its just galloping away, in the blink of an eye, last years pudding still fermenting in the biscuit tin, christmas cards still hanging over the mantle, 3 selection boxes remain unopened and those mince pies are looking a dangerous green…its all a pain in the whole really, a huge shopping extravaganza nightmare, more for the haves, less for the have nots.. a falsity….based on myth and exploited to the hilt by the merchants, moneylenders, tax gatherers, airlines,
but still, we’ll have a bit of crack, pull a few crackers, ate rings round us, put on half a stone, talk of times of yore, long remembered Santa times.. I got a fire engine in 1949 and to this day I believe my Granny stole it…best ever was Christmas day in the Sergeants mess in Connolly Barracks , The Curragh Camp 1963…..my cousin Paddy Power, home from Yonkers, stood on the table and sang “Come all you young rebels, and list while I sing”
You’re wrong actually Christy on a technicality. You played the Apollo in April 1979 in the reincarnation of Planxty with the addition of Matt playing majestically on flute. I know the date because of my father’s death round about that time.
fair play John,you are quite correct…we played The United City on April 11th 1979….I’d forgotten that the venue was in Ardwick Green…..I still recall the sparks flying when Matt Molloy and Liam O’Flynn tore into sets of reels as Andy, Donal and I tried to keep apace with them..that was good Planxty time
This is the day….well it’s Friday 11th in The Annesley House on the North Strand Rd, that the great WALLY PAGE plays along with Johnny Mulhearn…. knockin out the hits and tunes..
Thank you.L
you could ate your fry off the back of her neck
Hello Christy,
July 21 in Arklow Bay Hotel was magic for my wife, son and me. It was surreal for me singing and laughing along with everyone else, 31 years after that concert in Manchester Apollo (12 Oct 1986 if not wrong). And your autograph has given a new lease of life to The Christy Moore Songbook even as the pages are yellowing.
Had toured your beautiful land as a student with friends in ’83 and this trip has also been fabulous in so many ways including July 21 evening. Cheers!
Sukhihotu (May you be well and happy always)
To Siew Yen,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story…..I heard you sing in Arklow, I caught sight of you from the stage….
I also remember that 1986 gig..I played that Apollo once and remember that part of Manchester from 20 years earlier is 1966….I used to visit another musician ,Packie Manus Byrne, who lived nearby in Ardwick..
its always a treat to hear from you long distance listeners..to read that the songs resound in far away places….best wishes to you and your family
Sukhihotu
go n’eirí an mBóthar leat ( that the road may go with you)
Hi C… speaking of new Albums over the weekend someone asked me about the name of the song you ” know the one about stichin your man up in the sheets “,,,which lead me onto goggling Mike Waterson,,,, and I discovered that the album “Bright Phoebus ” made by Mike and Lal in the early 1970’s has been re released, it may be of interest to people here,,, it received great reviews in The Guardian and even in the Financial Times !! here is a link to a website with the full story http://brightphoeb.us/ Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
lovely to see Mike and Lal Waterson mentioned here..both gone on to the great Halting Site…I still cherish the memory of first hearing them with sister Norma and cousin John…I went to The Pennine Folk Club in Hyde, Chesire one Thursday night in 1967 when The Watersons were the guest “turn”…got chatting with them and they arranged for me to come and play at their Folk Club in Hull….that very first night in Hull Mike sang “The Lakes of Pontchartrain’ to me and, 50 years later, almost everyone in Ireland loves that beautiful song ..that same night he gave me his version of “Van Diemen’ Land” which I still sing. years later I was honoured to sing one of Lal’s songs “The Piper’s Path” on a tribute album dedicated to Lal. Later again I recorded “Stitch in Time” which was written by Mike.
Never a week goes by without my listening to a few Waterson songs. I just love their raw sound, their unique harmonising in unison like I once loved their good company…I often think of those times spent in Hull…
” sing woe me lads sing woe, ride on me lads ride on
who would’nt be for all the world a Jolly Waggoner”
Morning Christy, I’ve been in my workshop for a few hours this morning an have stopped for a cuppa. The window looks on to the garden and I was delighted to see blackbird, wren, robin and thrush among others stopping by. the birdbath it’s like an international airport! The wren scooted about the raised beds; the blackbird inspected the lawn; the robin perched on the handle of the garden fork and the little thrush rooted under the hedgerow, cautious as always. Three songs that I love: The Boys of Barr Na Sráide, The Singing Bird and The Gardener. Enough twittering heading back to my bench with my favourite music on shuffle! Thanks for the music…
Cathal Haydens new album arrived in the post here this morning…”Bow Brothers”
is bringing me on a lovely jaunt as I type…
“The New Policeman” “The Hare’s Paw” and”The Sailor on the Rock” bringing light to this cloudy day….no music lifts my heart like our Trad..especially when played this way…a great group of players join Cathal here including his brother Stephen and Seamie O’Dowd…
hope you are happy at your bench…I pass beneath your “bookcase” a dozen times a day often pausing to reflect on the state of the nation!!
thanks for listening and sharing
Hello Christy. I hope you and yours are well. Thank you for your response. As you said it is a difficult question to answer in any real quantitative way. I may well take a PhD in this subject when I am retired! 🙂
Have you seen this video? https://thisaintnodisco.ie/episode-iii/
I like it because it has Lisa O’Neill and Radie Peat sing on it and they are such great female voices. But the best bit is the interspersed recording of Maggie Barry speaking about her love of music. ‘Every question asked of her, her answer was always music.’ Which is very cool.
Anyhoo take care see you soon. xx
I love to hear Radie Peat..Lisa O’Neill too…and Margaret Barry…..
“One Winter’s night in London, out beyond Willesden Junction,how my heart it filled with joy.
‘Twas the night that Maggie Barry called me up to sing The Wild Colonial Boy”
Listen to me Anuk, have you heard Gerry Divers Album “Speech Project”?
Margaret Barry’s tracks are my absolute favourites on this brilliant album…get it if you aint got it…
Summer Camp is going well… we are servicing the gear.. greasing the axles…polishing the chrome…learning new tricks and training the animals as we prepare for year 52 of the never ending Fleadh Ceoil na h Éireann
Coming to Ireland in September just to see you perform, Christy! It’s been a 20+ year wish in the making.
safe journey Bobby Fay…hopefully the stars will be aligned …that we hit the sweet notes…
I hope the link works right this time. If not, just type the subject into Google.
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/my-buddy-sam-shepard
A few bits and pieces … I thought we would have been playing Kildare this weekend but not to be. Delighted that we won but both matches today were a bit one-sided. The Dublin game will be a different matter. Hope the matches tomorrow and Monday are better.
The demise of Sam Shepard is a sad event. That image of you and him having breakfast together is a good one… two really cool dudes dining together. You may have read this piece by Patti Smith but if not, here it is. She mentions the Cobblestone:
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/my-buddy-sam-
shepard
The best music event I’ve been to this year is the Roger Waters “Us and Them” concert. It’s political, visually stunning, and the music is absolutely brilliant. The tour is currently heading to the east coast and then Canada, So, all you exiles, if you haven’t bought your tickets …
Up Tyrone
2 bad games yesterday
bit of hurlin today might revive us
Patti writes beautiful for her ex
we saw Roger Waters here a few years back,great gig,
if Us &Them gets here we’ll give it a go
thanks for sharing
I’ve just bought tickets to bring a few ‘Christy newbies’ to see you in the Millennium Forum on Nov 3rd. I can’t wait as I know these lads will love you! In fact the last time I saw you perform there, I met you afterwards in the Green Room with the ‘Field Day’ crew and the late, great, Sam Shepard (RIP). You asked him if he wanted to play a song/tune but he respectfully declined. It was only a few days later that I found out that he co-wrote songs with Bob Dylan – that he was a talented musician in his own right. I particularly remember him ask you about Phil Chevrons ‘Faithful Departed’ – you had played it in memory of Philip who had just passed away – one of my favourites too. I think it was the fantastic lyrics that he was fascinated by – and their delivery of course! I had the opportunity/pleasure to talk a lot more to him when we moved on to Peadar O Donnell’s on Waterloo St about the concert and the songs and I couldn’t get over how much he enjoyed the night. Anyhow I’ll be onto you closer to the date to ask you maybe to play ‘Faithful Departed’ in his memory on that night in November. Before then, 6 of us will attend your concert in the Black Box in Galway on August 19th. I’ve a story about that night too but I’ll leave it until another time to torture you with it. Until then, keep up the great energy and drive and enjoy the performing.
I was sorry to read of Sam’s passing….the morning after that Derry gig I had breakfast with him when we met again, purely by chance….
Hi Christy looking forward to the 17th and my first Irish gig in Galway. Last couple of times we have seen you in Cheltenham and Swansea, but this time we have loaded up the campervan and crossed the Irish Sea, looking forward to some great music in some wonderful locations. Dragged the husband along with me would love to hear The Voyage if at all possible, know I will enjoy whatever you decide to play. Thanks/ Diolch yn fawr Fiona and Martyn.
Have a good trip….see you in glorious Galway
Hi Christy
Heading to Galway to see you on 17th. Really looking forward to it. Usually have seen you at Bridgewater in Manchester but looking forward to an ‘Irish gig’. Converted my girlfriend, Tracy, to your music. She loves it! ‘Ride On’ her favourite. Would love to hear you play it on the night…..
Regards
Brian
you remind me of the great “Singing Jenny” Folk Club which ran in Huddersfield every Wednesday night back in the 60s. Located in the Polish Club in Wood Street it was run by Brian Lawton, a charismatic Postman who welcomed all with abiding warmth and good humour…hope ye enjoy Galway…
Hello Christy
Here I am again. I’ve finally got tickets for U2 and Bono promissed us an epic night and so it was!
I don’t like big stadions and shows and try to avoid them but 50.000 people singing “It’s a Beautiful Day” that let not a man/woman unmoved.
The first verse of “I’Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”was sang completely by the public. Goes bumps !
The theme of The Joshua Tree is again highly topical only the politicians have another name ( Reagan- Trump/ Thatcher-Brexit).
During” Red Hill Mining Town” there was on a big screen The Irish Salvation Army playing Brass instruments, just lovely.
It was a wonderful trip down in Memory Lane. I’m still buzzing!
It’s true what you’ve said earlier the connection completely strangers have during a gig can neither be analyze nor bottled!
I must again thank Irish Men for an amazing night.
Many greetings Chris
Adam,Bono,Larry,Edge….I’ve heard nothing but good reports from their recent Croke Park gig…..they have created a unique sound and developed and honed it for almost four decades…their talent,artistry,focus,comradeship,hard work, determination,global perspective and burning ambition have all combined with wily management and good fortune to making U2 a much loved, worldwide Band and phenomenon.
I gigged with them once in Croke Park 30 years ago…wrote North & South with Bono, Edge played briefly on Traveller Album, played with Larry in the Self-Aid Band in the 80s, all thoroughly enjoyable experiences….I wish them well wherever they may be…
thanks for sharing your experience
Hi Christy. Hope your well. It’s been a tough year for the rock world, another one gone in Chester Bennington. Us mortals look up to ye singers thinking ye have it all. Can you make heads or tails of it at all?
Listening to this song, its as beautiful and as passionate singing as you’d find.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXYiU_JCYtU
Did you hear the recent damien dempsey song ‘sam jenkins’? Tis great stuff. Also ‘soft rain’ is another classic
great singer,great song, great loss,great shame
Afternoon Christy.
Greetings from the wet and dour Pennines today. Missed the boat it seems. Got the e-mail alert this morning about the gigs in Ratoath. Rang my friend who lives a cock’s stride from the venue to make an enquiry and sadly both nights sold out. Do you fancy staying over for the Sunday night as well whilst you have it all in place. My mate can put you up and you’ll get a fine breakfast. I’ll keep my eyes open.
As a way of compensation there is Cropredy next weekend. Can’t wait. 4 days of bliss with sweet mesmeric sounds wafting through the Oxfordshire countryside. On a good day mind you it’s not only the music wafting through the air.
I paid a visit over to the WW1 cemetery’s in May at Tyne Cot etc. Very moving and very humbling. Didn’t realise beforehand how many Irish boys went over. There was quite a few Byrne’s on the memorials which made me feel a little proud in a certain way.
Keep pounding the tunes out.
Did you hear about the fella who went into the bank in Dublin and says ‘This is a F*** Up’ the bank clerk says ‘Don’t you mean a stick up’. He says ‘No, it’s a F*** up I forgot me gun’.
best wishes
Frankie
I’ve not been in Rathoath since I was a young lad. Visited with my Grandparents Jack Power and Elly Sheeran back in 1952….the recollection is very vague…Jack drove an old Ford Prefect…I travelled in the back with pillow and blanket and Prince the dog….one of their best friends was Jim Byrne from near Navan…..
CM (72) How are you doing these days?
There has been a lot of rain and that means bailing boats,!
The donkeys(bláthín and noinín) hate rain and make a b-line for the shed .My neighbour’s donkeys have taken to eating anything wooden ,pallets, bark , sheds , fences ,anything they can get at.I told him he would want to stop them as they are worse than woodworm and the poor donkeys might even get a dose of the woodworm which would be very hard to get rid of.!
My dadó once knew a man with a wooden leg who got woodworm in it and he felt slug-ish!
I am going to bring my little noinín for the best donkey prize at the fair .My neighbour said she is so small she should be entered into the dog category.
He said he is bringing his donkeys to the competition and was going to win,I told him there was no point because his are so big and there is no giraffe category. ! I know a lad up the road who only has one tune on the accordion, so he just plays the same one over and over all night in the bar.He also taps coins on a piece of wood as he thinks hes keeping beat when someone sings a sean nós song .I wish the donkeys would eat his noisy piece of wood.!
I.was wondering did you ever forget yourself and play the same song twice in one gig?
CS (12)
CS(12) Doin very well these days Cara…got 2 Duck-Eggs for the breakfast this mornin alongside 4 slices of hairy bacon and 3 cuts of brown bread….all washed down with mugs of strong tea (Barry’s Classic Blend no less)
I have to tell you Colm but that Nóinín is as handsome an donkey as I ever set eyes on…we are well used to viewing Asals up around the Bogs of Kildare for a good ass was worth its weight in gold when it came time for “cuttin it ,footin it, clampin it together”
We used to have a Donkey Derby every year in Newbridge after which there was always a special award for the most beautiful beast…your Nóinín would have been be a shoo-in, not a doubt in the world about it…
you ask about singin the same song twice !!
back in 1968 (or’69) I briefly held the world record for non-stop singing…I did 13 hours non stop and its The Guinness Book of Records of that year, it was in a Folk Club in Blyth, Northumberland. I repeated a few songs that day no doubt.. Sang The Rocks of Bawn at least 3 times…. the record has been often smashed since. Its up to about 3 weeks now but God only knows what enhancements they’re taking God Blast ‘Em the cheatin amadáns….the only additives I took was a few gallons of ale to stop me dyin of the thirst….
Thats all behind me now this 28 years Thanks Be, but I drank me share…
Heya, CM!
Been head down at work for five months straight, but the mares are now safely in foal for next year, all the foals this year alive and thriving–one had to be bottle raised, but doing well. So can join the world, or what’s left of it until it all starts again next February.. Listening to some songs again…is a balm to the soul.
Hope you are down south, enjoying the respite..walking the roads, fuschia blooming…. I can picture it now. Lovin’ it…
Be well,
ott
Begod Otter, it sounds like you are flat out with the GeeGees…..I’m a bit that way myself down here at The Galway Races…..hopin for a bumper week wit some very good information underneath my cap…I’m determined this year to make it a bad week for Paddy Power, Betfair and Boyle Sports….my first visit to Galway Races was in 1961…a neighbour of mine, the late Kevin Bell, marked my race-card… Along with my good buddy John Flood (RIP)we fairly ripped it out in Salthill night after night…the Rum & Black was flyin and we lost our tent…but the coffers were healthy so we checked into a minus 2 star B&B (nylon sheets and boil your own egg)….us being two shams down from The Bog we thought we were in The Gresham
hope to head to the Fuschia in a few weeks to hear what Martin Hayes has in store at The Masters
Enjoy your break, let the music keep your spirits high (JB)
Hi christy, looking to come to London concert with my father . The cover version you did of “the ballad of patrick murphy”, was excellant written by john spillane and was in memory of my great grandfather and my dads grandfather . I would be grateful if i could surprise my dad by having a chance to meet you at Some point or even join you on stage. You have met my dads cousin wacker/frick both from cork. Look forward seeing you / hearing back..
Another great ballad from John Spillane….
its a pleasure and a priviledge to sing his songs……