Hi Christy,
Cant wait to see you on the Late Late Friday night. I just ordered the album for my young boy Sean for Christmas. Your not coming to Glor next year we will just have to try to get to see you in Limerick. Keep up the great work your an inspiration for young & old. Keep rocking on !!!!
Take Care xxxxx
Majella
Christy's reply
we will be coming back to Glór next year but the dates are not yet finalised…I love playing in East Clare..I learned some beautiful songs when I first came to the “Windswept Hill” of Tulla back in 1964…memories of Paddy Canny ( and his Wife’s apple tart!) John Minogue, Mrs Tubridy’s Guest house, Vincent Griffin, Joe McGrath, Teddy Murphy’s and family, Mr De Courcy, all made me very welcome…I was only there for a short spell but it made a great impression upon my youthful head
Hi Christy, hope that you don’t mind me asking,
My wife Cathy and I have been massive fans for years, we have seen you live several times at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and are coming to your 2018 concert there, for our thirtieth wedding anniversary, we would just love for you to sing The Voyage at this time, as it is one of our favourites.
Thank you anyway for a lifetime of utterly amazing music and entertainment. You are a legend.
Christy's reply
well done you two love birds..heres hoping we all have a great night in one of my favourite venues….Ride On….
Dear Christy
What a fantastic night on Saturday. You were very gracious to give me a mention and take the trouble to say hello. Although I got a bollocking from my cousin Rosemary for not introducing you to her. The voice was top note and the vibe mesmeric. I haven’t had a chance to try the plectrum out yet but will do sometime in the week. Had a lovely walk on the Sunday around Sandy Cove and the old harbour. Even went up the old tower at the James Joyce Museum. A couple of sherries at my cousin Ray’s pub in Stillorgan and back home for a curry by 8.30pm. Thanks once again.
Look after yourself and the family
P.S. I even got dragged to Mass at Foxrock. More sinners than scholars you could shake a stick at.
Christy's reply
sounds like you made good use of your short visit…a walk in the Sea -air, a few sherbets in Stillorgan, the rogan josh…such pleasures of the flesh must be paid for…Mass in Foxrock was your hour in Purgatory
Hello Christy, here I send you greetings from switzerland. I saw you in 1980 at the macroom festival, which is a far long time ago…. Do you think you would ever come back to switzerland ? Would it be possible to buy signed records from you at your shop ? That would be a great wish from an old fan.
Best regards
Ralf
Christy's reply
Hello Ralf,
I have fond but vague memories of Macroom 37 years ago….nothing planned for Switzerland where I last played with Planxty at the Nyon Festival circa 1978…toured there earlier with Jimmy Faulkner playing all the major cities..we then entered Lichtenstein and played for both commoners and royalty..
At the moment our shop is closed due to a trade dispute…a (junior) member of staff has been picketing the premises demanding coffee grown organically by men and women….unfortunately the remainder of our staff prefer Maxwell House and refuse to budge on the issue…our Shop Steward is currently on a Peace Mission to North Korea and not available to mediate…the Labour Court has suggested that the canteen offer both types of Beverage but our Kitchen Porter sez “Fuck that for a game of Cowboys”… our Human Resources Officer is currently on Paternity Leave and his CEO is on Maternity Leave ( they are not married)….personally, I’d sack the feckin lot of them but that would play havoc with my street cred…quite apart from the fact that sacking is now, (quite rightly), a hanging offence….wait ’til they hear about that in North Korea
greetings to all Swiss songsters….and to Tom Tuohy
This is a bit random so sorry I’m advance but I thought it was worth a try. I am getting married to my partner Rory next July and I want to get him the perfect wedding present. You have been the sound track to our relationship over the last 6 years and we have had many amazing road trips listening to you (Rory introduced me to your music and I can 100% say I have been converted). We have seen you together twice and also spent our paddy’s day in Dublin listening to a great tribute act (but never quite the same!) . He absolutely adores you and I would love to be able to give him something signed/written by you and frame it. It would really mean a lot to him- I know it’s a long shot but if there is any way we could I would be so grateful.
Thanks for listening to my waffle!
Rachael ?
Christy's reply
long shot better then no shot at all….sounds like Rory is gonna be well looked after..fair play to you
PS..tried to email you but it bounced back
Evening Christy
Getting giddy here on Oldham’s burning sands. Working tonight and hopefully it stays quiet and then in the morning the current Mrs Byrne has promised me a full English in the local Weatherspoons in Shaw. Then with a hop skip and a heel to the toe she’s dropping me off at Ringway for the Ruinair flight across the water. Whenever I look down from the icy cabin window as the first sight of Dublin comes into view, I always get a lump in my throat. Mind you, it’s usually just the fecking onboard bacon sarny. Alas nay, I feel the stars are aligned just like the twinkling runway lights that welcome me to a land that I somehow think of as home. Looking forward to tomorrow night indeedy.
Catch ya later
Frankie
Christy's reply
OK Frankie…just soundchecked here in Rathoath for Night 1 of this two night residency here in County Meath. Its a lovely room, good acoustics and vibrations. I met my old friend Ralph McTell last weekend. He played this venue last week and was very happy with the experience.
In the 50s I used to visit here when it was but a small village..my grandfather Jack Power would always stop here for a bottle of stout…very different now since it has grown into a dormitory town , a Royal suburb of the Black Lagoon..
If you are going for the Full English in the morning I would recommend Edna’s Greasy Spoon in Dukinfield…Weatherspoons have yet to master the culinary arts… too much “dingin” for my liking…..cheap ale doth not make up for a shite fry
….gotta go now…its time to take the tablets, get the corset on, say a few deckitts of the rosary, trim the nostrils, and get the show on the road
Good morning Christy. I hope you and yours are well. I hear you played a blinder in recent and historic times. I wished I was back in Derry. Last night I had the great fortune of attending Daoiri Farrell at a former church in Hastings Old Town right by the sea. The most moving rendition of the Boys of Barr Na Sraide was my highlight although most were taken with the Creggan White Hare. Some of the songs were like epic poems in the Homeric style. (I don’t mean Simpson). Anyhoo he finished the evening with John O Dreams and said he had grown up listening to you and that you were an inspirational man. It was a wonderful gig. Keep warm. Xx
Christy's reply
we have been listening to Daoiri emerge into the singer he is today…heard him recently at The Frank Harte Festival …looking forward to hear him again soon when he joins Lankum, Ye Vagabonds and Landless at a gig for the Homeless in Dublin….Daoiri is firmly rooted in the Tradition but had also been influenced by the revival ( I’m in journalistic mode this morning !)
Our Band gigs have been rockin of late…today a commence a 4 gig solo stint hoping I can find my solo schtick one more time..
That Barr na Sráide is a great song…
“but now they toil in foreign soil where they have made their way
deep in the heart of London Town or over in Broadway”
Hi was at you’re Friday night gig in Derry fabulous night very enjoyable gig played all the hits,
Any chance of seeing you in the newly reopened Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhar,
We’ve hosted quite a few famous bands this year such as Clannad, Altan, bheadh sé an dheas ar fad tú a fheiceal agus is cinnte go mbeidh oíche ar dóigh ann
Liam
Christy's reply
Míle maith agat Liam,
there is every chance, I have passed your post on to the backroom team and no doubt they will suss out the possibility,
le cónamh Dé beimíd go léir le chéile i nGaoth Dobhar san blian seo cughainn
Hi Clive,
I had Paddy on the road, I bought it from a family member of Mick Hipkiss in Birmingham many moons ago. I gave as a gift to Christy via Andy when I was home one year , for only 500 were pressed and sent to the 4 corners, I still sing Cricklewood and love the sound and words of that album. I played it constantly for I could never frame it on the wall, let her spin and turn it up. If you don’t mind Christy, can I add my email finbardoyle71@gmail.com
On a side note Christy, I checked out that songwriter that played Whelans, Hollow Point is a disturbing song . Uncomfortable, but they are the songs that move me. Thanks for the heads up. Threw a heavy blanket on the bed, for the winters wind is growling, Take care Fin
Christy
I have a copy of your original 1969 album. I was stunned to see how much they sell for.
I could just sell it and join the ‘scalpers’. However it would be nice to make sure that it goes to a good home where it will be treasured and not resold. If you have any ideas then let me know, You might not have a copy yourself!
Cheers
Clive
Christy's reply
Clive,
the old album has changed hands for vastly varying sums over the years…If you are inclined to sell it I think you should do so and get the best price you can..chances are it will eventually end up in a “good home”…over the years I have managed to get 3 copies, one for each of our “chadults”…..If you sell it I hope you get a good price …dont be worried about “scalpers”….anyone who paid the prices I saw on ebay must have been genuine collectors….
Christy,
I am a livetime fan of yours and also a Guidance counsellor in a school in Kildare Town. The school has been awarded an Amber flag as a recognition of all the projects we have done to promote positive mental health. We are having a simple ceremony with about 50 students on December 8th 2017 in the front of the school to raise the flag and celebrate the achievement. Would you be available to come and help us raise the flag? It would be a 30 minute, humble event but we would LOVE to have you if you can fit us in to your hectic schedule.
Best wishes Christy,
Liz Urell
Christy's reply
Regrets Liz….cannot join you because of prior commitment…..great to read of your award..to know that these initiatives are opening up our minds and our attitudes towards positive mental health…Thank you for your invitation, I wish I could be there
So last Friday I was at the passport control in Dublin airport….
Garda: what’s the purpose of your visit?
Me: I’m here to see Christy Moore.
Garda: Eyebrow raised “go on so”
Derry was great, thanks. Stand outs for me we’re The Time Has Come and Beeswing one of my all time favorites. I really loved Derry what a great city. Had a pint in the Bogside pub and took in the sights and felt the presence of the torrid recent history there. Heading back now and I’m already looking forward to the next gig. So I’ll see you in the future! Best regards stay well.
Brian.
Christy's reply
Every City has its own unique History, Geography,Ambience,Personal associations, heading to play in different places my anticipation, intent,imaginary pre-gig set list and inner “satnav”, all my personal imbedded “apps” will be guiding me towards whats gonna happen at 8pm showtime….
the two gigs in Derry were shaped by factors that would not apply to a gig in any other location…Declan and I spoke about this the other night and concluded that we have probably never performed any set twice…we have played maybe 800 gigs together this past 17 years and (prob) never repeated any set….
In earlier times and line-ups I recall identical sets night after night to the point of utter tedium…in one Band we had 16 numbers…if we got an encore we would repeat numbers..that eventually made for boredom and subsequent demise..
in younger years the excitement of being in a band,of doing gigs,of gaining traction overcame many shortcomings…50 years on its an entirely different situation…if the gigs were not fulfiling and interesting the edifice would soon crumble ..
sending good wishes to all New York songsters…we have low November Sun here this morning…our first Winter frost last night…the long -johns are out…Summer Salads replaced by Winter soups…. I expect your winter streets are steaming already, cab horns honking 24/7
I’m remembering Symphony Space, Brooklyn Academy, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall and, best of all, The Lansdowne Hotel in The Bronx
watched a doc on Joan Didion last night…New York New York
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful gig last Tursday night in Derry, Christy. Earlier this year, my daughter. my son and myself had decided that we had to travel to Derry for the first time when you were next playing there and the concert brilliantly topped off what was a great trip. There was magic in the air at the Millennium Forum and your orchestra, of Declan, Jimmy and Cathal was also on storming form. We had been on the Bogside Tour with Paul Doherty and visited the Museum of Free Derry on the morning of the concert and so to hear you perform Minds Locked Shut and Time Has Come was very special. It was a night that we will long treasure.
After Derry we went to Donegal for the weekend and got back yesterday. On the way home on the train from Glasgow, I listened to a download of Desert Island Discs featuring Professor Phil Scraton who of course did so much to expose the institutional cover-up about the truth of Hillsborough. It was a fascinating listen and his very first musical selection was On The Bridge which he chose because he felt it was a song which spoke not just about women political prisoners but to all prisoners and their treatment (you were in very decent company, Christy, as Springsteen and Billie Holiday were also selected by Phil).
Many thanks again for giving us all another magical night of wonderful music.
Christy's reply
Glad to read that ye had a good visit…..fair play to Phil Scraton for playing that song on D.I.D…to the best of my knowledge it was the first time “On The Bridge ” was ever played on Radio…what a great selection of songs he chose. his life story is inspirational…..
Hello Christy,
Glad you enjoyed so much meeting your old pal Ralph McTell. Your friendship and musical relationship over 50 years is just wonderful.
The announced dates in April are great News! So we indeed have already marked the calendar …
GOOD LUCK for your Solo gigs and in between the launch of On The Road (can’t wait to hold it in my hands)!
Traudel
Christy's reply
Its challenging, interesting and exciting having solo gigs to fulfil….the shows last June helped me get back into that solo frame of mind..its a totally different discipline…at first it all seemed very bare but gradually I found myself settling back to being alone on stage..since 1966 I have played a total of 26 years in different ensembles… mainly with The Companeros, Planxty and Moving Hearts. Also there were short stints with The Trad Outfit,The Early Grave Band and a number of different CM Bands. One of those Bands featured none other then Ralph McTell. I had a brief ensemble way back 50 years ago when I was booked to play on “The Sam Costa Show ” on BBC Radio. Ralph played guitar on a few numbers.
It surprised me to realise that most of my gigs have been solo…..That said I love the music and cameraderie of ensemble playing. I will be ready for action when I rejoin Declan, Jim and Cathal for the Dublin Gigs in December.
Feeling blessed this weekend to have had the pleasure of two Christy gigs followed by Ralph McTell in the Seamus Heaney centre tonight (and Letterkenny tomorrow night). Got me wondering how such special talent in your generation that has carried through the years- seems that you all learned your trade in the clubs and developed a true love for the songs and stories. Ralph’s song about Derek Bentley and his”pardon” 40 years after his death brought Friday night’s Sacco and Vanzetti to mind. So honoured to have been at these gigs.
Christy's reply
we sat and listened to Ralph last night…it was a very moving experience for my wife and I…I first met Ralph in 1967…50 years on his light still shines…sitting in The Pavilion Theatre last night he held us all for two hours with songs that touched us deeply….
I should also mention that he gave me great encouragement and help back in 1967. Ralph was already a headline act with a great following while I was trying to get my foot in the door..he held that door for me and we have kept in contact ever since
Christy, Planxty in Iceland is a quare thought indeed and a great spot to have a concert…we would go! I know Iceland has a big folk scene so I searched ‘Icelandic folk and Christy Moore’. Up popped Stúkurnar feat performing the well below the valley. The track is followed by your good self singing it and playing the bodhrán. Iceland…my cap is frozen to my head… https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=folk+music+iceland+christy+moore&view=detail&mid=CCA1D84379E7851517D0CCA1D84379E7851517D0&FORM=VIRE
check out their facebook page. Regards Mary
Hi Christy hope all is well with you reading the page looks like the gigs are flying it Sacco and Vanzetti wow not sure I ever heard it live.All well here the summer season still continues in O Connors Salthill they haven’t called a halt yet we might get to Christmas Scapegoats and The people’s own MP got an airing last week Anyway keep it picked out fair play to ya
There’s something about Derry…….talk about music in the Derry Air. …… 2 amazing nights. From Go Move Shift and Little Musgrave to start proceedings on Thurs night to Spancil Hill (firmly ranked as Gers Favourite) to wrap things up at the finale of Friday evenings masterclass and everything in between was pure magic. Must give a special mention to Faithful Departed tho, it just took me away to some other place.
Gers brother Liam was with us on the fri and he too was bowled over .
Sounds like the Derry air was magical. Love Derry! Just back from Edinburgh visiting friends. My Godson and his girlfriend were in Iceland and enjoyed several road trips through its magical interior highlands and breathtaking fjords with you and Planxty as their musical backdrop. Planning Vicar Street in January! Mary
Christy's reply
Planxty in Iceland!
Now there is a thought
How I’d love to traverse those fjords with that band….
Maybe have a few tunes with Sigur Ros..sing an old ballad with Bjork
Part of me remains forever in Planxty…learning, sharing, hard travelling
That first time round was full of joy and laughter
As we played that music which still resounds
Hi Christy,
Cant wait to see you on the Late Late Friday night. I just ordered the album for my young boy Sean for Christmas. Your not coming to Glor next year we will just have to try to get to see you in Limerick. Keep up the great work your an inspiration for young & old. Keep rocking on !!!!
Take Care xxxxx
Majella
we will be coming back to Glór next year but the dates are not yet finalised…I love playing in East Clare..I learned some beautiful songs when I first came to the “Windswept Hill” of Tulla back in 1964…memories of Paddy Canny ( and his Wife’s apple tart!) John Minogue, Mrs Tubridy’s Guest house, Vincent Griffin, Joe McGrath, Teddy Murphy’s and family, Mr De Courcy, all made me very welcome…I was only there for a short spell but it made a great impression upon my youthful head
Hey Christy, can I cancel the Joxer request for York next year??!! ?
No chance…..
Hi Christy, hope that you don’t mind me asking,
My wife Cathy and I have been massive fans for years, we have seen you live several times at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and are coming to your 2018 concert there, for our thirtieth wedding anniversary, we would just love for you to sing The Voyage at this time, as it is one of our favourites.
Thank you anyway for a lifetime of utterly amazing music and entertainment. You are a legend.
well done you two love birds..heres hoping we all have a great night in one of my favourite venues….Ride On….
Dear Christy
What a fantastic night on Saturday. You were very gracious to give me a mention and take the trouble to say hello. Although I got a bollocking from my cousin Rosemary for not introducing you to her. The voice was top note and the vibe mesmeric. I haven’t had a chance to try the plectrum out yet but will do sometime in the week. Had a lovely walk on the Sunday around Sandy Cove and the old harbour. Even went up the old tower at the James Joyce Museum. A couple of sherries at my cousin Ray’s pub in Stillorgan and back home for a curry by 8.30pm. Thanks once again.
Look after yourself and the family
P.S. I even got dragged to Mass at Foxrock. More sinners than scholars you could shake a stick at.
sounds like you made good use of your short visit…a walk in the Sea -air, a few sherbets in Stillorgan, the rogan josh…such pleasures of the flesh must be paid for…Mass in Foxrock was your hour in Purgatory
Ita Missa Est
Hello Christy, here I send you greetings from switzerland. I saw you in 1980 at the macroom festival, which is a far long time ago…. Do you think you would ever come back to switzerland ? Would it be possible to buy signed records from you at your shop ? That would be a great wish from an old fan.
Best regards
Ralf
Hello Ralf,
I have fond but vague memories of Macroom 37 years ago….nothing planned for Switzerland where I last played with Planxty at the Nyon Festival circa 1978…toured there earlier with Jimmy Faulkner playing all the major cities..we then entered Lichtenstein and played for both commoners and royalty..
At the moment our shop is closed due to a trade dispute…a (junior) member of staff has been picketing the premises demanding coffee grown organically by men and women….unfortunately the remainder of our staff prefer Maxwell House and refuse to budge on the issue…our Shop Steward is currently on a Peace Mission to North Korea and not available to mediate…the Labour Court has suggested that the canteen offer both types of Beverage but our Kitchen Porter sez “Fuck that for a game of Cowboys”… our Human Resources Officer is currently on Paternity Leave and his CEO is on Maternity Leave ( they are not married)….personally, I’d sack the feckin lot of them but that would play havoc with my street cred…quite apart from the fact that sacking is now, (quite rightly), a hanging offence….wait ’til they hear about that in North Korea
greetings to all Swiss songsters….and to Tom Tuohy
Hi there ?
This is a bit random so sorry I’m advance but I thought it was worth a try. I am getting married to my partner Rory next July and I want to get him the perfect wedding present. You have been the sound track to our relationship over the last 6 years and we have had many amazing road trips listening to you (Rory introduced me to your music and I can 100% say I have been converted). We have seen you together twice and also spent our paddy’s day in Dublin listening to a great tribute act (but never quite the same!) . He absolutely adores you and I would love to be able to give him something signed/written by you and frame it. It would really mean a lot to him- I know it’s a long shot but if there is any way we could I would be so grateful.
Thanks for listening to my waffle!
Rachael ?
long shot better then no shot at all….sounds like Rory is gonna be well looked after..fair play to you
PS..tried to email you but it bounced back
Evening Christy
Getting giddy here on Oldham’s burning sands. Working tonight and hopefully it stays quiet and then in the morning the current Mrs Byrne has promised me a full English in the local Weatherspoons in Shaw. Then with a hop skip and a heel to the toe she’s dropping me off at Ringway for the Ruinair flight across the water. Whenever I look down from the icy cabin window as the first sight of Dublin comes into view, I always get a lump in my throat. Mind you, it’s usually just the fecking onboard bacon sarny. Alas nay, I feel the stars are aligned just like the twinkling runway lights that welcome me to a land that I somehow think of as home. Looking forward to tomorrow night indeedy.
Catch ya later
Frankie
OK Frankie…just soundchecked here in Rathoath for Night 1 of this two night residency here in County Meath. Its a lovely room, good acoustics and vibrations. I met my old friend Ralph McTell last weekend. He played this venue last week and was very happy with the experience.
In the 50s I used to visit here when it was but a small village..my grandfather Jack Power would always stop here for a bottle of stout…very different now since it has grown into a dormitory town , a Royal suburb of the Black Lagoon..
If you are going for the Full English in the morning I would recommend Edna’s Greasy Spoon in Dukinfield…Weatherspoons have yet to master the culinary arts… too much “dingin” for my liking…..cheap ale doth not make up for a shite fry
….gotta go now…its time to take the tablets, get the corset on, say a few deckitts of the rosary, trim the nostrils, and get the show on the road
Good morning Christy. I hope you and yours are well. I hear you played a blinder in recent and historic times. I wished I was back in Derry. Last night I had the great fortune of attending Daoiri Farrell at a former church in Hastings Old Town right by the sea. The most moving rendition of the Boys of Barr Na Sraide was my highlight although most were taken with the Creggan White Hare. Some of the songs were like epic poems in the Homeric style. (I don’t mean Simpson). Anyhoo he finished the evening with John O Dreams and said he had grown up listening to you and that you were an inspirational man. It was a wonderful gig. Keep warm. Xx
we have been listening to Daoiri emerge into the singer he is today…heard him recently at The Frank Harte Festival …looking forward to hear him again soon when he joins Lankum, Ye Vagabonds and Landless at a gig for the Homeless in Dublin….Daoiri is firmly rooted in the Tradition but had also been influenced by the revival ( I’m in journalistic mode this morning !)
Our Band gigs have been rockin of late…today a commence a 4 gig solo stint hoping I can find my solo schtick one more time..
That Barr na Sráide is a great song…
“but now they toil in foreign soil where they have made their way
deep in the heart of London Town or over in Broadway”
Hi was at you’re Friday night gig in Derry fabulous night very enjoyable gig played all the hits,
Any chance of seeing you in the newly reopened Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhar,
We’ve hosted quite a few famous bands this year such as Clannad, Altan, bheadh sé an dheas ar fad tú a fheiceal agus is cinnte go mbeidh oíche ar dóigh ann
Liam
Míle maith agat Liam,
there is every chance, I have passed your post on to the backroom team and no doubt they will suss out the possibility,
le cónamh Dé beimíd go léir le chéile i nGaoth Dobhar san blian seo cughainn
Marcaídh ar Agaidh
Hi Clive,
I had Paddy on the road, I bought it from a family member of Mick Hipkiss in Birmingham many moons ago. I gave as a gift to Christy via Andy when I was home one year , for only 500 were pressed and sent to the 4 corners, I still sing Cricklewood and love the sound and words of that album. I played it constantly for I could never frame it on the wall, let her spin and turn it up. If you don’t mind Christy, can I add my email finbardoyle71@gmail.com
On a side note Christy, I checked out that songwriter that played Whelans, Hollow Point is a disturbing song . Uncomfortable, but they are the songs that move me. Thanks for the heads up. Threw a heavy blanket on the bed, for the winters wind is growling, Take care Fin
Christy
I have a copy of your original 1969 album. I was stunned to see how much they sell for.
I could just sell it and join the ‘scalpers’. However it would be nice to make sure that it goes to a good home where it will be treasured and not resold. If you have any ideas then let me know, You might not have a copy yourself!
Cheers
Clive
Clive,
the old album has changed hands for vastly varying sums over the years…If you are inclined to sell it I think you should do so and get the best price you can..chances are it will eventually end up in a “good home”…over the years I have managed to get 3 copies, one for each of our “chadults”…..If you sell it I hope you get a good price …dont be worried about “scalpers”….anyone who paid the prices I saw on ebay must have been genuine collectors….
Good Luck with it….
Christy,
I am a livetime fan of yours and also a Guidance counsellor in a school in Kildare Town. The school has been awarded an Amber flag as a recognition of all the projects we have done to promote positive mental health. We are having a simple ceremony with about 50 students on December 8th 2017 in the front of the school to raise the flag and celebrate the achievement. Would you be available to come and help us raise the flag? It would be a 30 minute, humble event but we would LOVE to have you if you can fit us in to your hectic schedule.
Best wishes Christy,
Liz Urell
Regrets Liz….cannot join you because of prior commitment…..great to read of your award..to know that these initiatives are opening up our minds and our attitudes towards positive mental health…Thank you for your invitation, I wish I could be there
So last Friday I was at the passport control in Dublin airport….
Garda: what’s the purpose of your visit?
Me: I’m here to see Christy Moore.
Garda: Eyebrow raised “go on so”
Derry was great, thanks. Stand outs for me we’re The Time Has Come and Beeswing one of my all time favorites. I really loved Derry what a great city. Had a pint in the Bogside pub and took in the sights and felt the presence of the torrid recent history there. Heading back now and I’m already looking forward to the next gig. So I’ll see you in the future! Best regards stay well.
Brian.
Every City has its own unique History, Geography,Ambience,Personal associations, heading to play in different places my anticipation, intent,imaginary pre-gig set list and inner “satnav”, all my personal imbedded “apps” will be guiding me towards whats gonna happen at 8pm showtime….
the two gigs in Derry were shaped by factors that would not apply to a gig in any other location…Declan and I spoke about this the other night and concluded that we have probably never performed any set twice…we have played maybe 800 gigs together this past 17 years and (prob) never repeated any set….
In earlier times and line-ups I recall identical sets night after night to the point of utter tedium…in one Band we had 16 numbers…if we got an encore we would repeat numbers..that eventually made for boredom and subsequent demise..
in younger years the excitement of being in a band,of doing gigs,of gaining traction overcame many shortcomings…50 years on its an entirely different situation…if the gigs were not fulfiling and interesting the edifice would soon crumble ..
sending good wishes to all New York songsters…we have low November Sun here this morning…our first Winter frost last night…the long -johns are out…Summer Salads replaced by Winter soups…. I expect your winter streets are steaming already, cab horns honking 24/7
I’m remembering Symphony Space, Brooklyn Academy, Carnegie Hall, Town Hall and, best of all, The Lansdowne Hotel in The Bronx
watched a doc on Joan Didion last night…New York New York
I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful gig last Tursday night in Derry, Christy. Earlier this year, my daughter. my son and myself had decided that we had to travel to Derry for the first time when you were next playing there and the concert brilliantly topped off what was a great trip. There was magic in the air at the Millennium Forum and your orchestra, of Declan, Jimmy and Cathal was also on storming form. We had been on the Bogside Tour with Paul Doherty and visited the Museum of Free Derry on the morning of the concert and so to hear you perform Minds Locked Shut and Time Has Come was very special. It was a night that we will long treasure.
After Derry we went to Donegal for the weekend and got back yesterday. On the way home on the train from Glasgow, I listened to a download of Desert Island Discs featuring Professor Phil Scraton who of course did so much to expose the institutional cover-up about the truth of Hillsborough. It was a fascinating listen and his very first musical selection was On The Bridge which he chose because he felt it was a song which spoke not just about women political prisoners but to all prisoners and their treatment (you were in very decent company, Christy, as Springsteen and Billie Holiday were also selected by Phil).
Many thanks again for giving us all another magical night of wonderful music.
Glad to read that ye had a good visit…..fair play to Phil Scraton for playing that song on D.I.D…to the best of my knowledge it was the first time “On The Bridge ” was ever played on Radio…what a great selection of songs he chose. his life story is inspirational…..
Hello Christy,
Glad you enjoyed so much meeting your old pal Ralph McTell. Your friendship and musical relationship over 50 years is just wonderful.
The announced dates in April are great News! So we indeed have already marked the calendar …
GOOD LUCK for your Solo gigs and in between the launch of On The Road (can’t wait to hold it in my hands)!
Traudel
Its challenging, interesting and exciting having solo gigs to fulfil….the shows last June helped me get back into that solo frame of mind..its a totally different discipline…at first it all seemed very bare but gradually I found myself settling back to being alone on stage..since 1966 I have played a total of 26 years in different ensembles… mainly with The Companeros, Planxty and Moving Hearts. Also there were short stints with The Trad Outfit,The Early Grave Band and a number of different CM Bands. One of those Bands featured none other then Ralph McTell. I had a brief ensemble way back 50 years ago when I was booked to play on “The Sam Costa Show ” on BBC Radio. Ralph played guitar on a few numbers.
It surprised me to realise that most of my gigs have been solo…..That said I love the music and cameraderie of ensemble playing. I will be ready for action when I rejoin Declan, Jim and Cathal for the Dublin Gigs in December.
Feeling blessed this weekend to have had the pleasure of two Christy gigs followed by Ralph McTell in the Seamus Heaney centre tonight (and Letterkenny tomorrow night). Got me wondering how such special talent in your generation that has carried through the years- seems that you all learned your trade in the clubs and developed a true love for the songs and stories. Ralph’s song about Derek Bentley and his”pardon” 40 years after his death brought Friday night’s Sacco and Vanzetti to mind. So honoured to have been at these gigs.
we sat and listened to Ralph last night…it was a very moving experience for my wife and I…I first met Ralph in 1967…50 years on his light still shines…sitting in The Pavilion Theatre last night he held us all for two hours with songs that touched us deeply….
I should also mention that he gave me great encouragement and help back in 1967. Ralph was already a headline act with a great following while I was trying to get my foot in the door..he held that door for me and we have kept in contact ever since
Christy, Planxty in Iceland is a quare thought indeed and a great spot to have a concert…we would go! I know Iceland has a big folk scene so I searched ‘Icelandic folk and Christy Moore’. Up popped Stúkurnar feat performing the well below the valley. The track is followed by your good self singing it and playing the bodhrán. Iceland…my cap is frozen to my head…
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=folk+music+iceland+christy+moore&view=detail&mid=CCA1D84379E7851517D0CCA1D84379E7851517D0&FORM=VIRE
check out their facebook page. Regards Mary
sounds like we were all cooking today
Hi Christy hope all is well with you reading the page looks like the gigs are flying it Sacco and Vanzetti wow not sure I ever heard it live.All well here the summer season still continues in O Connors Salthill they haven’t called a halt yet we might get to Christmas Scapegoats and The people’s own MP got an airing last week Anyway keep it picked out fair play to ya
There’s something about Derry…….talk about music in the Derry Air. …… 2 amazing nights. From Go Move Shift and Little Musgrave to start proceedings on Thurs night to Spancil Hill (firmly ranked as Gers Favourite) to wrap things up at the finale of Friday evenings masterclass and everything in between was pure magic. Must give a special mention to Faithful Departed tho, it just took me away to some other place.
Gers brother Liam was with us on the fri and he too was bowled over .
Thanks again to all who help make it happen/
Sounds like the Derry air was magical. Love Derry! Just back from Edinburgh visiting friends. My Godson and his girlfriend were in Iceland and enjoyed several road trips through its magical interior highlands and breathtaking fjords with you and Planxty as their musical backdrop. Planning Vicar Street in January! Mary
Planxty in Iceland!
Now there is a thought
How I’d love to traverse those fjords with that band….
Maybe have a few tunes with Sigur Ros..sing an old ballad with Bjork
Part of me remains forever in Planxty…learning, sharing, hard travelling
That first time round was full of joy and laughter
As we played that music which still resounds