Good morning…bright and crisp…
I’ll drive any van around Europe if a small tour ever happens again…but this is a busy island for you too, we appreciate that…
A great night last week with Luka last week and Brian Kennedy is fully booked out for his 1st March date..
But the brilliany Wally Page along with Johnny Mulhearn will do an afternoon gig this coming Sunday 28th in The Harbour Bar in Bray…@ 5pm…hey Wally , hey Wally..
Dear Christy,
The other daughters and sons on the banks of river Rhine (and Elbe) here on the Guestbook are so right: As much as we like to travel to Ireland for your gigs – it would be a highlight of many people’s lives (to quote Joxer) if you came to Germany again for some concerts! Seven years have passed since your EU tour 2011 and we will never tire of raving about it. Hamburg, Bochum, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Niedernhausen – it couldn’t get any better than this … Sweet music roll on !!
Christy's reply
Hi Petra, I have not yet written off the possibility but it becomes more unlikely with each passing year…I would love to play in your country again…for various reasons the logistics have become more complex and difficult…
also the fact that there are still many parts of Ireland where I have yet to play…
I have always loved visiting your beautiful country….I have found the German audience to be among the very best…
Hi Christy,
another fan from Germany. I saw you back in 2011 here in Hesse and again when I was in Dublin at Vicar Street. My dad loves your music as well. We are on holiday in Dublin (birthday present for my dad) end of May and I hoped to see you there again but I guess unfortunately there is no gig at this time.
Anyway I just thought to tell you that I am regularly checking your website and hope to see a gig in Germany again!
All the best, Carina
Christy's reply
Thank you Carina….hope you and your Dad have a good visit in May…
well observed, I dont like that wooden object d’Art you got on your wall…it smacks of heathen worship and distracts listeners to your broadcasts..try putting it on the opp wall..
Hey Christy
My name is Elyn and I moved here from Germany. I am coming to your gig on Monday in Vicar Street. My dad is coming all the way from Germany to see you there-I was wondering if we have any chance to meet you afterwards for a signature? That would be truly amazing!
All the best, see you on Monday, Elyn
Christy's reply
Regrets Elyn, after two hours on stage I go straight into the Oxygen tent for resucitation, I also need holistic massage, a touch of Reiki whilst reviving acapuncture is administered to both vocal chords and nether end….sitting for two hours singing,thrashing guitars and bodhráns takes its inevitable toll on my 72 year old vocal chords and well furnished arse… in recent weeks I have been unable to meet or greet Bono, Taoiseach Varadkar, Helena Bonham Carter,Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Obama, Conor McGregor, to mention but a few, you would not believe the list of VIPs seeking access these days ( the power of The Late Late Show is truly remarkable) The Corrs, Toten Hosen, The The,Angelina Jolie, Pat Quinn,Mario Rosenstock, Ted Walsh, Johnny Doyle,…….
but we leave it all on the stage….to meet the singer after the gig might not be a pleasant experience….once the make-up is hacked off, corset loosened,various image enhancers packed away, this old balladeer can be a pitiful sight….best not expose your Dad ( or yourself for that matter) to such an experience deflating reality check….much better take the good man to Copper Jacks and fire a good feed of gargle into him….
As I prepare myself for Monday I hope you both have great gig….send me your Dad’s name and I will sing him a song
Hi Christy!
So sorry to read that you will not be crossing the pond again. I wish I could tempt you to do so with our good Finger Lakes Wine Country. At any rate, I guess I will need to cross the pond. I listen to you ALL the time in my car and I am always introducing your work to others (And they love it as I do). I am the third cousin of the Russell Brothers, and just had a chance to hang in Doolin and see their family home which is now a holiday house. I will be back in about years…so keep doing your thing for awhile as seeing you live is the BIGGEST thing on my bucket list. ~ County Clare Girl doing her thing in the Finger Lakes
Christy's reply
I never met Packie or Gussie but Micho Russell was a dear friend ( as indeed he was to many) It was always such a pleasure to meet Micho, his warmth, smile, humility,generosity of spirit and his music.
It was a lovely start to this day to be reminded of time spent in his company….
my brother, Luka Bloom, wrote a song for Micho once..
my nephew Gavin married Michelle in The Micho Russell Centre in Doolin last year…we all played some tunes there
Hey Christy, any chance of you doing a gig in Portland Or? Love to see you over here ?
Christy's reply
Hey Paul…..Sorry to report that I wont be crossing The Pond again….Its almost 20 years since my last visit…. I savour the good memories that linger …..even the very thought of air travel removes all peace of mind…..greetings to you and all Portland singers, fiddlers and listeners….
Your name suggests you may have Kildare origins
“well done said auld Dunne when all the young Dunnes were done dancin”
Hello Christy, I hope you are well.
I recently picked up a copy of the excellent ‘On The Road’ album and was wondering, where can I find out more details about where and when each song was recorded? My wife and I have had the good fortune to catch you live at a few venues over the last couple of years and I’d be very interested to find out if we were at any of the concerts featured on the album.
Take care and hope to see you again very soon.
Christy's reply
I do plan to return to that omission. When time came to sign off I did not have access to the info you seek…. hopefully I will be able to correct this shortfall…if so, I will send it out on a newsletter ….Sign Up and we’ll Ride On
I wish you a very happy new year
and thank’s so lot for the new album “On the road”,it was beautiful
So,may be, do you remember in august 2016,you reserved me 2 tickets for the gig in Wexford at the Paradisio Spiegltent,october 2016
Unfortunately,my wife Patricia,was stricken with a heart trouble one week before the gig,and I had to cancel my trip.
In April 2017,it was the most difficult times of my life, my wife passed away…..
So,I come for the gig on saturday,february 3rd 2018,in Gorey Little Theatre,and if it’s possible,I would like you sing ” Voyage ” for Patricia
Thank’s so much Christy,
ps:your songs and my family(of course) help me to continue my life
Thank’s so much Christy
Christy's reply
I hope you have a good visit to Gorey..sorry to read of your loss David…may the music keep your spirit high
Hi Christy, I’m excited for Glasgow Barrowlands on Saturday November 3rd granted there’s 9 months+ still to go.
I gave my boss your latest cd last weekend, think it’s been played non stop while he’s driving about, yass Team Christy!
Christy's reply
” we sang The Nicky Tams in the back room of The Scotia
where we drank sweet wine and called for neon pints of Fidel Castro
until it was time to climb to dreamland,
out of Bairds, up the stairs, to Hell or to Heaven we’d go,
David from New Zealand born in Newbridge the back of the barracks before moving to the top of the town – up the moores! I am living in NZ now 8 years with 3 kids.
I’d love to know when you will be back in NZ I think your last trip was in 1990.
During the world cup Sep 8, 2011 – Captain Brian O’Driscoll led his team in a rousing rendition of the famous ballad ‘Ride On’ in response to a traditional Maori greeting from schoolchildren in New Zealand, you would be welcome with open arms with the many fans in NZ if you decided to play a few gigs, what’s your thoughts on the above??
Also, I am flying back to Ireland next week, I land on Monday the 29th and straight to Vickers street I cant wait to see you on stage – cliffs of dooneen its my kids number 1 song they are big fans!!
All the best David
keep strong!
Christy's reply
“From Hawkfield and Kilbelin, Chinatown and Rosy’s Lane,
Scattered ’round the World we dreamt of comin home again.
From The Rocks of Sydney Harbour, The Bronx and Birmingham
The Lilies of The Shortgrass are coming home again”……
Hope you have a great trip home David..its a long haul from NZ to Moorefield…. I’m sure you’ll have manys the tale to tell.
The Moorefield senior team are blazing a trail this year. Next game is a Semi Final of the All-Ireland Club Championship.I am in serious training, boots polished shoud I get the call.. My last appearance was back in 1964… I live in hope…
I sang that song with Brian O’Driscoll once…I did a gig for The Squad…he was one of the few to join me for a duet….he jinked the first verse, feinted the second but rose to the chorus and crossed the line when it mattered…..Denis Leamy sang The Contender, Donnaca O’Call did Joxer and Fergus McFadden The Rock & Roll Kids
I’ll not make it back to NZ. I called a halt to long haul touring 18 years ago….I have great memories from my earlier visits….most of all when I recieved a Traditional Maori welcome back in the 80s… I subsequently invited a Maori Choir to join me at the Aotea Centre Concert Hall in Auckland…(I would love a photo of that night)…we sang “Ride On” together
The next Vicar St gig is shaping up to be a good night
Was at the gig a week ago in Vicar street. I feel lucky to be on the planet at the same time as you to be able to experience it. Brilliant entertainment, wonderful songs, beautiful music and great craic.
I look forward to more later in the tour. Keep her lit Christy, ride on!!!
All the best,
Kenny
Christy's reply
The Band is in a good space at the moment..as Cathal settles in his music is coming more to the fore, his contribution becoming more apparent in the arrangements and overall sound….the new colours he brings certainly effect my own interpretations of the songs, his riffs and solos impact upon where Declan might venture, Jimmy’s percussion inspired even more by Cathal’s Trad licks….
I have now played 4 gigs with a new microphone system and its working very well for me…I was developing neck problems from two hours straining at the static mike ..now the new mike comes with me whichever way I chose to face.. changing to a new system after 50 years was a big step for me but I’m really enjoying the process….
Hi there Christy-I came across a tape you sent me way back, in which you sang a few numbers and commented favourably on David Campbell’s ” Young Ones of Carlton”. It prompted me to phone David & catch up ( he’s living in in Vancouver these past few years). From the old days- I’m still in contact wi’ him, Billy and Rab, Take care, me friend – Jim
Christy's reply
must be 35 years since I heard that song, that fine singer…..just tracked him on you tube…hi to The Big Yin, Wee Rab and your good self…..met with Hamish’s wains last year….his spirit lives on
Afternoon.
Having a catch up of the posts. Christy33 was interesting. Was there (note clever use of non gender stereotyping) presence at the gig to accept on behalf of all who might be slightly offended, the pain and suffering you may cause. Or was there a little bit of Christy33 (‘little bit’ is not a sexual reference, just lazy writing) which thought, I just love to hear the old bastard sing.
Personally, I’m happy to pay for the indulgence of taking the chance of bringing a smile to this dreary old world at times with your songs and humour.
All the best
#Frankie
My 7 month old is just mesmirized by your version of Fairytale of New York on the Jools Holland show from several years ago. He will watch it in complete silence. Its unbelievable! Think…. a screaming baby, enter Christy, cue silence! He has been watching this videovon youtube since christmas…so about 2 months now! I would love to upload it for you!
Christy's reply
fair play to your kid…showing early signs of having a good ear…upload away and lets know when and where
Dear Christy,
Right now I am after listening to „Irish Ways and Irish Laws“ once again, that beautiful version by the Moving Hearts, recorded 1981. The man who wrote the song has never ceased to pen music and has just recorded his own album, together with some very talented young German musicians. I had the privilege of a recent e-mail chat with John Gibbs, the author of „Irish Ways and Irish Laws“ and more than 400 other songs. He has been living in Germany and Austria for many years.
A matter very close to John‘s heart is the sad topic of Irish „Homes“ and the atrocious way illegitimate kids and their mothers were treated in the past. The young women were exploited and punished and even worse – their children were taken away from them.
The same sad story Joni Mitchell has described so impressingly in her song ‚Magdalene Laundries‘, another one that you have in your repertoire, Christy. I recall that you mentioned once during a concert that nobody ever does a request for this song, but I never tire of listening to it.
John Gibbs is very proud of his CD with the title ‚To All Those Little Darlings‘. The ten songs are heartbreaking and beautiful.
Christy's reply
Good to hear from you Petra….I still have occasional contact with John… I like his songs very much…I well remember that night, 37 years ago, when he sang “Irish Ways, Irish Laws” into my ear after a Moving Heart gig …..
Sad ould news this week with the incredibly premature death of Dolores O’Riordan. The first time I ever really sat up and listened to her was back in the mid-nineties when a friend made up a C90 for me and the last song on it was Dolores singing a lovely version of the Elvis Presley hit “In The Ghetto”.
Listening back to it now, I’m struck by the similarities between it and “Lawless”. I suppose they’re universal themes in a way. We have Lawless ‘running wild in the street’ and ‘breaking his poor mother’s heart’ and similarly, the young lad in the Ghetto ‘starts to roam the streets at night and he learns how to steal and learns how to fight … and his Mama cries’.
Both songs have a similar ending too. Lawless’s ‘dangerous fool’ gets banged up for the rest of his natural, leaving a lonely child playing down the back of Ringsend while the ‘angry young man’ in the Ghetto ends up ‘face down on the street with a gun in his hand’, leaving another little baby child to wander the Ghetto.
The whole idea of the cycle starting all over again in both cases. Indeed, the man who wrote “In The Ghetto” (Morris ‘Mac’ Davis) originally called it “The Vicious Circle”. Universal themes, indeed.
Hi Christy,
Stefan from Hamburg here.
Have been listening to and enjoying your music for ages now but had only been
able to attend one of your German gigs ages ago. Since I didn’t want to wait any
longer I decided I had to come to Dublin and see you at Vicar Street.
Well, that’s what I did last Thursday and it was just awesome! I had a fantastic
time and was just enjoying myself tremendously. Not only were you and the
band brilliant but I so loved the audience. So a big THANK YOU to you and
the whole crew! It was one of those gigs I’ll surely remember for a looong time.
There’s quite a few of us Christy fans over here, by the way (not only in Stuttgart 🙂 ).
Cheers, Stefan.
PS: the new album is a perfect match!
Christy's reply
A walk around The Frozen Lake, the welcome at Muskihalle, joyful encores at Markethalle, hearing Abi Wallenstein,hangin out with Champion Jack Dupree,….
Hello
Christy
Seamus Noone here.
Belated new year greetings to you!
Your performances and your performance style is so reknowned that numerous comedians have imitated you in their comedy routines.
Do you find it flattering, or do you find it offensive?
Just wanted to thank you for sharing your wonderful music with the world over the years. I often listen to you while I’m working, and my coworkers have long given up the weird looks when I start singing aloud to Lisdoonvarna!
I’ll be (finally) making my first trip to Ireland this coming March. I was hoping you’d be playing while I’m there, but missed my chance at tickets for Waterford or Bantry. If anyone has a spare one – please give me a shout!!
Good morning…bright and crisp…
I’ll drive any van around Europe if a small tour ever happens again…but this is a busy island for you too, we appreciate that…
A great night last week with Luka last week and Brian Kennedy is fully booked out for his 1st March date..
But the brilliany Wally Page along with Johnny Mulhearn will do an afternoon gig this coming Sunday 28th in The Harbour Bar in Bray…@ 5pm…hey Wally , hey Wally..
Dear Christy,
The other daughters and sons on the banks of river Rhine (and Elbe) here on the Guestbook are so right: As much as we like to travel to Ireland for your gigs – it would be a highlight of many people’s lives (to quote Joxer) if you came to Germany again for some concerts! Seven years have passed since your EU tour 2011 and we will never tire of raving about it. Hamburg, Bochum, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Niedernhausen – it couldn’t get any better than this … Sweet music roll on !!
Hi Petra, I have not yet written off the possibility but it becomes more unlikely with each passing year…I would love to play in your country again…for various reasons the logistics have become more complex and difficult…
also the fact that there are still many parts of Ireland where I have yet to play…
I have always loved visiting your beautiful country….I have found the German audience to be among the very best…
Hi Christy,
another fan from Germany. I saw you back in 2011 here in Hesse and again when I was in Dublin at Vicar Street. My dad loves your music as well. We are on holiday in Dublin (birthday present for my dad) end of May and I hoped to see you there again but I guess unfortunately there is no gig at this time.
Anyway I just thought to tell you that I am regularly checking your website and hope to see a gig in Germany again!
All the best, Carina
Thank you Carina….hope you and your Dad have a good visit in May…
Danger Will Robinson, Politics and the F bomb.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrbN8W_NzQg
well observed, I dont like that wooden object d’Art you got on your wall…it smacks of heathen worship and distracts listeners to your broadcasts..try putting it on the opp wall..
Hey Christy
My name is Elyn and I moved here from Germany. I am coming to your gig on Monday in Vicar Street. My dad is coming all the way from Germany to see you there-I was wondering if we have any chance to meet you afterwards for a signature? That would be truly amazing!
All the best, see you on Monday, Elyn
Regrets Elyn, after two hours on stage I go straight into the Oxygen tent for resucitation, I also need holistic massage, a touch of Reiki whilst reviving acapuncture is administered to both vocal chords and nether end….sitting for two hours singing,thrashing guitars and bodhráns takes its inevitable toll on my 72 year old vocal chords and well furnished arse… in recent weeks I have been unable to meet or greet Bono, Taoiseach Varadkar, Helena Bonham Carter,Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Obama, Conor McGregor, to mention but a few, you would not believe the list of VIPs seeking access these days ( the power of The Late Late Show is truly remarkable) The Corrs, Toten Hosen, The The,Angelina Jolie, Pat Quinn,Mario Rosenstock, Ted Walsh, Johnny Doyle,…….
but we leave it all on the stage….to meet the singer after the gig might not be a pleasant experience….once the make-up is hacked off, corset loosened,various image enhancers packed away, this old balladeer can be a pitiful sight….best not expose your Dad ( or yourself for that matter) to such an experience deflating reality check….much better take the good man to Copper Jacks and fire a good feed of gargle into him….
As I prepare myself for Monday I hope you both have great gig….send me your Dad’s name and I will sing him a song
Hi Christy!
So sorry to read that you will not be crossing the pond again. I wish I could tempt you to do so with our good Finger Lakes Wine Country. At any rate, I guess I will need to cross the pond. I listen to you ALL the time in my car and I am always introducing your work to others (And they love it as I do). I am the third cousin of the Russell Brothers, and just had a chance to hang in Doolin and see their family home which is now a holiday house. I will be back in about years…so keep doing your thing for awhile as seeing you live is the BIGGEST thing on my bucket list. ~ County Clare Girl doing her thing in the Finger Lakes
I never met Packie or Gussie but Micho Russell was a dear friend ( as indeed he was to many) It was always such a pleasure to meet Micho, his warmth, smile, humility,generosity of spirit and his music.
It was a lovely start to this day to be reminded of time spent in his company….
my brother, Luka Bloom, wrote a song for Micho once..
my nephew Gavin married Michelle in The Micho Russell Centre in Doolin last year…we all played some tunes there
Hey Christy, any chance of you doing a gig in Portland Or? Love to see you over here ?
Hey Paul…..Sorry to report that I wont be crossing The Pond again….Its almost 20 years since my last visit…. I savour the good memories that linger …..even the very thought of air travel removes all peace of mind…..greetings to you and all Portland singers, fiddlers and listeners….
Your name suggests you may have Kildare origins
“well done said auld Dunne when all the young Dunnes were done dancin”
Hello Christy, I hope you are well.
I recently picked up a copy of the excellent ‘On The Road’ album and was wondering, where can I find out more details about where and when each song was recorded? My wife and I have had the good fortune to catch you live at a few venues over the last couple of years and I’d be very interested to find out if we were at any of the concerts featured on the album.
Take care and hope to see you again very soon.
I do plan to return to that omission. When time came to sign off I did not have access to the info you seek…. hopefully I will be able to correct this shortfall…if so, I will send it out on a newsletter ….Sign Up and we’ll Ride On
I wish you a very happy new year
and thank’s so lot for the new album “On the road”,it was beautiful
So,may be, do you remember in august 2016,you reserved me 2 tickets for the gig in Wexford at the Paradisio Spiegltent,october 2016
Unfortunately,my wife Patricia,was stricken with a heart trouble one week before the gig,and I had to cancel my trip.
In April 2017,it was the most difficult times of my life, my wife passed away…..
So,I come for the gig on saturday,february 3rd 2018,in Gorey Little Theatre,and if it’s possible,I would like you sing ” Voyage ” for Patricia
Thank’s so much Christy,
ps:your songs and my family(of course) help me to continue my life
Thank’s so much Christy
I hope you have a good visit to Gorey..sorry to read of your loss David…may the music keep your spirit high
Hi Christy, I’m excited for Glasgow Barrowlands on Saturday November 3rd granted there’s 9 months+ still to go.
I gave my boss your latest cd last weekend, think it’s been played non stop while he’s driving about, yass Team Christy!
” we sang The Nicky Tams in the back room of The Scotia
where we drank sweet wine and called for neon pints of Fidel Castro
until it was time to climb to dreamland,
out of Bairds, up the stairs, to Hell or to Heaven we’d go,
….Come all you dreamers”
Hello Christy,
David from New Zealand born in Newbridge the back of the barracks before moving to the top of the town – up the moores! I am living in NZ now 8 years with 3 kids.
I’d love to know when you will be back in NZ I think your last trip was in 1990.
During the world cup Sep 8, 2011 – Captain Brian O’Driscoll led his team in a rousing rendition of the famous ballad ‘Ride On’ in response to a traditional Maori greeting from schoolchildren in New Zealand, you would be welcome with open arms with the many fans in NZ if you decided to play a few gigs, what’s your thoughts on the above??
Also, I am flying back to Ireland next week, I land on Monday the 29th and straight to Vickers street I cant wait to see you on stage – cliffs of dooneen its my kids number 1 song they are big fans!!
All the best David
keep strong!
“From Hawkfield and Kilbelin, Chinatown and Rosy’s Lane,
Scattered ’round the World we dreamt of comin home again.
From The Rocks of Sydney Harbour, The Bronx and Birmingham
The Lilies of The Shortgrass are coming home again”……
Hope you have a great trip home David..its a long haul from NZ to Moorefield…. I’m sure you’ll have manys the tale to tell.
The Moorefield senior team are blazing a trail this year. Next game is a Semi Final of the All-Ireland Club Championship.I am in serious training, boots polished shoud I get the call.. My last appearance was back in 1964… I live in hope…
I sang that song with Brian O’Driscoll once…I did a gig for The Squad…he was one of the few to join me for a duet….he jinked the first verse, feinted the second but rose to the chorus and crossed the line when it mattered…..Denis Leamy sang The Contender, Donnaca O’Call did Joxer and Fergus McFadden The Rock & Roll Kids
I’ll not make it back to NZ. I called a halt to long haul touring 18 years ago….I have great memories from my earlier visits….most of all when I recieved a Traditional Maori welcome back in the 80s… I subsequently invited a Maori Choir to join me at the Aotea Centre Concert Hall in Auckland…(I would love a photo of that night)…we sang “Ride On” together
The next Vicar St gig is shaping up to be a good night
Hi Christy
Was at the gig a week ago in Vicar street. I feel lucky to be on the planet at the same time as you to be able to experience it. Brilliant entertainment, wonderful songs, beautiful music and great craic.
I look forward to more later in the tour. Keep her lit Christy, ride on!!!
All the best,
Kenny
The Band is in a good space at the moment..as Cathal settles in his music is coming more to the fore, his contribution becoming more apparent in the arrangements and overall sound….the new colours he brings certainly effect my own interpretations of the songs, his riffs and solos impact upon where Declan might venture, Jimmy’s percussion inspired even more by Cathal’s Trad licks….
I have now played 4 gigs with a new microphone system and its working very well for me…I was developing neck problems from two hours straining at the static mike ..now the new mike comes with me whichever way I chose to face.. changing to a new system after 50 years was a big step for me but I’m really enjoying the process….
thanks for your feedback….
Heres hoping this planet survives
Hi there Christy-I came across a tape you sent me way back, in which you sang a few numbers and commented favourably on David Campbell’s ” Young Ones of Carlton”. It prompted me to phone David & catch up ( he’s living in in Vancouver these past few years). From the old days- I’m still in contact wi’ him, Billy and Rab, Take care, me friend – Jim
must be 35 years since I heard that song, that fine singer…..just tracked him on you tube…hi to The Big Yin, Wee Rab and your good self…..met with Hamish’s wains last year….his spirit lives on
Afternoon.
Having a catch up of the posts. Christy33 was interesting. Was there (note clever use of non gender stereotyping) presence at the gig to accept on behalf of all who might be slightly offended, the pain and suffering you may cause. Or was there a little bit of Christy33 (‘little bit’ is not a sexual reference, just lazy writing) which thought, I just love to hear the old bastard sing.
Personally, I’m happy to pay for the indulgence of taking the chance of bringing a smile to this dreary old world at times with your songs and humour.
All the best
#Frankie
and when it snows in them parts it surely snows….
its the little bit that causes all the problems….
My 7 month old is just mesmirized by your version of Fairytale of New York on the Jools Holland show from several years ago. He will watch it in complete silence. Its unbelievable! Think…. a screaming baby, enter Christy, cue silence! He has been watching this videovon youtube since christmas…so about 2 months now! I would love to upload it for you!
fair play to your kid…showing early signs of having a good ear…upload away and lets know when and where
Dear Christy,
Right now I am after listening to „Irish Ways and Irish Laws“ once again, that beautiful version by the Moving Hearts, recorded 1981. The man who wrote the song has never ceased to pen music and has just recorded his own album, together with some very talented young German musicians. I had the privilege of a recent e-mail chat with John Gibbs, the author of „Irish Ways and Irish Laws“ and more than 400 other songs. He has been living in Germany and Austria for many years.
A matter very close to John‘s heart is the sad topic of Irish „Homes“ and the atrocious way illegitimate kids and their mothers were treated in the past. The young women were exploited and punished and even worse – their children were taken away from them.
The same sad story Joni Mitchell has described so impressingly in her song ‚Magdalene Laundries‘, another one that you have in your repertoire, Christy. I recall that you mentioned once during a concert that nobody ever does a request for this song, but I never tire of listening to it.
John Gibbs is very proud of his CD with the title ‚To All Those Little Darlings‘. The ten songs are heartbreaking and beautiful.
Good to hear from you Petra….I still have occasional contact with John… I like his songs very much…I well remember that night, 37 years ago, when he sang “Irish Ways, Irish Laws” into my ear after a Moving Heart gig …..
Sad ould news this week with the incredibly premature death of Dolores O’Riordan. The first time I ever really sat up and listened to her was back in the mid-nineties when a friend made up a C90 for me and the last song on it was Dolores singing a lovely version of the Elvis Presley hit “In The Ghetto”.
Listening back to it now, I’m struck by the similarities between it and “Lawless”. I suppose they’re universal themes in a way. We have Lawless ‘running wild in the street’ and ‘breaking his poor mother’s heart’ and similarly, the young lad in the Ghetto ‘starts to roam the streets at night and he learns how to steal and learns how to fight … and his Mama cries’.
Both songs have a similar ending too. Lawless’s ‘dangerous fool’ gets banged up for the rest of his natural, leaving a lonely child playing down the back of Ringsend while the ‘angry young man’ in the Ghetto ends up ‘face down on the street with a gun in his hand’, leaving another little baby child to wander the Ghetto.
The whole idea of the cycle starting all over again in both cases. Indeed, the man who wrote “In The Ghetto” (Morris ‘Mac’ Davis) originally called it “The Vicious Circle”. Universal themes, indeed.
Slán abhaile Dolores.
Sorrow and Sadness,
Hi Christy,
Stefan from Hamburg here.
Have been listening to and enjoying your music for ages now but had only been
able to attend one of your German gigs ages ago. Since I didn’t want to wait any
longer I decided I had to come to Dublin and see you at Vicar Street.
Well, that’s what I did last Thursday and it was just awesome! I had a fantastic
time and was just enjoying myself tremendously. Not only were you and the
band brilliant but I so loved the audience. So a big THANK YOU to you and
the whole crew! It was one of those gigs I’ll surely remember for a looong time.
There’s quite a few of us Christy fans over here, by the way (not only in Stuttgart 🙂 ).
Cheers, Stefan.
PS: the new album is a perfect match!
A walk around The Frozen Lake, the welcome at Muskihalle, joyful encores at Markethalle, hearing Abi Wallenstein,hangin out with Champion Jack Dupree,….
Hello
Christy
Seamus Noone here.
Belated new year greetings to you!
Your performances and your performance style is so reknowned that numerous comedians have imitated you in their comedy routines.
Do you find it flattering, or do you find it offensive?
absolutely
Greetings from afar, Christy!
Just wanted to thank you for sharing your wonderful music with the world over the years. I often listen to you while I’m working, and my coworkers have long given up the weird looks when I start singing aloud to Lisdoonvarna!
I’ll be (finally) making my first trip to Ireland this coming March. I was hoping you’d be playing while I’m there, but missed my chance at tickets for Waterford or Bantry. If anyone has a spare one – please give me a shout!!
I hope it works out..