Must have been some show! Pretty sure your version of “Plane Crash…” was the first i heard when i was younger, and I now play it often.
Shame.. I don’t think Woody would have expected or wanted so many of his songs to be relevant in 2018. I think it just means we gotta sing em louder!
Take Care and see you in August!
Christy's reply
I first heard it sung by The Emerald Folk in 1966, ( on Irish TV ) then I heard Tony Downes sing it in Manchester in 1967….thats when I first heard the name Woody Guthrie
Hi Christy!
Just grabbed tickets to the August 17th show in Galway while my partner and i are travelling over there. We’re very excited. Any chance you can play Duffy’s Cut for some Pennsylvanian’s? haha
see you soon!
P.s. I played Viva La Quinta Brigada at a recent gig and added Woody’s “all you fascist bound to lose” chorus to the end of it. Went over well with the crowd!
Take care!
Christy's reply
Hi Kev,
Gizza shout closer to the date and I will play Duffy’s for ye with the greatest of pleasure….Woody still resounds around the world..heard Joan Baez last night in Dublin..she sang “Plane Crash at Los Gatos” beautifully
you are hitting the sweet spots here..keep up the good work….love to all beneath the Skyline
Mary from the Bog Meadows
March 22, 2018 at 4:58 pm
Location: Belfast and like the man of March hoping for better weather
Belated condolences on the loss of your dear friend Liam, suaimhneas síoraí dó. A king among pipers and a prince among men…still reflect on Planxty concert Belfast 2004, a memorable occasion. I got a book from the local library (use it or lose it) The January Man (A year of walking Britain) by Christopher Somerville. Dave Goulder who wrote it gave him permission to hang his book on the magical peg of his song. Among a number of books he has written is The Road to Roaringwater: A Walk down the West of Ireland…on order with library (UIOLI)! Anyhow, that got me thinking about your A-Z of your songs and the thought of me and mine doing a road trip through them. I have spent a lovely few hours wandering the country and I’ve only finished ‘B’. From: Avondale, Co. Wicklow to Back Home in Derry to Ballinamore and Ballydine. Too many others to mention here but favourites have to include a trip to see the boys of Barr na Sráide (Cahersiveen, Kerry) and although not listed on your site: The West Coast of Clare (Miltown Malbay). Sorry for the meandering ramble! Go well Christy. Mary
Hi there Christy. At the end of January I sent 6 cds ( Josh/David C/Davy/Owen/+) to 75 M etc.. If they did not get to you, please e-mail an alternative address [ Rab and TBY can’t help me on that] and I’ll happily send on duplicates. Shalom-Jim.
Hello Christy
I was at your wonderful concert in Mullingar in the company of a young man Conor O Donnell from Luton. He is 10 and t he excitement of going to the concert was unbelievable. As a result I am now at the top of his list of legends, Liverpool Football Club being first (or maybe second now!!!).
I would like to thank you for your kindness to Conor, it made his holiday, day, year. He is a true fan and your attention and kindness was memorable.
Please also convey my thanks to Hilary and Paddy who were so kind.
On my own behalf I have loved your music and lyrics for years, it was not unusual for my children to be woken up to Lisdoonvarna et al. So sad about Liam Og. You know when you listen to his (and your) music a word comes to mind – spiritual.
Le dea mhein
Helena Ennis AKA RubyEnnis3
Christy's reply
trawling back over recent posts I find that yours gained no response !
I hope that Conor gets a good Egg in Luton….Thanks for your feedback after Mullingar….I have many Anfield Road devotees amongst friends and listeners even ‘tho I bow at (many) different altars….Craven Cottage, Gigg Lane, Old Trafford, Parkhead, Easter Road and Bramall Lane among them… I have always been a scattered devotee…I’d hang my hat anywhere I’d get a decent pie and a mug of Bovril
So much has been said and recalled of Liam Óg O Flynn’s great talent and lasting and enduring contribution this past week that there is nothing else for me to say except to add my condolences to those expressed below on the loss of your friend. I remember you saying on Desert Island Discs that, out of all of the desert island songs you selected, you would happily listen to Liam’s rendition of Táimse im’ chodladh for the rest of your days if stranded on that desert island. Tá se ina chodladh. But the music is surely immortal now in the tradition. RIP x
Christy's reply
Thank you Olivia and all of you who have made contact since the death of Liam (Óg) O’Flynn last week. Liam’s family have been deeply touched by the messages of condolence that have poured in from near and far. So many listeners around the world have cherished the man and his music. My own life was enriched by his friendship. It remains a priviledge to have played with him.
Liam was the Master Uileann Piper of our generation. He carried the mantle willed to him by Seamus Ennis,Willie Clancy and Leo Rowsome. The beautiful sounds that flowed from his playing, the care he took with his music and instruments, the generosity shown within his practice,these were some of the many facets that drew us to Liam and his music.
He has left a great legacy.During his tenure the Uileann Pipes have gone from the verge of extinction to resounding around the world.When Liam got his “half set” in 1958 there may have been 100 Uileann Pipers in Ireland. The instrument was seldom heard.
Apart from his music, Liam O’Flynn was a quiet,private and gentle man.He shared life with Jane, his beloved Wife of 30 years.
Dearest Christy, our thoughts are with you as you mourn and celebrate the life of your friend. He was here,he was loved and he enriched the lives of all who knew him. With our love, Helen, Manuel, Tallulah and Noah
C.
What a week. We’ve lost Liam Og. Shocking. A lovely photo on the Independent webpage of yourself and Jane, both of you, arms extended, the warmth and love show you both for each other and held in common for Liam. I heard the Arena prog on Radio One, presenter Sean Rocked remarked that as an O’Flynn track played there was a palpable feeling in the studio among you all. I’m sad over Liam’s passing; I admit I knew nothing about his having cancer; “18 years” I observe a figurers. For those who knew him well, indeed yourself one, I am aware you are a huge and committed fan of his music, it must be awful. I admit I myself never met him personally or spoke to him, but what was clear to me always that he was a gentleman. Liam has left us; but not the great music; it will live on. And Liam’s contribution to that is only enormous. For that we owe Liam a huge debt. Thanks for the memories, thanks for the great music he brought us.
RIP Liam.
Hi Christy ,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend Liam , No doubt your week has not been easy , what a rare and beautiful talent Liam had, I remember when Liam played with LAPD supporting Bruce Springsteen in Kilkenny a few years back and to see his face how much he loved and enjoyed being there was amazing , As a music fan we all feel a sence of loss when a person has entertained us for years passes , May he sleep sweetly and make beautiful music wherever he is with those other musicians who have passed.
Another difficult week for all in the Music industry, and especially for his Family and close friends RIP Liam. How fitting your rendition of the “Cliffs” today, I cannot imagine how tough it was for you.
I first encountered you and Planxty circa 1973 in Mullingar (you probably have the date),I was in my early teens. It was the beginning of my love affair with the Music and Songs , which thankfully has
not abated to this Day. I also discovered
that I had this great love for the Lyrics , and the story behind the Song. needless to say the “on the Road” booklet has been fully consumed now. It seems to me no matter what the occasion, sad, or happy that there is always a set of Lyrics
to fit the occasion.
Long may the never ending tour continue,,,,, its powerful Oxygen to breathe in every time we manage to partake.
Best regards
Patsy
Christy , our thoughts are with you at this time. We watched the Arena programme last night , what a beautiful tribute to Liam. I thought of it as being like the old Irish wakes where people come together and talk and remember and tell stories of the friend that has passed on . Every one having their own memories and sharing these with other folks who may have known the person in a slightly different way perhaps. A sad time for all but the sharing helping get through the grief for those tough few first hours and days. We wish , like many others I’m sure , that we could be at the gig tonight to remember Liam as I know you will , and what better way could there be to honour his memory than with music and song.
Hello Christie. Firstly, let me convey to you me sincere condolences for the passing of your close friend, Liam Óg O’Flynn. I empathise with your loss. You’re very fortunate to have been around long enough, I expect, to have learnt the wisdom to live through and to grow from such loses.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.”
(Rumi. 13th Century Persian poet)
I’ve recently written a song, “Loch Erne Eternal”, that I feel, I hope, you might appreciate, especially trying to process the recent loss of a loved one. I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to share and discuss the song with you. If you’d like to accept my invitation, you can contact me as per my contact details on your website.
Again, I wish you strength, peace and creative inspiration in this difficult time.
Finian Cassidy
Christy, just want to convey my deepest condolences on the passing of your great friend Liam Óg. I met him a few times and he was a kind, generous, gentle soul – one of life’s true gentlemen, and a giant among musicians. I’m sure Seamus Ennis and Willie Clancy will pipe him home to the rousing sound of “Tobhair dom do Lámh”, and I’m sure they will take him by the hand and keep him safe in the pipers heaven. Ar deis Dé go raibh a anim.
Some people say that pain shared is pain divided, I don’t know. I watched the RTE webcast the other day after Liam’s passing and although I felt your pain, I doubt that did you or anyone else any good. When someone dies, I get short sharp memories and although I never met or saw Liam, I know his sound, and I thought of the Pipers Path. “And the piper by my side took his tunes from Winters mouth and played them back to the racing clouds.”
Hi Christy, I’ve just heard about Liam O’Flynn. Feeling so sad, such an understated but totally lovely magic man. What emotion he could bring with his great talent. His playing always brought me home to lovely memories. My condolences to you and all the extended family of friends who loved him. Take care of yourself. Xxx
I am a long time Irish fan. but I’ve never been to Ireland. My Dad was the last to set foot on Irish soil 30 years ago. I’m planning a trip to Ireland in Jan. of 2019 & hoping to catch one of your shows. Will you be playing any shows then. Please keep me posted. Thanks for all your great music & I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend. My deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Ken Whalen u2alarm77@comcast.net
WILL DO!
Must have been some show! Pretty sure your version of “Plane Crash…” was the first i heard when i was younger, and I now play it often.
Shame.. I don’t think Woody would have expected or wanted so many of his songs to be relevant in 2018. I think it just means we gotta sing em louder!
Take Care and see you in August!
I first heard it sung by The Emerald Folk in 1966, ( on Irish TV ) then I heard Tony Downes sing it in Manchester in 1967….thats when I first heard the name Woody Guthrie
Hi Christy!
Just grabbed tickets to the August 17th show in Galway while my partner and i are travelling over there. We’re very excited. Any chance you can play Duffy’s Cut for some Pennsylvanian’s? haha
see you soon!
P.s. I played Viva La Quinta Brigada at a recent gig and added Woody’s “all you fascist bound to lose” chorus to the end of it. Went over well with the crowd!
Take care!
Hi Kev,
Gizza shout closer to the date and I will play Duffy’s for ye with the greatest of pleasure….Woody still resounds around the world..heard Joan Baez last night in Dublin..she sang “Plane Crash at Los Gatos” beautifully
Have had the pipes on in the house for days. Here’s a third offering from the album if ye get a minute.
Dylan
https://youtu.be/wg16VxCV6-0
you are hitting the sweet spots here..keep up the good work….love to all beneath the Skyline
Belated condolences on the loss of your dear friend Liam, suaimhneas síoraí dó. A king among pipers and a prince among men…still reflect on Planxty concert Belfast 2004, a memorable occasion. I got a book from the local library (use it or lose it) The January Man (A year of walking Britain) by Christopher Somerville. Dave Goulder who wrote it gave him permission to hang his book on the magical peg of his song. Among a number of books he has written is The Road to Roaringwater: A Walk down the West of Ireland…on order with library (UIOLI)! Anyhow, that got me thinking about your A-Z of your songs and the thought of me and mine doing a road trip through them. I have spent a lovely few hours wandering the country and I’ve only finished ‘B’. From: Avondale, Co. Wicklow to Back Home in Derry to Ballinamore and Ballydine. Too many others to mention here but favourites have to include a trip to see the boys of Barr na Sráide (Cahersiveen, Kerry) and although not listed on your site: The West Coast of Clare (Miltown Malbay). Sorry for the meandering ramble! Go well Christy. Mary
Thanks Mary…please feel free to ramble and meander around here any time the humour takes you..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PfDfC6ML_o&sns=em
Hi there Christy. At the end of January I sent 6 cds ( Josh/David C/Davy/Owen/+) to 75 M etc.. If they did not get to you, please e-mail an alternative address [ Rab and TBY can’t help me on that] and I’ll happily send on duplicates. Shalom-Jim.
Hello Christy
I was at your wonderful concert in Mullingar in the company of a young man Conor O Donnell from Luton. He is 10 and t he excitement of going to the concert was unbelievable. As a result I am now at the top of his list of legends, Liverpool Football Club being first (or maybe second now!!!).
I would like to thank you for your kindness to Conor, it made his holiday, day, year. He is a true fan and your attention and kindness was memorable.
Please also convey my thanks to Hilary and Paddy who were so kind.
On my own behalf I have loved your music and lyrics for years, it was not unusual for my children to be woken up to Lisdoonvarna et al. So sad about Liam Og. You know when you listen to his (and your) music a word comes to mind – spiritual.
Le dea mhein
Helena Ennis AKA RubyEnnis3
trawling back over recent posts I find that yours gained no response !
I hope that Conor gets a good Egg in Luton….Thanks for your feedback after Mullingar….I have many Anfield Road devotees amongst friends and listeners even ‘tho I bow at (many) different altars….Craven Cottage, Gigg Lane, Old Trafford, Parkhead, Easter Road and Bramall Lane among them… I have always been a scattered devotee…I’d hang my hat anywhere I’d get a decent pie and a mug of Bovril
Christy,
How about a ballad to commemorate the Grand Slam?
(We can work on a chorus)
Paddies’ Day
– The Grand Slamrock
Low lie The Fields of Athenry”
Sang Irish voices, sweet and loud
On St. Patrick’s Day in Twickenham
The Men in Green did us proud
Long before Six Nations finale
Eddie called the Irish “scummy”
Sure to rouse our rugby rebels
-Teach a lesson to that Pommie!
Delusions of global domination
Shared by Hartley, Farrell and Co.
Shattered by The Green Machine’s
Pummeling in Twickenham snow
No sooner are the ‘anthems’ sung
The Irish rip into their hosts
Surrender! (The colour of English jerseys)
They evaporate like ghosts
Sexton with the aerial bomb
Kearney loves that up and under
Ringrose finishes with aplomb
Irish fans explode like thunder!
The Irish pack like men possessed
Jackals primed the ball to steal
English chariot stuck in reverse
Going backwards without a wheel
Rory Best tears into Hartley
(The rout is on – I have a hunch)
“Do not go gently!” cries out Dylan
But ‘Besty’ eats him raw for lunch!
Healy hasn’t shaved all week
Stubble thick as Galway rain
Rubbing Sinckler all the wrong ways
Inflicts maximum scrummage pain
Furlong plowing down the straight
Eating Mako V like cake
Another Irish thoroughbred
Leaves English geldings in his wake
Young James Ryan defies his age
Bord na Mona tackling machine
Again and again o’er the gainline
Living breathing his Grand Slam dream
Ian Henderson immense
Razor sharp with lineout calls
Breaking tackles, smashing through
The Man must have mahogany balls
Then there’s Peter Og O’Mahoney
Tough as nails, full of fight
Master of the blindside arts
The English buckling at his might
Leavy’s everywhere it seems
Did they spike his pre-game drink?
Felling Saxons just for fun
(Hats off to McNulty, Ireland’s shrink!)
CJ Stander is a Trojan
Try to stop him and you’re toast!
Runs straight through English brick wall
Touches down against the post!
Then on the stroke of half-time
Simon Stockdale like a hare
Chases ball nudged on with knee
Touches down with room to spare!
Second half a different story
England know the score is dire
“Swing low Sweet Chariot…”
They come out breathing fire
Wave after wave of Saxon warriors
Charge to every ruck and maul
But Ireland’s defense is rock solid
Immovable ancient Connacht wall
‘Indomitable Irishry’ front and centre
Leaves the English boys forlorn
On their knees in adoration
At the ‘Terrible Beauty’ born
‘Flight of the Earls’ back to haunt them
As Keith recalls his rebel roots
Flying past all English tackles
Like Cuchulainn in winged boots
Christy Moore’s voice on high
“Would you let a Saxon cock…”
(“Oh the craic was mighty” can’t you hear him?)
“Crow out upon an Irish rock”
The English crowd jeer and boo
As they wave their furtive banners
Then Ireland lands a penalty kick
“Fly up and teach him manners!”
Conor Murray and Rob Kearney
Now mythic legends of these lands
Have the pale-faced English lassies
Licking the palms of Irish hands
Ringrose Riverdancing jigs
Round and through their Pale defense
As to global domination
Eddie’s now lost all pretense
Bundee Aki down the middle
Takes out Farrell with wrecking ball
No matter who comes down his channel
All Saxons destined for a fall
Simon Stockdale on the wing
Maturity beyond his years
Looks into the Saxons’ eyes
Immobilizes them with fear
And ‘the bench’ deep and strong
Fortifies our green armour
Cronin, McGrath and Porter
Toner, Murphy and Larmour
Carbery too as cool as ice
Comes in for Sexton’s HIA
And slick as silver Marmion
How these Warriors make our day!
Let’s not forget heroic Chris Farrell
Against Wales none stronger, bolder
And before him dynamic Henshaw
Lost too soon to ruptured shoulder
How about ‘The Maestro’ Joe
And his super backroom team
Plotting every chess-like move
To deliver on The Dream
“Hail glorious St. ‘Joseph’
Dear Saint of our Isle
On us thy poor children
Bestow a sweet smile!”
Be gone with all ‘begorrahs’
Leprechauns and all that shite!
“The Boys are back in town”
(But NOT spoilin’ for drunken fight)
Our supremacy’s been proven
(Tanned All Black AND White hides)
Now for some well-earned respect
For our Grand Slam bona fides!
England has been rightly humbled
Eddie Jones has had his day
He embarrassed a proud nation
“Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay”
‘”Low lie The Fields…” resounds
You can keep Trevelyan’s corn!
We have “dreams and songs to sing”
On this Irish Grand Slam morn!
copyright of padraic slater
Vancouver, BC, Canada
March 17, 2018
slaterpf@gmail.com
Bejasus Pádraic you fairly went into extra time with that one ! Fair play to you. Lord Baker would only be in th ha’penny place
So much has been said and recalled of Liam Óg O Flynn’s great talent and lasting and enduring contribution this past week that there is nothing else for me to say except to add my condolences to those expressed below on the loss of your friend. I remember you saying on Desert Island Discs that, out of all of the desert island songs you selected, you would happily listen to Liam’s rendition of Táimse im’ chodladh for the rest of your days if stranded on that desert island. Tá se ina chodladh. But the music is surely immortal now in the tradition. RIP x
Thank you Olivia and all of you who have made contact since the death of Liam (Óg) O’Flynn last week. Liam’s family have been deeply touched by the messages of condolence that have poured in from near and far. So many listeners around the world have cherished the man and his music. My own life was enriched by his friendship. It remains a priviledge to have played with him.
Liam was the Master Uileann Piper of our generation. He carried the mantle willed to him by Seamus Ennis,Willie Clancy and Leo Rowsome. The beautiful sounds that flowed from his playing, the care he took with his music and instruments, the generosity shown within his practice,these were some of the many facets that drew us to Liam and his music.
He has left a great legacy.During his tenure the Uileann Pipes have gone from the verge of extinction to resounding around the world.When Liam got his “half set” in 1958 there may have been 100 Uileann Pipers in Ireland. The instrument was seldom heard.
Apart from his music, Liam O’Flynn was a quiet,private and gentle man.He shared life with Jane, his beloved Wife of 30 years.
Dearest Christy, our thoughts are with you as you mourn and celebrate the life of your friend. He was here,he was loved and he enriched the lives of all who knew him. With our love, Helen, Manuel, Tallulah and Noah
C.
What a week. We’ve lost Liam Og. Shocking. A lovely photo on the Independent webpage of yourself and Jane, both of you, arms extended, the warmth and love show you both for each other and held in common for Liam. I heard the Arena prog on Radio One, presenter Sean Rocked remarked that as an O’Flynn track played there was a palpable feeling in the studio among you all. I’m sad over Liam’s passing; I admit I knew nothing about his having cancer; “18 years” I observe a figurers. For those who knew him well, indeed yourself one, I am aware you are a huge and committed fan of his music, it must be awful. I admit I myself never met him personally or spoke to him, but what was clear to me always that he was a gentleman. Liam has left us; but not the great music; it will live on. And Liam’s contribution to that is only enormous. For that we owe Liam a huge debt. Thanks for the memories, thanks for the great music he brought us.
RIP Liam.
Hi Christy ,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend Liam , No doubt your week has not been easy , what a rare and beautiful talent Liam had, I remember when Liam played with LAPD supporting Bruce Springsteen in Kilkenny a few years back and to see his face how much he loved and enjoyed being there was amazing , As a music fan we all feel a sence of loss when a person has entertained us for years passes , May he sleep sweetly and make beautiful music wherever he is with those other musicians who have passed.
Jimi
Another difficult week for all in the Music industry, and especially for his Family and close friends RIP Liam. How fitting your rendition of the “Cliffs” today, I cannot imagine how tough it was for you.
I first encountered you and Planxty circa 1973 in Mullingar (you probably have the date),I was in my early teens. It was the beginning of my love affair with the Music and Songs , which thankfully has
not abated to this Day. I also discovered
that I had this great love for the Lyrics , and the story behind the Song. needless to say the “on the Road” booklet has been fully consumed now. It seems to me no matter what the occasion, sad, or happy that there is always a set of Lyrics
to fit the occasion.
Long may the never ending tour continue,,,,, its powerful Oxygen to breathe in every time we manage to partake.
Best regards
Patsy
I’ll be back again – soon.
Christy , our thoughts are with you at this time. We watched the Arena programme last night , what a beautiful tribute to Liam. I thought of it as being like the old Irish wakes where people come together and talk and remember and tell stories of the friend that has passed on . Every one having their own memories and sharing these with other folks who may have known the person in a slightly different way perhaps. A sad time for all but the sharing helping get through the grief for those tough few first hours and days. We wish , like many others I’m sure , that we could be at the gig tonight to remember Liam as I know you will , and what better way could there be to honour his memory than with music and song.
Hello Christie. Firstly, let me convey to you me sincere condolences for the passing of your close friend, Liam Óg O’Flynn. I empathise with your loss. You’re very fortunate to have been around long enough, I expect, to have learnt the wisdom to live through and to grow from such loses.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.”
(Rumi. 13th Century Persian poet)
I’ve recently written a song, “Loch Erne Eternal”, that I feel, I hope, you might appreciate, especially trying to process the recent loss of a loved one. I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to share and discuss the song with you. If you’d like to accept my invitation, you can contact me as per my contact details on your website.
Again, I wish you strength, peace and creative inspiration in this difficult time.
Finian Cassidy
Christy, just want to convey my deepest condolences on the passing of your great friend Liam Óg. I met him a few times and he was a kind, generous, gentle soul – one of life’s true gentlemen, and a giant among musicians. I’m sure Seamus Ennis and Willie Clancy will pipe him home to the rousing sound of “Tobhair dom do Lámh”, and I’m sure they will take him by the hand and keep him safe in the pipers heaven. Ar deis Dé go raibh a anim.
Some people say that pain shared is pain divided, I don’t know. I watched the RTE webcast the other day after Liam’s passing and although I felt your pain, I doubt that did you or anyone else any good. When someone dies, I get short sharp memories and although I never met or saw Liam, I know his sound, and I thought of the Pipers Path. “And the piper by my side took his tunes from Winters mouth and played them back to the racing clouds.”
Thoughts are with you at this difficult time Christy. A gentle soul he was with a wonderful, wonderful talent.
Hi Christy, I’ve just heard about Liam O’Flynn. Feeling so sad, such an understated but totally lovely magic man. What emotion he could bring with his great talent. His playing always brought me home to lovely memories. My condolences to you and all the extended family of friends who loved him. Take care of yourself. Xxx
I am a long time Irish fan. but I’ve never been to Ireland. My Dad was the last to set foot on Irish soil 30 years ago. I’m planning a trip to Ireland in Jan. of 2019 & hoping to catch one of your shows. Will you be playing any shows then. Please keep me posted. Thanks for all your great music & I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend. My deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Ken Whalen u2alarm77@comcast.net