Hi christy ..just wondering what guitar your playing this weather ..pickup etc….i see takamine is coming out with a new version of the ENC10.. great guitar..5 band eq…built in tuner.. great pre amp…I was lucky to get two of the older ones when they came out..would blow away a martin d28 anyday….if ryanaire will let me on board I’m bound for rota spain.for a lay back gig…martin
Christy's reply
at home I play an Atkin”43″ model..just love this box …also have a Taylor at home
BUT
my three workhorses are all early 1980 Taks…over the past 35 years many different guitars and models have been suggested..I tried them all, including later Taks, Martins, Matons, Gibsons, Lowdens.. but I always revert..they still have the original pick-ups…
once the gig starts I feel very at home with my old Taks…we have them serviced once a year and they recieve constant TLC except, of course, when I hammer the bejasus out of them…
Haha, Christy, getting lost in Charlestown, should have asked our Lady of Knock for directions! Beautiful lyrics you shared by the way…thank you for sharing. Congrats to a successful show! Wish I were there! Come to Boston! Have a great day!
Christy's reply
my Boston days are done…very busy here in Bognia…Thanks Be
Christy, what a concert last night. One of the best in the last few years. Everyone was in flying form and the Tintean is a fantastically intimate location. The cliffs of doonen was just spectacularly sung by everyone. I’ll have to message Hillery on the 4711ers and make sure she convinces ye to return! Some man for spotting the Bomber……one legend Mets another!!
We were hopping off that road too on the way back to Killarney, we love Kerry. The spectacular views of the lakes down here and the people like you said are the best. Keep on rocking Christy, you are like a fine wine – getting better with age!
Hey Christy looking forward to tonight in BallyBunnon as they pronounce it!! Hopefully you will sing a song for my sister who’s birthday is today- she would be 55. She’s gone 6 months now. The most appropriate song is the one with Sinead O Connor- bye bye momma. Or the one about Blood on your teeth- I’ve got mist in my eyes and mind I cannot get the proper names! She loves Black is the colour. Anyway I could write your set list for tonight and each one would have a meaning for me. Your music does keep my spirits high!!
Christy's reply
Morra JimBob,
Its “Butterfly” you are thinking of..
“in the end we traded our tired wings
for the resignation that living brings
we traded love’s light and fragile glow
for the glitter and the rouge”
first hear that verse 40 years ago from Jackson Browne in Lisoonvaarna
Christy, what a fantastic concert last night at Ballybunion! Just a perfect set list, pure magic start to finish. Best concert Ever! I’m just sorry I didn’t buy tickets for both nights, but I’ll make do with the new album. Thanks a million for the memories!
Christy's reply
Enjoy your time in the Kingdom ( as Kerry people are wont to call their county, and why would’nt they)
last night was a lovely gathering..people came from all sides, Abbeydorney, Lyracrompane, Sneem, Kilgarvan, Knocknagoshel, Boston, Engerland, even a few Rebels for The Blood & Bandage..
I almost fainted when the lights went up,
Right there in front of me was Eoin (The Bomber)Liston, that great legend of Kerry Football,he was standing there like as if he was on the edge of “the square” waiting for Jacko or Paudie to send in a high ball….
at 73 I am stiil in awe of certain sporting heroes…meeting the likes of Larry McCormack, Mikey Sheehy, Sos Dowling, Ruby Walsh,Nicky English, Babs Keating, Michéal Ó Muirechartaigh, Paul McGrath,Georgie Best,
We are in recovery here in Tralee this morning..revitalising Kerry breakfasts to set us up well for tonights fun..planning to trek The Black Valley this morning, climb Carrantuohill in the afternoon and then a refreshing swim with Fungie in Dingle Daingean before taking the road back to Ballybunion (home of the gay bachelors)
Speaking of roads..that road to Ballybunion is a total disgrace..I reckon I did my shocks in last night near Abbeydorney ..those two Dippity Healy-Raes need to get over to North Kerry and stop spreading ALL their tarmac around Kilgarvan…
surely Dick Spring or Martin Ferris could encourage the Council get the finger out and restore that poor bog road ….was it once a Military Road ? anyone know?
anyway Jordanna, excuse my diversion there..I loved your response to the dedication last night…Shine On
I’m just skimming through some of the comments. Check out all the love for Christy here! Amazing! ! And he even takes the time out to reply. I am 43 yrs old and grew up listening to all the old Irish songs. Every Saturday morning in Boston my Grandparents would listen to the Irish Hit Parade. I can still smell the pancakes and bacon cooking just thinking about it! I miss those days so terribly. When I’m off to work on the Harbor or just out running up the steps of the Bunkerhill Monument (my daily exercise ) I listen to Christy on my headphones and think back to those special times. I live in Charlestown( the home of the Revolutionary War). Where it all began for us in the States! My house resides on the battlefield and I can still find old musket balls from those times around my home. The tourists all pass by on the Freedom Trail outside my front steps (i could get rich from giving directions or a little history lesson if I stick a can on my stoop!) Lol should quit the Harbor! Anyhow, amazing to see the comments and the love for Christy that we all share together. It’s fabulous!
Christy's reply
I skimmed across Blackwater
without once submerging
onto the banks of an urban morning
that hungered the first light
much much more
then the mountains ever do
and she like a ghost beside me
goes down with the ease of a dolphin
and emerges unlearned, unshamed,unharmed
she is the perfect creature
natural in every feature
and I am the geek
with the alchemist’s stone…..
………………………….(from Bright Blue Rose by Jimmy MacCarthy)
How I loved recording this song….the outro featured the piping of both Liam Óg Ó’Flynn and Paddy Moloney. It remains one my favourite recording moments…to hear both chanters blend upon the melody was simply glorious to my ears….Liam is on my mind a lot these days…I’ve been listening to his renditions of “The Dark Slender Boy”, “The Gold Ring”, “Táimse i mo Codhladh”, “THe Bucks of Oranmore” to mention but a few…like certain things in life, the sheer beauty and artistry of Liam’s Music has become magnified with his passing….his presence upon the Island like Mount Leinster
PS..The scan of Verse 1 of Jimmy MacCarthy’s song (as above) is probably at variance to the author’s… it also lacks proper punctuation….it is simply as I sang it last night in The Tintean Theatre, Ballybunion,County Kerry,
PPS…last night I took a wrong turn in Charlestown and ended up in Knock….we have Pope Proinsías coming there soon.. but it could be worse..it could have been The Donald…imagine if he choked on his haggis in bonny Scotland.. I pray to Jasus that he does not uncover any Irish ancestors….and if he does, may they be from Magheramason….when The Ronald touched down in the 80s that was bad enough…if that other Tool comes, I swear to God I’ll I’ll I’ll ….get up on me bike and go to Mass, I’ll get a crown topper and take up Golf, join the Progressive Democrats, vote for Declan Ganly, give up streaky rashers, duet with The Script,play the K Club,go on a Cruise,dig up the Resolver,eat carrots,
It’s been a while since I asked for a shout out but today’s request isnt for me. I’ll be at the concert tonight (hope you play the Cliffs of Doonen since it is writing about the cliffs just north of Ballybunion), but tomorrow night, could you play and dedicate a song to my Grandfather, John Michael Farrel? He was an avid fan until his death in 2000 and always sang “Black is the Colour” to my grandmother and kept singing it after her dead, 3 years before his own. It’s a song that still brings his pub, the Bunker Bar (now owned by my uncle), to a stand still when it is sung in there. It has massive meaning to my family and my mother will be in the audience tomorrow night for her first ever Christy gig and would mean the world to her. Tonight will be gig number 34 for me. Might ambush you for a photo afterwards like I did one Fermoy two years ago!!
PS. Make sure to check out Bromore Cliffs tomorrow with Doonen point in the background…..I’ll organise the free tour for you!
Christy's reply
did not get to read your post til after the first gig in Ballybunion, your message recieved..
such a beautiful theatre…lovely audience..what a surprise I got when the lights went up and there Eoin Liston sitting in he front row…manys the time I watched him from The Hogan Stand…that was the team of the century
The Mississippi delta is shining like an national guitar ?…love Paul Simon …enjoy the concert Christy!
Christy's reply
Paul’s gig coincides with my return to Ballybunion..the family will be at Paul’s gig tonight while I’ll be serenading below in the Kingdom..
The ‘Bunion brings back memories ..I once was a contestant in The Ballybunion Gay Bachelor Festival but failed to emerge from the Kildare heat. That was held in Dreamland Ballroom Athy Co Kildare..Albert Reynolds was one of the judges, he took an instant dislike to my blue shirt…that night I vowed never to suffer such rejection again.
I took up Bog Snorkelling and went on to lift many trophies (under an assumed name)
Some years later I was judged to be the worst dressed man in Ireland by Micheline McCormack of The Sunday World ….
Louis Copeland was on to me the following day. He did his best to dress me up but the harder he tried the worse I looked..
He suggested I try the Army Surplus across the road in Capel Street..they togged me out no problem ..
The Twelfth !……Lord Save Us
Listen to you every day while taking the Ferry from Navy Yard to Boston where I work. I grew up on old songs and stories and those times are gone, the people, the singing, the drinking, the laughs…went to Ireland at the age of 7. Married in Galway..my heart is there..I wanted to say, I love your music, your lyrics, your love for all, especially Shane Macgowan and thank you for keeping my memories fresh in mind. God Bless you, Christy!
Christy's reply
Greetings Kelly Killoran, what a great name!…Like you,I too love Shane’s wonderful songs..they are precious gifts to those of us who love to sing them…
How are ye, Christy? Looking forward to seeing you Friday night in Ballybunion. We’re coming all the way from Boston. Any chance of singing Delirium Tremens for us? Thanks!
Christy's reply
Jordanna..If I was any better I could’nt stick it…
will try and revive the DTs for you Boston crew…
I wrote one of the verses in McGanns of Boston
Back when Tommy was running the show
still missed, always remembered
Alrite christy, coming to see you for the first time in bundoran in October and I can’t wait! I think only you could get people of all ages coming to see you, at 27 I’m sure I won’t be the youngest!! Your version of fairytale of New York is the only thing that gets my 9 month old to sleep when he’s tired or makes him him happy when he’s sad, few cracking videos you’d laugh if you seen. Can’t wait to catch you in October, hopefully maybe even a wee version of fairytale of New York thrown in, just maybe 🙂
Christy's reply
One of the great contemporary ballads….viewed by most as a Christmas Song, a category which I utterly refute for Shane’s gem…it aint no feckin Jingle Bells, no Mammy Kissin Santa Claus…leave all that to Bing and Noddy…..Shane ( and Jem Finer’s) song aint no novelty ditty..its a great Big Song in Vistavision and Techni-colour,its Drama laden, emotional, vivid AND has the Mother and Father of a chorus…Fiachra Trench’s orchestration is pure class, The Video truly memorable, Kirsty’s voice touches the heartstrings, I’ll happily sing it on the night if you remind me closer to the date ..also be sure to tell me which night in October , there are two shows in Bundoran
Bloody loved you at The Carrickdale on Saturday night. I smiled and sung my head off in the third row all night, I’m a devout atheist (don’t hold it against me) but you took me to how I imagine a real church should be. People feeling, singing, remembering, and respecting, a past that should never be forgotten. I have never seen you play a song I didn’t know (I have been to at least 8 of your gigs) but I didn’t know the song about uncle Jimmy, or the one you did at the end with the massive climax and it was beautiful. Please could you give me the name of it?? Also, deccy walked past me in the corridor and I wanted so much to shake his hand but I was to shy. I have so much respect for that guy, he is amazing on a guitar and has the most beautiful voice. Also loved the fiddle player and percussionist. We are currently planning our next gig and will let you know uif we get something booked. I would love you to play john o dreams live. I think it’s such an underrated song. We lost our cousin about 5 years ago, life got too sad and desperate for him and he chose to go. I played your version of this at his funeral and his passing has shaped my life work, from an accountant to a counsellor. It’s a special song to me and the words mean so much. Anyways, over and out Christy
See you soon ?
Christy's reply
Cathal Hayden on Fiddle and Banjo, Jimmy Higgins on Percussion..
The song you mention is “No Time For Love”
“John O’Dreams” appears occasionally, when the night calls and the air is right..
next time I’ll try and sing it, if you let me know…
Thanks for sharing…
Travelled to see you in Cork a present from the son. I would like to thank you for the great entertainment that was provided. It made my day and weekend been able to see you live in the marquee. Again I say thank you so much just disappointed my dad wasn’t able to see you may he rest him a Hugh fan like myself.
Christy's reply
Lovely to recieve your post from Roseberry…sorry to read of your loss….I’ve always held that Townland close to my heart, flanked by Liffey, Tankardsgarden, Clongorey, Hawkfield and our Hometown….
There’s a mist over malon head..can’t see nuttin..
The blood of a gypsy is flowing through all of our veins.
And the hills are all greener in far away places it seems
Hearts long for home, childhood memories remain.
The west coast of ireland is calling me back home again…amen
Hi Christy. Just wanted to say a huge thanks for giving a shout out to Milo last week in Cork. He was absolutely blown away by it! The whole night was incredible and neither of us will ever forget it. I hope we’ll see you again some time, maybe somewhere else in Ireland!
Izzy xx
Christy's reply
Round we go,
Heel to the Toe,
Daddy Longlegs jumped up sprightly
and danced to the Reel in The Flickering Light…..
Dear Christy, A very good morning to you from Salzburg. Thank you and the band for the fantastic Enniscorthy gig, great concert, great vibs and Jack Doyle, what a beautiful song. And to listen to it in that silence !.
Thanks also to Hilary for sharing.
The remark you made at the beginning about the rescheduled climate change concert ( last time we were snowed in now we’re burning) brought to mind a song I penned many moons ago when I was in the heart of the Alps.
Topsy – Turvy that I would like to share with your guest book.
Topsy-Turvy.
The world is topsy-turvy
The weather is insane
One it’s dry and sunny
And the next day damp with rain
The other night I heard the wind
Go howling in the lane
And I thought the devil play
Before my window pain.
Last week a touch of springtime
The leaves they start to grow
But they didn’t stand a monkeys chance
For the freeze came by to be
One night the moon was in the sky
A beauty glowing strong
And the next day everything was white
And the next day it was gone.
There’s surely something happening
A rumbling atmosphere
There’s surely something changing
For the seasons are at war
It’s flooding in the desert
And it’s burning in the sea
And it’s on it’s way to everywhere
And nowhere can be free.
The big tall fasctory chimneys
They vomit in the sky
Then the wind comes on and blows it on
To where the pastures lie
The rivers take the leftovers
And they drag it to the sea
Then it’s on it’s way to everywhere
And nowhere can be free.
There’s surely something happening
A stumbling atmosphere
There’s surely something changing
For the seasons are at war
It’s flooding in the desert
And it’s burning in the sea
And it’s on it’s way to everywhere
And nowhere can be free.
Where are those heroes leading us
With their plans to forge ahead
They garantee a cosy life
With a tombstone for your head
They garantee a cosy life
For the crumbling human race
As they rattle on and reap themselves
And the power to rule the world
Thanks again.
Have a nice day.
John
Christy's reply
Dear John,
May your pen continue to flow…
its overcast here on Dublin Bay this morning, a respite form recent heat,
45 years ago I was in Germany during a heat wave..us Planxty lads were lying out sunbathing before a gig in Hamburg…Champion Jack Dupree ( also on the tour) looked at our four white Irish bodies and remarked
“I think I’ll try lying in the snow, see if I turn white”.
Hi christy ..just wondering what guitar your playing this weather ..pickup etc….i see takamine is coming out with a new version of the ENC10.. great guitar..5 band eq…built in tuner.. great pre amp…I was lucky to get two of the older ones when they came out..would blow away a martin d28 anyday….if ryanaire will let me on board I’m bound for rota spain.for a lay back gig…martin
at home I play an Atkin”43″ model..just love this box …also have a Taylor at home
BUT
my three workhorses are all early 1980 Taks…over the past 35 years many different guitars and models have been suggested..I tried them all, including later Taks, Martins, Matons, Gibsons, Lowdens.. but I always revert..they still have the original pick-ups…
once the gig starts I feel very at home with my old Taks…we have them serviced once a year and they recieve constant TLC except, of course, when I hammer the bejasus out of them…
Haha, Christy, getting lost in Charlestown, should have asked our Lady of Knock for directions! Beautiful lyrics you shared by the way…thank you for sharing. Congrats to a successful show! Wish I were there! Come to Boston! Have a great day!
my Boston days are done…very busy here in Bognia…Thanks Be
Christy, what a concert last night. One of the best in the last few years. Everyone was in flying form and the Tintean is a fantastically intimate location. The cliffs of doonen was just spectacularly sung by everyone. I’ll have to message Hillery on the 4711ers and make sure she convinces ye to return! Some man for spotting the Bomber……one legend Mets another!!
Enjoy tonight……see ye again soon.
We were hopping off that road too on the way back to Killarney, we love Kerry. The spectacular views of the lakes down here and the people like you said are the best. Keep on rocking Christy, you are like a fine wine – getting better with age!
Thank God We’re surrounded by Water
Hey Christy looking forward to tonight in BallyBunnon as they pronounce it!! Hopefully you will sing a song for my sister who’s birthday is today- she would be 55. She’s gone 6 months now. The most appropriate song is the one with Sinead O Connor- bye bye momma. Or the one about Blood on your teeth- I’ve got mist in my eyes and mind I cannot get the proper names! She loves Black is the colour. Anyway I could write your set list for tonight and each one would have a meaning for me. Your music does keep my spirits high!!
Morra JimBob,
Its “Butterfly” you are thinking of..
“in the end we traded our tired wings
for the resignation that living brings
we traded love’s light and fragile glow
for the glitter and the rouge”
first hear that verse 40 years ago from Jackson Browne in Lisoonvaarna
Christy, what a fantastic concert last night at Ballybunion! Just a perfect set list, pure magic start to finish. Best concert Ever! I’m just sorry I didn’t buy tickets for both nights, but I’ll make do with the new album. Thanks a million for the memories!
Enjoy your time in the Kingdom ( as Kerry people are wont to call their county, and why would’nt they)
last night was a lovely gathering..people came from all sides, Abbeydorney, Lyracrompane, Sneem, Kilgarvan, Knocknagoshel, Boston, Engerland, even a few Rebels for The Blood & Bandage..
I almost fainted when the lights went up,
Right there in front of me was Eoin (The Bomber)Liston, that great legend of Kerry Football,he was standing there like as if he was on the edge of “the square” waiting for Jacko or Paudie to send in a high ball….
at 73 I am stiil in awe of certain sporting heroes…meeting the likes of Larry McCormack, Mikey Sheehy, Sos Dowling, Ruby Walsh,Nicky English, Babs Keating, Michéal Ó Muirechartaigh, Paul McGrath,Georgie Best,
We are in recovery here in Tralee this morning..revitalising Kerry breakfasts to set us up well for tonights fun..planning to trek The Black Valley this morning, climb Carrantuohill in the afternoon and then a refreshing swim with Fungie in Dingle Daingean before taking the road back to Ballybunion (home of the gay bachelors)
Speaking of roads..that road to Ballybunion is a total disgrace..I reckon I did my shocks in last night near Abbeydorney ..those two Dippity Healy-Raes need to get over to North Kerry and stop spreading ALL their tarmac around Kilgarvan…
surely Dick Spring or Martin Ferris could encourage the Council get the finger out and restore that poor bog road ….was it once a Military Road ? anyone know?
anyway Jordanna, excuse my diversion there..I loved your response to the dedication last night…Shine On
I’m just skimming through some of the comments. Check out all the love for Christy here! Amazing! ! And he even takes the time out to reply. I am 43 yrs old and grew up listening to all the old Irish songs. Every Saturday morning in Boston my Grandparents would listen to the Irish Hit Parade. I can still smell the pancakes and bacon cooking just thinking about it! I miss those days so terribly. When I’m off to work on the Harbor or just out running up the steps of the Bunkerhill Monument (my daily exercise ) I listen to Christy on my headphones and think back to those special times. I live in Charlestown( the home of the Revolutionary War). Where it all began for us in the States! My house resides on the battlefield and I can still find old musket balls from those times around my home. The tourists all pass by on the Freedom Trail outside my front steps (i could get rich from giving directions or a little history lesson if I stick a can on my stoop!) Lol should quit the Harbor! Anyhow, amazing to see the comments and the love for Christy that we all share together. It’s fabulous!
I skimmed across Blackwater
without once submerging
onto the banks of an urban morning
that hungered the first light
much much more
then the mountains ever do
and she like a ghost beside me
goes down with the ease of a dolphin
and emerges unlearned, unshamed,unharmed
she is the perfect creature
natural in every feature
and I am the geek
with the alchemist’s stone…..
………………………….(from Bright Blue Rose by Jimmy MacCarthy)
How I loved recording this song….the outro featured the piping of both Liam Óg Ó’Flynn and Paddy Moloney. It remains one my favourite recording moments…to hear both chanters blend upon the melody was simply glorious to my ears….Liam is on my mind a lot these days…I’ve been listening to his renditions of “The Dark Slender Boy”, “The Gold Ring”, “Táimse i mo Codhladh”, “THe Bucks of Oranmore” to mention but a few…like certain things in life, the sheer beauty and artistry of Liam’s Music has become magnified with his passing….his presence upon the Island like Mount Leinster
PS..The scan of Verse 1 of Jimmy MacCarthy’s song (as above) is probably at variance to the author’s… it also lacks proper punctuation….it is simply as I sang it last night in The Tintean Theatre, Ballybunion,County Kerry,
PPS…last night I took a wrong turn in Charlestown and ended up in Knock….we have Pope Proinsías coming there soon.. but it could be worse..it could have been The Donald…imagine if he choked on his haggis in bonny Scotland.. I pray to Jasus that he does not uncover any Irish ancestors….and if he does, may they be from Magheramason….when The Ronald touched down in the 80s that was bad enough…if that other Tool comes, I swear to God I’ll I’ll I’ll ….get up on me bike and go to Mass, I’ll get a crown topper and take up Golf, join the Progressive Democrats, vote for Declan Ganly, give up streaky rashers, duet with The Script,play the K Club,go on a Cruise,dig up the Resolver,eat carrots,
Hey Christy,
It’s been a while since I asked for a shout out but today’s request isnt for me. I’ll be at the concert tonight (hope you play the Cliffs of Doonen since it is writing about the cliffs just north of Ballybunion), but tomorrow night, could you play and dedicate a song to my Grandfather, John Michael Farrel? He was an avid fan until his death in 2000 and always sang “Black is the Colour” to my grandmother and kept singing it after her dead, 3 years before his own. It’s a song that still brings his pub, the Bunker Bar (now owned by my uncle), to a stand still when it is sung in there. It has massive meaning to my family and my mother will be in the audience tomorrow night for her first ever Christy gig and would mean the world to her. Tonight will be gig number 34 for me. Might ambush you for a photo afterwards like I did one Fermoy two years ago!!
PS. Make sure to check out Bromore Cliffs tomorrow with Doonen point in the background…..I’ll organise the free tour for you!
did not get to read your post til after the first gig in Ballybunion, your message recieved..
such a beautiful theatre…lovely audience..what a surprise I got when the lights went up and there Eoin Liston sitting in he front row…manys the time I watched him from The Hogan Stand…that was the team of the century
Hello Christy I a big fan of yours and I would like to share some of my original compositions with you if this is OK with you?
Liam Magee.
Thanks for listening Liam…
if you wish,
you could post the lyrics of a song here…
The Mississippi delta is shining like an national guitar ?…love Paul Simon …enjoy the concert Christy!
Paul’s gig coincides with my return to Ballybunion..the family will be at Paul’s gig tonight while I’ll be serenading below in the Kingdom..
The ‘Bunion brings back memories ..I once was a contestant in The Ballybunion Gay Bachelor Festival but failed to emerge from the Kildare heat. That was held in Dreamland Ballroom Athy Co Kildare..Albert Reynolds was one of the judges, he took an instant dislike to my blue shirt…that night I vowed never to suffer such rejection again.
I took up Bog Snorkelling and went on to lift many trophies (under an assumed name)
Some years later I was judged to be the worst dressed man in Ireland by Micheline McCormack of The Sunday World ….
Louis Copeland was on to me the following day. He did his best to dress me up but the harder he tried the worse I looked..
He suggested I try the Army Surplus across the road in Capel Street..they togged me out no problem ..
The Twelfth !……Lord Save Us
One more thing…A Pair of Brown Eyes…perfection! My grandfather Burnie Kelly, had a pair as well that waited once for me! LOVE!! Thank you. Slaintè!
Listen to you every day while taking the Ferry from Navy Yard to Boston where I work. I grew up on old songs and stories and those times are gone, the people, the singing, the drinking, the laughs…went to Ireland at the age of 7. Married in Galway..my heart is there..I wanted to say, I love your music, your lyrics, your love for all, especially Shane Macgowan and thank you for keeping my memories fresh in mind. God Bless you, Christy!
Greetings Kelly Killoran, what a great name!…Like you,I too love Shane’s wonderful songs..they are precious gifts to those of us who love to sing them…
How are ye, Christy? Looking forward to seeing you Friday night in Ballybunion. We’re coming all the way from Boston. Any chance of singing Delirium Tremens for us? Thanks!
Jordanna..If I was any better I could’nt stick it…
will try and revive the DTs for you Boston crew…
I wrote one of the verses in McGanns of Boston
Back when Tommy was running the show
still missed, always remembered
Psst! Christy!
There’s a programme on BBC Radio 4, right now, that you’ll want to catch (Maggie Mullen is singing in Athenry, as I type):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b1qddn
PS Hope you’re well etc xx
Nice one Helen… I’m a Sam Lee fan..will listen in later
Alrite christy, coming to see you for the first time in bundoran in October and I can’t wait! I think only you could get people of all ages coming to see you, at 27 I’m sure I won’t be the youngest!! Your version of fairytale of New York is the only thing that gets my 9 month old to sleep when he’s tired or makes him him happy when he’s sad, few cracking videos you’d laugh if you seen. Can’t wait to catch you in October, hopefully maybe even a wee version of fairytale of New York thrown in, just maybe 🙂
One of the great contemporary ballads….viewed by most as a Christmas Song, a category which I utterly refute for Shane’s gem…it aint no feckin Jingle Bells, no Mammy Kissin Santa Claus…leave all that to Bing and Noddy…..Shane ( and Jem Finer’s) song aint no novelty ditty..its a great Big Song in Vistavision and Techni-colour,its Drama laden, emotional, vivid AND has the Mother and Father of a chorus…Fiachra Trench’s orchestration is pure class, The Video truly memorable, Kirsty’s voice touches the heartstrings, I’ll happily sing it on the night if you remind me closer to the date ..also be sure to tell me which night in October , there are two shows in Bundoran
Hey Christy
Bloody loved you at The Carrickdale on Saturday night. I smiled and sung my head off in the third row all night, I’m a devout atheist (don’t hold it against me) but you took me to how I imagine a real church should be. People feeling, singing, remembering, and respecting, a past that should never be forgotten. I have never seen you play a song I didn’t know (I have been to at least 8 of your gigs) but I didn’t know the song about uncle Jimmy, or the one you did at the end with the massive climax and it was beautiful. Please could you give me the name of it?? Also, deccy walked past me in the corridor and I wanted so much to shake his hand but I was to shy. I have so much respect for that guy, he is amazing on a guitar and has the most beautiful voice. Also loved the fiddle player and percussionist. We are currently planning our next gig and will let you know uif we get something booked. I would love you to play john o dreams live. I think it’s such an underrated song. We lost our cousin about 5 years ago, life got too sad and desperate for him and he chose to go. I played your version of this at his funeral and his passing has shaped my life work, from an accountant to a counsellor. It’s a special song to me and the words mean so much. Anyways, over and out Christy
See you soon ?
Cathal Hayden on Fiddle and Banjo, Jimmy Higgins on Percussion..
The song you mention is “No Time For Love”
“John O’Dreams” appears occasionally, when the night calls and the air is right..
next time I’ll try and sing it, if you let me know…
Thanks for sharing…
Travelled to see you in Cork a present from the son. I would like to thank you for the great entertainment that was provided. It made my day and weekend been able to see you live in the marquee. Again I say thank you so much just disappointed my dad wasn’t able to see you may he rest him a Hugh fan like myself.
Lovely to recieve your post from Roseberry…sorry to read of your loss….I’ve always held that Townland close to my heart, flanked by Liffey, Tankardsgarden, Clongorey, Hawkfield and our Hometown….
There’s a mist over malon head..can’t see nuttin..
The blood of a gypsy is flowing through all of our veins.
And the hills are all greener in far away places it seems
Hearts long for home, childhood memories remain.
The west coast of ireland is calling me back home again…amen
Safe and Happy Travels….amen
Hi Christy. Just wanted to say a huge thanks for giving a shout out to Milo last week in Cork. He was absolutely blown away by it! The whole night was incredible and neither of us will ever forget it. I hope we’ll see you again some time, maybe somewhere else in Ireland!
Izzy xx
Round we go,
Heel to the Toe,
Daddy Longlegs jumped up sprightly
and danced to the Reel in The Flickering Light…..
Dear Christy, A very good morning to you from Salzburg. Thank you and the band for the fantastic Enniscorthy gig, great concert, great vibs and Jack Doyle, what a beautiful song. And to listen to it in that silence !.
Thanks also to Hilary for sharing.
The remark you made at the beginning about the rescheduled climate change concert ( last time we were snowed in now we’re burning) brought to mind a song I penned many moons ago when I was in the heart of the Alps.
Topsy – Turvy that I would like to share with your guest book.
Topsy-Turvy.
The world is topsy-turvy
The weather is insane
One it’s dry and sunny
And the next day damp with rain
The other night I heard the wind
Go howling in the lane
And I thought the devil play
Before my window pain.
Last week a touch of springtime
The leaves they start to grow
But they didn’t stand a monkeys chance
For the freeze came by to be
One night the moon was in the sky
A beauty glowing strong
And the next day everything was white
And the next day it was gone.
There’s surely something happening
A rumbling atmosphere
There’s surely something changing
For the seasons are at war
It’s flooding in the desert
And it’s burning in the sea
And it’s on it’s way to everywhere
And nowhere can be free.
The big tall fasctory chimneys
They vomit in the sky
Then the wind comes on and blows it on
To where the pastures lie
The rivers take the leftovers
And they drag it to the sea
Then it’s on it’s way to everywhere
And nowhere can be free.
There’s surely something happening
A stumbling atmosphere
There’s surely something changing
For the seasons are at war
It’s flooding in the desert
And it’s burning in the sea
And it’s on it’s way to everywhere
And nowhere can be free.
Where are those heroes leading us
With their plans to forge ahead
They garantee a cosy life
With a tombstone for your head
They garantee a cosy life
For the crumbling human race
As they rattle on and reap themselves
And the power to rule the world
Thanks again.
Have a nice day.
John
Dear John,
May your pen continue to flow…
its overcast here on Dublin Bay this morning, a respite form recent heat,
45 years ago I was in Germany during a heat wave..us Planxty lads were lying out sunbathing before a gig in Hamburg…Champion Jack Dupree ( also on the tour) looked at our four white Irish bodies and remarked
“I think I’ll try lying in the snow, see if I turn white”.