Fair play to you, Christy, and the other performers for the alternative Eurovision gig tonight. I am always struck by the contrast between attitudes in Ireland regarding Palestine and those of people in the US, the so-called land of freedom. The power of the Israeli lobby here is immense, and there are all kinds of laws against people and companies who support BDS. In recent years, there has been a slight shift in attitude in some quarters, and a few voices have been raised in Congress in support of Palestine, but those who speak out are immediately labelled antisemitic and vilified by all and sundry. When Netanyahu spoke in Congress a few years ago, both Democrats and Republicans were on their feet every two seconds giving him a standing ovation for every utterance. In relation to US foreign policy, the late Harold Pinter’s observation on how America has been involved in death and misery around the world while “masquerading as a force for universal good” is spot on. (His Nobel Prize speech is worth reading.)
On another note, I totally agree with you in relation to “The Fields of Athernry.” When the competition started, I thought it was a no-brainer for all the reasons you listed and was amazed it didn’t appear on the final list. The list is grand, but…
I hope the gig goes/went well this evening.
Christy's reply
The Palfest gig was a great success..it was streamed live around the world and shown on Gaza TV…there was a great buzz in the room….everyone sending love and good vibrations across the airwaves to Palestine
We’ll be heading up from Bristol next Saturday to see you at the Festival Hall. Have always caught you when you’ve been in Bristol but this time birthday tickets from herself for an even more glamorous setting! Really looking forward to it. Only slight doubt is himself recovering from an operation on a broken ankle just over a week ago. Further appointment this week so hoping that doesn’t show problems that mean no travelling.
Fiona’s closet friend Barbara Macnamara died 2 years ago. Every time we’ve met as a group since to mark the anniversary, her birthday, plant a tree etc we’ve sung Cliff of Dooneen. It was one of Barbara’s favourites – she said her Dad used to sing it while driving. If you were able to find a place for it on Saturday it would mean much but understand that you get overwhelmed with requests via website and on the night.
Thanks & much love to you.
Fiona McCloskey & Dave Spurgeon
PS Barbara used to appear in Wanderly Wagon and in Fortycoats and Co and said she met you back in the day.
Christy's reply
Thank You…I miss my trips to Bristol..to the Colston…first played bristol in 1967…must try and get back…I have the Cliffs lined up for Sat
Not a great fan of such lists but totally agree on the fields of Athenry. ….. if that makes any sense. We did watch the first programme but found the new versions of the songs off putting too.
Your gig would need to be about six hours long to get all the songs in…… don’t mess with perfection !!
Christy's reply
we have watched all the episodes so far….we fancy Danny Boy to win the laurels (with two laps to go)….between “Ireland’s Favourite Folk Song” and the “Folk Awards” RTE are giving Folk Music and Songs some good coverage…long may they continue to do so
Today, I watched a funeral pass
I wondered who he was
I hoped this “Dad” died peacefully
Not fighting someone’s cause
For we fought too long
And lost too much
And cried a million tears
And prayed to God at gravesides
And God never seemed to hear
Our loved ones died on all sides
From the Orange or the Green
Or blown to bits on a Belfast street
Fighting for the Queen
And young and old were slaughtered
Caught cruelly in our fight
And shattered families left to grieve
Beside a coffin white
The wreaths spelt out our loved and lost
A Grandad, Dad, a Mum
A Celtic or a Rangers fan
Some mother’s only Son
For we fought too long
And lost too much
And cried a million tears
And prayed to God at gravesides
And God never seemed to hear
So let’s channel all our courage
Let’s make our foe our friend
Stand side by side and shout it loud
Our fight is at an end
Forgive, look to the future
Don’t stay prisoner to the past
Hand in hand, let’s make our land
An isle of peace at last
For peace must shape tomorrow
Help heal our deepest pain
No one should lead our people
Down that suffering road again
For you’ll fight too long, and lose too much
And cry a million tears
And pray to God at gravesides
And God won’t seem to hear
And when we watch your funeral pass
And loved ones mourn your loss
We’ll know that you died needlessly
Dying without cause
Dying bloodied, needlessly
Dying without cause
/////////////////////////
Christy's reply
Thanks again for posting this song…. I’ve just begun to sing a song that arrives at a similar conclusion albeit in a different manner…..I wish you continuity with your writing..I can tell that it means a lot to you, that you carefully craft your songs
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose …I’m Belfast born and bred
Dublin has the Liffey, Cork it has the Lee
But the Lagan flows through my hometown,
And it means the world to me
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose ………
I’m Belfast born and bred
I’ve known the streets of Belfast, As boy and youth and man
A lifetime’s memories in my head, I love it heart and hand
The Matinee at the Lido, The pictures at The Ritz
The magic of The Broadway, And a back-stalls teenage kiss
The Canberra gliding down the Lough, The liner’s booming blast
Titanic ships then being built, No longer now, alas
I climbed the first cave on Cave Hill, Got chased by Mickey Marley
I missed the age of Pitch and Toss, But I bet with Cheeky Charlie
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose……… I’m Belfast born and bred
Shipyard men, the Dockers, The women in the Mills
The workers from the building game, Their stories with us still
McGlade’s, The Crown and Smithfield, The hymns of the Sally Ann
When Rinty ruled the boxing world, The Toss… Buck Alex ran
The bustle of The Markets, The brass balls of The Pawns
Paper boys shout: `Sixth Telllehhh’, The blare of factory horns
The GAA at Casement Park, And the Ulster Hall for boxing
The Blues v Celtic, Windsor Park, and the whole of Belfast rocking
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose……… I’m Belfast born and bred
The grandeur of the City Hall, Of the best Carrara marble
While the people lived two up, two down, And men took to the gargle
Tales of Belfast poverty, Of shouldering the hod
A people worked down to the bone, I’m proud they’re in my blood
It’s a town so long divided, We’ve struggled and we’ve bled
But the one thing that unites us all…. We’re Belfast… born and bred
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose……… I’m Belfast born and bred
Christy's reply
Thanks BB for sharing your songs..great to hear and read them…I know you had to go the extra yards to post them here..I appreciate the effort you took….I’ll be listening to this one again
ps… you mention “Rinty”….when I was a young boy my Grandfather,Jack Power,took me to Shelbourne Park in Dublin to watch Stock-car racing. It was exciting and even a bit scary…it was Rinty Monaghan that won the day…after he hung up his boxing gloves he became a petrol head…he was the victor on the day..I have this abiding 60 year old memory of Rinty standing aloft his battered steed singing “when Irish eyes are smiling”..it was such a great buzz way back then…65 years on I find pleasure in the recollection
PPS I’ve just googled Rinty and can find no reference to him stock car racing..anyone know anything??..surely I did not dream all this!!
A week later and the songs are still swirling around in the ether here.
Some back in the list ,some with slight changes…. some refreshed like Raggle Taggle Gypsy with Cathal easing into Tabhair dom do lamh. .. and I hear Little Musgrave is featuring again too, tho it didn’t appear in L’kenny.
The Time has come is now forever linked to the Memory of Mairtin and rightly so …….still we will remember the O Hara family too.
London town is in for treat
Christy's reply
When there is nothing new emerging in the work room its therapeutic to turn to older songs and freshen them up…Delerium Tremens disappeared about 2 years ago and has hardly featured since..just found a new verse which gives it a face lift for another round of renditions…slight tweaks to Burning Times has made it more singable (for me)…bringin back The Raggle and then trying out Tabhair Dom do Lámh has been interesting but I also like the tune that Cathal suggested beforehand…. Well below Valley has slipped away and needs revisiting……Sonny always sails back..the Newfoundlanders in Letterkenny gave it a fresh start….Broken Heart appears at the drop of a hint…Morecambe Bay was a great call-out last week….I rehearsed Duffy’s Cut time and again and then forgot to do it…Tyrone Boys has gone amiss this past while…. Rosalita and Jack Cambell from Sean Mone has been a welcome addition…I have a great song from Pete St John ready to roll..I hope to unveil my version at NCH…
speaking of Pete St John, I am confused and disappointed that Pete’s “Fields of Athenry” has been excluded for the “Irelands Favourite Folk Song” series…I’ve never sung the song myself (yet) but its exclusion begs the question why ? it resounds around the world , everywhere a Ballad Session erupts, everywhere Irish fans assemble to follow their team (in different codes) …..I totally understand the difficulties encountered when drawing up such a list, that everyone will have varying strength of opinions ( from obsessives to could’nt-give-a shites) but there are 3 or 4 songs in the final 10 that bear no comparison to the popularity of “Athenry”
“Low Lie The Fields of Athenry”….lets hear it for Pete St John !!!
that said, it is great that RTE have been give due attention to our Folk Songs and Music…The Folk Awards and ,now, the Fave Song Series augurs well…I’m hoping this initiative will continue..well done to all concerned..and to Mary Black who is doing a grand job presenting the programmes
morning Christy, i was listening to the excellent bbc scotland ‘out of doors’ on the radio this morning, the presenter extolling the virtues of the yellow gorse/furze petals for eating in a salad, so today it has to be the blue disc including the ‘wise and holy woman’ now revolving on the cd, what a great first few hours of the day already. i imagine it is an important song for you especially at this time of year when she is in full bloom in eire and in scotia.
good on you for playing ‘you’re a vision’ tonight, enjoy the spirit of the people.
i look forward to next saturday in londinium to see and hear you and the lads ,and think of giuseppe.
all the best from a somewhat dreich scotland.
rory
Christy's reply
as Beckett wrote in “Watt”
Ah the smell of the gorse
and the look of the gorse
and the apples falling
and the children walking in the dead leaves
and the larch turning brown a week before the others
and the chestnuts falling
and the howling winds
and the sea breaking over the pier
and the first fire
and the hooves on the road
and the consumptive postman whistlin
Roses are blooming in Picardy
G’day Christy, hope your well mate. Thought I’d leave this clip here of my partner singing a version “missing you”.
We love having our Christy Moore nights here out in the bush playing your records nice and loud.
We are hoping to make it over to Ireland next year and would love to come see you play.
Love you work.
My partners name is Claire Anne Taylor. Cheers mate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIj934elhcA
Christy's reply
Morra JB…..thanks for sharing….good to hear Jimmy Mack’s song resounding in Tasmania
How’s it going Christy hope all is well over the pond,belated birthday wishes,Fishing season is in full swing,Getting ready for the international up in Scotland got into the welsh team Again,let’s hope they take a fancy to my offerings,see you along the way Christy.
Christy's reply
All good so far today Geraint….I’ve not left the bed yet nor drawn the curtains but the day is starting well…I’m on the line to an International Fisherman soon to cast his flies upon the waters of Scotia….recently I’ve heard rumours of a possible brace of gigs in Cymru…lots to ponder on….playing a few songs tonight here in Dublin at Palfest….organized by the band Kila, Palfest is a collective of Musicians gathering in solidarity with the people of Palestine…… on the day that the eurovision song extravaganza takes place in Israel
Hi Christy
We are really looking forward to seeing you and the band next friday in London.We are coming down from Newcastle.We have loved your singing and playing since we were students in London in the 80’s and then back home in Newcastle seeing you in the City Hall.
If it is in the set we would love to hear The Cliffs of Dooneen.I used to sing it to our bairns as a lullaby.Maureen says it is a miracle the bairns ever got to sleep as my singing was so brutal.So if we could hear it in your beautiful voice it would be lovely
Hope you are well and enjoy your gigs in London
Kevin and Maureen O’Neill(and Patrick,Lizzy,Bridget and Liam who are scarred by my singing)
Christy's reply
Have a good run down Bonny Lad..you picked a lovely song..its been a while since we crossed The Tyne..must be nearly time to return..
I hope the strings are boiling,ready for the London gigs…
Had a thought about the old ‘Rare Records’ shop on John Dalton St,went online and found a treasure trove of music/pop culture stuff ,from these parts in a golden era…you’re sure to be in there,somewhere-if not,you’re bound to spot some ‘old haunts’…
I recall so many old haunts..apart fro the MSG, there was the Crown &Anchor with those rapscallions Eamon Clinch and Gerry Brady who fronted The Beggarmen…Frank Duffy ran a club in The Grapes…Des English ran a great club…Mike and Pat Harding ran The Golden Lion in Middleton and before that The Old House in Blackley,St Clares on Victoria Ave, The Pennines club in Hyde, Toni&Arthur in Didsbury, Valley Folk in Bury, Jack and Mavis in Kingsway nr Rochdale, The Tinkers in Oldham, Bernard Wrigleys in Bolton, Harry Bradshaw had a club too and Harry Ogden, Phil McCabe ran Hopwood Hall, Harris &Appleton in Fallowfield,
so many singers remembered..Marie Little, The Grehan Sisters, Mary Asquith, Rosemary Hardman, Tom &Smiley, Pete Ryder,Tony Downes,Pete Smith,…a lifetime since but always remembered…
“I was deaf in Dukinfield and I was blind in Shaw”
Good morning Christy,
Hope this finds you well. I’m delighted to read “Burning Times” is back on stage again and you’re even recording it for your next album! So hopefully we’ll get to hear this very special song when we’re seeing you soon in the Land of Heart’s Desire.
Already looking forward to our holiday on the Island – not very long now and we’ll set sail destination West …
Best of Luck for your gigs on the “Mainland” and safe travels!
Spring greetings,
Traudel
Christy's reply
Yes Traudel…. I began to sing this song again after the murder of Lyra McKee…the loss of this vital,much loved young woman has given an added dimension to Charlie Murphy’s song….we recorded a version at The Waterfront in Belfast ..it was as if Lyra’s spirit was upon the air
Hi Christy, hope you’re well. Well done and thanks to you and all those involved in the PalFest gig on Saturday. What is happening to the Palestinian people is atrocious and holding an event like Eurovision is a disgrace, literally and metaphorically drowning out the oppressed. Thank you for doing your bit to raise awareness and hopefully highlight this awful suffering. Looking forward to seeing you live again this year 👏
Christy's reply
“eventually they came for me….but there was no one left to speak”
(Pastor Niemoller)
Thanks Brian,
I attended the launch of this film but did not see it properly until today…
thanks for posting it…
its an important historical document…
interesting to see the Journalist trying (unsuccessfully) to wriggle off the hook..
lovely too to see Whacker in his prime…there was a huge turn-out for his funeral..those who respected him in life all turned up to bid farewell..
Howya Christy, I hope all’s well with you. I had a text from a friend the other day who knows I listen to your songs and he asked about the line “in the back they we’re shooting up smack” so I sent him a link to the “Meeting Room” documentary, it’s on you tube now. Anyway it prompted me to re-watch it and I would urge anyone with an interest in the subject to watch it, a sad and wonderful piece of TV. Also recently watched “Adam and Paul”, a movie about heroin addiction, a slice of two guys daily life featuring the wonderful Tom Murphy (RIP). And of course RIP “Whacker” recently too.
Christy's reply
Morra Brian,
Thanks for mentioning John”Whacker”Humphries.He was a good friend to many.Over the years that I knew John he was always willing to reach out and help others. He stood his ground too and, betimes, suffered the price many have to pay when confronting either (or both) state injustice, criminal thuggery or an amalgam of both.Missed by family and friends he is often remembered.
Well Christy,
My 6 year old lad is mad to go to one of your gigs. Any objections?
Christy's reply
no objections from me Peter
BUT
its not my decision..it varies a lot from venue to venue depending on the licensing situation..
there have been young listeners at the gigs from time to time….
the decision is up to the promoter of the gig and the owner or manager of the venue..
Christy it was great to finally see you live again after years abroad. I wasn’t let down and already looking forward to next time
Christy's reply
the few years I spent abroad gave me a great grá for the auld sod…tramping the roads of Kilburn,Moss Side, The Rocks, The Bronx, The Bullring imbued a sense of longing for home…I was one of the lucky ones who made it back and managed to put down roots …
we gotta a lot a shit going on here all the time but it never outweighs the smell of the fire,the floury spuds,the taste of the hairy bacon…
Well Christy, how’s it going? I’ve a friend booking a trip home for oz in Dec and is hoping to fall around a gig date. I don’t suppose the vicar dates have been pencilled in yet or you’d know what they are. Hope all is well. Thanks again
Christy's reply
Morra Deise….if you sign up for the newsletter you will be given advance notice of those gigs and others…also you will gain pre-sale notice for certain gigs..I only have pencilled dates at this time and cannot confirm
RE: BELFAST BALLAD and the moderation land of sin bin and eternal limbo..
Post your post again with just one link per post .I presume you have more than one link that threw you into guestbook exile that is moderation.
Christy's reply
(CS14)
your understanding of the machinations around website moderations are vastly superior to those of this auld Luddite….keep singing (CM74)
Howya Christy. Been a time. Been a crazy few years. Moved, broke up the last relationship, found a new better one. Moved again. Living in the country now, raring two cats and gigging away. The two piece is four years down the road. We always get calls for Ride On and Black Is The Colour. Just watching Chernobyl. And I thought of your song Farewell To Pripchat. Do you remember the disaster? I can’t believe people actually allowed nuclear power to exist. We’re a cruel, savage bunch sometimes….
Christy's reply
“Twas a Friday in April 1986, the day that the Nightmare began” ( Tim Dennehy)
Fair play to you, Christy, and the other performers for the alternative Eurovision gig tonight. I am always struck by the contrast between attitudes in Ireland regarding Palestine and those of people in the US, the so-called land of freedom. The power of the Israeli lobby here is immense, and there are all kinds of laws against people and companies who support BDS. In recent years, there has been a slight shift in attitude in some quarters, and a few voices have been raised in Congress in support of Palestine, but those who speak out are immediately labelled antisemitic and vilified by all and sundry. When Netanyahu spoke in Congress a few years ago, both Democrats and Republicans were on their feet every two seconds giving him a standing ovation for every utterance. In relation to US foreign policy, the late Harold Pinter’s observation on how America has been involved in death and misery around the world while “masquerading as a force for universal good” is spot on. (His Nobel Prize speech is worth reading.)
On another note, I totally agree with you in relation to “The Fields of Athernry.” When the competition started, I thought it was a no-brainer for all the reasons you listed and was amazed it didn’t appear on the final list. The list is grand, but…
I hope the gig goes/went well this evening.
The Palfest gig was a great success..it was streamed live around the world and shown on Gaza TV…there was a great buzz in the room….everyone sending love and good vibrations across the airwaves to Palestine
A Chara Christy,
We’ll be heading up from Bristol next Saturday to see you at the Festival Hall. Have always caught you when you’ve been in Bristol but this time birthday tickets from herself for an even more glamorous setting! Really looking forward to it. Only slight doubt is himself recovering from an operation on a broken ankle just over a week ago. Further appointment this week so hoping that doesn’t show problems that mean no travelling.
Fiona’s closet friend Barbara Macnamara died 2 years ago. Every time we’ve met as a group since to mark the anniversary, her birthday, plant a tree etc we’ve sung Cliff of Dooneen. It was one of Barbara’s favourites – she said her Dad used to sing it while driving. If you were able to find a place for it on Saturday it would mean much but understand that you get overwhelmed with requests via website and on the night.
Thanks & much love to you.
Fiona McCloskey & Dave Spurgeon
PS Barbara used to appear in Wanderly Wagon and in Fortycoats and Co and said she met you back in the day.
Thank You…I miss my trips to Bristol..to the Colston…first played bristol in 1967…must try and get back…I have the Cliffs lined up for Sat
Not a great fan of such lists but totally agree on the fields of Athenry. ….. if that makes any sense. We did watch the first programme but found the new versions of the songs off putting too.
Your gig would need to be about six hours long to get all the songs in…… don’t mess with perfection !!
we have watched all the episodes so far….we fancy Danny Boy to win the laurels (with two laps to go)….between “Ireland’s Favourite Folk Song” and the “Folk Awards” RTE are giving Folk Music and Songs some good coverage…long may they continue to do so
Low Lie The Fields of Athenry
And here’s the other ballad I mentioned, The Cause is Peace, with a link to a little flavour of a tune for that one too. Good luck…
https://instaud.io/3BPE – The Cause is Peace
The Cause is Peace
Today, I watched a funeral pass
I wondered who he was
I hoped this “Dad” died peacefully
Not fighting someone’s cause
For we fought too long
And lost too much
And cried a million tears
And prayed to God at gravesides
And God never seemed to hear
Our loved ones died on all sides
From the Orange or the Green
Or blown to bits on a Belfast street
Fighting for the Queen
And young and old were slaughtered
Caught cruelly in our fight
And shattered families left to grieve
Beside a coffin white
The wreaths spelt out our loved and lost
A Grandad, Dad, a Mum
A Celtic or a Rangers fan
Some mother’s only Son
For we fought too long
And lost too much
And cried a million tears
And prayed to God at gravesides
And God never seemed to hear
So let’s channel all our courage
Let’s make our foe our friend
Stand side by side and shout it loud
Our fight is at an end
Forgive, look to the future
Don’t stay prisoner to the past
Hand in hand, let’s make our land
An isle of peace at last
For peace must shape tomorrow
Help heal our deepest pain
No one should lead our people
Down that suffering road again
For you’ll fight too long, and lose too much
And cry a million tears
And pray to God at gravesides
And God won’t seem to hear
And when we watch your funeral pass
And loved ones mourn your loss
We’ll know that you died needlessly
Dying without cause
Dying bloodied, needlessly
Dying without cause
/////////////////////////
Thanks again for posting this song…. I’ve just begun to sing a song that arrives at a similar conclusion albeit in a different manner…..I wish you continuity with your writing..I can tell that it means a lot to you, that you carefully craft your songs
Here we go Christy, if you can access it this link will give you a flavour of the tune I had in mind for the Belfast Ballad, best of luck…
https://instaud.io/3BPG – Belfast Born and Bred
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose …I’m Belfast born and bred
Dublin has the Liffey, Cork it has the Lee
But the Lagan flows through my hometown,
And it means the world to me
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose ………
I’m Belfast born and bred
I’ve known the streets of Belfast, As boy and youth and man
A lifetime’s memories in my head, I love it heart and hand
The Matinee at the Lido, The pictures at The Ritz
The magic of The Broadway, And a back-stalls teenage kiss
The Canberra gliding down the Lough, The liner’s booming blast
Titanic ships then being built, No longer now, alas
I climbed the first cave on Cave Hill, Got chased by Mickey Marley
I missed the age of Pitch and Toss, But I bet with Cheeky Charlie
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose……… I’m Belfast born and bred
Shipyard men, the Dockers, The women in the Mills
The workers from the building game, Their stories with us still
McGlade’s, The Crown and Smithfield, The hymns of the Sally Ann
When Rinty ruled the boxing world, The Toss… Buck Alex ran
The bustle of The Markets, The brass balls of The Pawns
Paper boys shout: `Sixth Telllehhh’, The blare of factory horns
The GAA at Casement Park, And the Ulster Hall for boxing
The Blues v Celtic, Windsor Park, and the whole of Belfast rocking
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose……… I’m Belfast born and bred
The grandeur of the City Hall, Of the best Carrara marble
While the people lived two up, two down, And men took to the gargle
Tales of Belfast poverty, Of shouldering the hod
A people worked down to the bone, I’m proud they’re in my blood
It’s a town so long divided, We’ve struggled and we’ve bled
But the one thing that unites us all…. We’re Belfast… born and bred
From the tips of my toes to Napoleon’s Nose……… I’m Belfast born and bred
Thanks BB for sharing your songs..great to hear and read them…I know you had to go the extra yards to post them here..I appreciate the effort you took….I’ll be listening to this one again
ps… you mention “Rinty”….when I was a young boy my Grandfather,Jack Power,took me to Shelbourne Park in Dublin to watch Stock-car racing. It was exciting and even a bit scary…it was Rinty Monaghan that won the day…after he hung up his boxing gloves he became a petrol head…he was the victor on the day..I have this abiding 60 year old memory of Rinty standing aloft his battered steed singing “when Irish eyes are smiling”..it was such a great buzz way back then…65 years on I find pleasure in the recollection
PPS I’ve just googled Rinty and can find no reference to him stock car racing..anyone know anything??..surely I did not dream all this!!
A week later and the songs are still swirling around in the ether here.
Some back in the list ,some with slight changes…. some refreshed like Raggle Taggle Gypsy with Cathal easing into Tabhair dom do lamh. .. and I hear Little Musgrave is featuring again too, tho it didn’t appear in L’kenny.
The Time has come is now forever linked to the Memory of Mairtin and rightly so …….still we will remember the O Hara family too.
London town is in for treat
When there is nothing new emerging in the work room its therapeutic to turn to older songs and freshen them up…Delerium Tremens disappeared about 2 years ago and has hardly featured since..just found a new verse which gives it a face lift for another round of renditions…slight tweaks to Burning Times has made it more singable (for me)…bringin back The Raggle and then trying out Tabhair Dom do Lámh has been interesting but I also like the tune that Cathal suggested beforehand…. Well below Valley has slipped away and needs revisiting……Sonny always sails back..the Newfoundlanders in Letterkenny gave it a fresh start….Broken Heart appears at the drop of a hint…Morecambe Bay was a great call-out last week….I rehearsed Duffy’s Cut time and again and then forgot to do it…Tyrone Boys has gone amiss this past while…. Rosalita and Jack Cambell from Sean Mone has been a welcome addition…I have a great song from Pete St John ready to roll..I hope to unveil my version at NCH…
speaking of Pete St John, I am confused and disappointed that Pete’s “Fields of Athenry” has been excluded for the “Irelands Favourite Folk Song” series…I’ve never sung the song myself (yet) but its exclusion begs the question why ? it resounds around the world , everywhere a Ballad Session erupts, everywhere Irish fans assemble to follow their team (in different codes) …..I totally understand the difficulties encountered when drawing up such a list, that everyone will have varying strength of opinions ( from obsessives to could’nt-give-a shites) but there are 3 or 4 songs in the final 10 that bear no comparison to the popularity of “Athenry”
“Low Lie The Fields of Athenry”….lets hear it for Pete St John !!!
that said, it is great that RTE have been give due attention to our Folk Songs and Music…The Folk Awards and ,now, the Fave Song Series augurs well…I’m hoping this initiative will continue..well done to all concerned..and to Mary Black who is doing a grand job presenting the programmes
morning Christy, i was listening to the excellent bbc scotland ‘out of doors’ on the radio this morning, the presenter extolling the virtues of the yellow gorse/furze petals for eating in a salad, so today it has to be the blue disc including the ‘wise and holy woman’ now revolving on the cd, what a great first few hours of the day already. i imagine it is an important song for you especially at this time of year when she is in full bloom in eire and in scotia.
good on you for playing ‘you’re a vision’ tonight, enjoy the spirit of the people.
i look forward to next saturday in londinium to see and hear you and the lads ,and think of giuseppe.
all the best from a somewhat dreich scotland.
rory
as Beckett wrote in “Watt”
Ah the smell of the gorse
and the look of the gorse
and the apples falling
and the children walking in the dead leaves
and the larch turning brown a week before the others
and the chestnuts falling
and the howling winds
and the sea breaking over the pier
and the first fire
and the hooves on the road
and the consumptive postman whistlin
Roses are blooming in Picardy
and on it goes etc etc etc…a cat’s flux
G’day Christy, hope your well mate. Thought I’d leave this clip here of my partner singing a version “missing you”.
We love having our Christy Moore nights here out in the bush playing your records nice and loud.
We are hoping to make it over to Ireland next year and would love to come see you play.
Love you work.
My partners name is Claire Anne Taylor. Cheers mate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIj934elhcA
Morra JB…..thanks for sharing….good to hear Jimmy Mack’s song resounding in Tasmania
How’s it going Christy hope all is well over the pond,belated birthday wishes,Fishing season is in full swing,Getting ready for the international up in Scotland got into the welsh team Again,let’s hope they take a fancy to my offerings,see you along the way Christy.
All good so far today Geraint….I’ve not left the bed yet nor drawn the curtains but the day is starting well…I’m on the line to an International Fisherman soon to cast his flies upon the waters of Scotia….recently I’ve heard rumours of a possible brace of gigs in Cymru…lots to ponder on….playing a few songs tonight here in Dublin at Palfest….organized by the band Kila, Palfest is a collective of Musicians gathering in solidarity with the people of Palestine…… on the day that the eurovision song extravaganza takes place in Israel
Hi Christy
We are really looking forward to seeing you and the band next friday in London.We are coming down from Newcastle.We have loved your singing and playing since we were students in London in the 80’s and then back home in Newcastle seeing you in the City Hall.
If it is in the set we would love to hear The Cliffs of Dooneen.I used to sing it to our bairns as a lullaby.Maureen says it is a miracle the bairns ever got to sleep as my singing was so brutal.So if we could hear it in your beautiful voice it would be lovely
Hope you are well and enjoy your gigs in London
Kevin and Maureen O’Neill(and Patrick,Lizzy,Bridget and Liam who are scarred by my singing)
Have a good run down Bonny Lad..you picked a lovely song..its been a while since we crossed The Tyne..must be nearly time to return..
Morning Christy
I hope the strings are boiling,ready for the London gigs…
Had a thought about the old ‘Rare Records’ shop on John Dalton St,went online and found a treasure trove of music/pop culture stuff ,from these parts in a golden era…you’re sure to be in there,somewhere-if not,you’re bound to spot some ‘old haunts’…
http://www.manchesterbeat.com hours of fun for all the family…
Dave
I recall so many old haunts..apart fro the MSG, there was the Crown &Anchor with those rapscallions Eamon Clinch and Gerry Brady who fronted The Beggarmen…Frank Duffy ran a club in The Grapes…Des English ran a great club…Mike and Pat Harding ran The Golden Lion in Middleton and before that The Old House in Blackley,St Clares on Victoria Ave, The Pennines club in Hyde, Toni&Arthur in Didsbury, Valley Folk in Bury, Jack and Mavis in Kingsway nr Rochdale, The Tinkers in Oldham, Bernard Wrigleys in Bolton, Harry Bradshaw had a club too and Harry Ogden, Phil McCabe ran Hopwood Hall, Harris &Appleton in Fallowfield,
so many singers remembered..Marie Little, The Grehan Sisters, Mary Asquith, Rosemary Hardman, Tom &Smiley, Pete Ryder,Tony Downes,Pete Smith,…a lifetime since but always remembered…
“I was deaf in Dukinfield and I was blind in Shaw”
Good morning Christy,
Hope this finds you well. I’m delighted to read “Burning Times” is back on stage again and you’re even recording it for your next album! So hopefully we’ll get to hear this very special song when we’re seeing you soon in the Land of Heart’s Desire.
Already looking forward to our holiday on the Island – not very long now and we’ll set sail destination West …
Best of Luck for your gigs on the “Mainland” and safe travels!
Spring greetings,
Traudel
Yes Traudel…. I began to sing this song again after the murder of Lyra McKee…the loss of this vital,much loved young woman has given an added dimension to Charlie Murphy’s song….we recorded a version at The Waterfront in Belfast ..it was as if Lyra’s spirit was upon the air
Hi Christy, hope you’re well. Well done and thanks to you and all those involved in the PalFest gig on Saturday. What is happening to the Palestinian people is atrocious and holding an event like Eurovision is a disgrace, literally and metaphorically drowning out the oppressed. Thank you for doing your bit to raise awareness and hopefully highlight this awful suffering. Looking forward to seeing you live again this year 👏
“eventually they came for me….but there was no one left to speak”
(Pastor Niemoller)
Here’s the link.
https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi3684604697
Brian….
Thanks Brian,
I attended the launch of this film but did not see it properly until today…
thanks for posting it…
its an important historical document…
interesting to see the Journalist trying (unsuccessfully) to wriggle off the hook..
lovely too to see Whacker in his prime…there was a huge turn-out for his funeral..those who respected him in life all turned up to bid farewell..
Howya Christy, I hope all’s well with you. I had a text from a friend the other day who knows I listen to your songs and he asked about the line “in the back they we’re shooting up smack” so I sent him a link to the “Meeting Room” documentary, it’s on you tube now. Anyway it prompted me to re-watch it and I would urge anyone with an interest in the subject to watch it, a sad and wonderful piece of TV. Also recently watched “Adam and Paul”, a movie about heroin addiction, a slice of two guys daily life featuring the wonderful Tom Murphy (RIP). And of course RIP “Whacker” recently too.
Morra Brian,
Thanks for mentioning John”Whacker”Humphries.He was a good friend to many.Over the years that I knew John he was always willing to reach out and help others. He stood his ground too and, betimes, suffered the price many have to pay when confronting either (or both) state injustice, criminal thuggery or an amalgam of both.Missed by family and friends he is often remembered.
Well Christy,
My 6 year old lad is mad to go to one of your gigs. Any objections?
no objections from me Peter
BUT
its not my decision..it varies a lot from venue to venue depending on the licensing situation..
there have been young listeners at the gigs from time to time….
the decision is up to the promoter of the gig and the owner or manager of the venue..
Christy it was great to finally see you live again after years abroad. I wasn’t let down and already looking forward to next time
the few years I spent abroad gave me a great grá for the auld sod…tramping the roads of Kilburn,Moss Side, The Rocks, The Bronx, The Bullring imbued a sense of longing for home…I was one of the lucky ones who made it back and managed to put down roots …
we gotta a lot a shit going on here all the time but it never outweighs the smell of the fire,the floury spuds,the taste of the hairy bacon…
O The Island
Well Christy, how’s it going? I’ve a friend booking a trip home for oz in Dec and is hoping to fall around a gig date. I don’t suppose the vicar dates have been pencilled in yet or you’d know what they are. Hope all is well. Thanks again
Morra Deise….if you sign up for the newsletter you will be given advance notice of those gigs and others…also you will gain pre-sale notice for certain gigs..I only have pencilled dates at this time and cannot confirm
RE: BELFAST BALLAD and the moderation land of sin bin and eternal limbo..
Post your post again with just one link per post .I presume you have more than one link that threw you into guestbook exile that is moderation.
(CS14)
your understanding of the machinations around website moderations are vastly superior to those of this auld Luddite….keep singing (CM74)
Howya Christy. Been a time. Been a crazy few years. Moved, broke up the last relationship, found a new better one. Moved again. Living in the country now, raring two cats and gigging away. The two piece is four years down the road. We always get calls for Ride On and Black Is The Colour. Just watching Chernobyl. And I thought of your song Farewell To Pripchat. Do you remember the disaster? I can’t believe people actually allowed nuclear power to exist. We’re a cruel, savage bunch sometimes….
“Twas a Friday in April 1986, the day that the Nightmare began” ( Tim Dennehy)