Hello Christy,
Hope everything went well in the UK!
Last week Sir Elton John was here on his farewell tour. The first time I saw him was in 1979, alone with his piano and Ray Cooper ( that man is a show on his own!) and it was enchanting by it’s simplicity.
I went to several gigs of him during the years but it never was like that first time.
The last time I saw him I was pregnant from my son, and he likes him to, so we went together and had a great evening. It was a worthy goodbye.
He all surprised us by telling openly about his struggle to get sober and he made a very strong political statement.
He was tired of the politicians and he shouted he was a European, against the Brexit and certainly not an imperialist who wanted to colonize people. It was very imported we talked more often together!
He got a standing ovation for his words.
Today we have elections here and I’m very curious for the results, let’s hope many people keep his words in minds!
Now we are counting the days for your gigs in Sligo and a little tour on our favorite island!
Do you still eat chocolate?
Keep well and see you soon!
Greetings Chris
Christy's reply
I’m trying to stay away from the chocolate!
I played a Festival with Elton way back circa 1970.
A Festival remembered for all the wrong reasons. (at Krumlin,nr Barkisland, Halifax,Yorkshire) there is a website somewhere reflecting upon it…I recall Elton generously sharing his Brandy with rain sodden listeners….many have fallen by the wayside since, a few have survived to sing another song..
Sligo has always been a great Music town….hope you have a good trip over
Hi Christy, Well what a great gig at The Festival Hall on Friday, Rob C and I were smiling all the way through and singing along a little too! It’s a few years now since I last saw you and so great to hear those songs again. You were on cracking form and the band are just so good. Burning Times took me back to when I first met you in a studio in Dublin. Rob and I stayed up quite late with a few drinks, thanks for a really inspiring evening. Roger.
Christy's reply
Dear Roger,
Good to hear from you….
28 years since we worked on those songs…
Some of them still in the set, always a good sign…
great to hear the music you are making with Rob Corcoran…
Read in Sunday Business Post ar maidin – Bord na Móna is considering growing medicinal cannabis on reclaimed bogs. Other medicinal herbs are being trialled in Offaly. They have also partnered with a maple syrup company from Vermont to extract sap from wild birch trees in Longford…apparently pasteurised the product is similar to coconut water. This led me to your song ‘…leave him out near Timahoe and that’s where it all began, as to why she picked the Shortgrass, god only knows…you’ll never bate the Bord na Mona man.’ I’m now listening to God Woman and going to log off /bog off as the dinner won’t make its self! Go Well Christy. Mary
Christy's reply
He drank tae on top of Everest
before Hillery was born
he climbed blindfold up the North Face
and swam back-stroke round the Horn
Me sister and I have seen you so many times and came to the Festival Hall on Friday. We have run out of superlatives to try and explain how we felt after your magnificent set. We thought it the best ever! We were uplifted and hopeful for the future, very tricky to feel that way with Brexshit! We were moved from laughter to sadness. Thank you so much for caring, for your kindness, for your dedications to Palestine, Lyra, travellers, the underrepresented. Musicians as ever brilliant and you seemed in such fine form! We’re still talking about it and having fun trying to remember your play list. All the best Christy, keep well, until the next time Maggie x
Christy's reply
Heading Home now….back to base to recharge the batteries…Thank You
Hi Christy. At the Festival Hall last night, you said before Don’t Forget You’re Shovel “I got this song from a small folk club in Chatham, Kent in 1969”. I wondered if you could remember where it was, although it is a long time ago. The Old Ash Tree had a folk club where the likes of Richard Thompson used to play but I thought that didn’t start until the seventies.
Thanks for a fantastic show last night!
Christy's reply
I’ll check out my 1969 diary when I get home…the truth will soon be known
Hi Christy. Thanks so much to you and the band for a great show. I hadn’t seen you live I think since a wild gig at the Kentish Town forum some 17 years ago. The family had a great night and then spent till the early hours listening to some of the classics you played and the new bands you mentioned in your gig. Great set. Great vibe. Great to see you play with a fire in your heart in such an iconic setting. It was a privaledge to be part of it. Regards Dan
Christy's reply
The Forum in Kentish Town was a lively venue….had a few hot nights there…RFH is slightly more refined, even more enjoyable
Hi Christy,
We are just on the train travelling home after a momentous day watching Tranmere Rovers win and you in such great form. I’ve been watching you for longer than I care to remember and I don’t think I’ve see such a wonderful show. You appear in good health and full of energy. The flame for justice still burns bright too I’m pleased to see. Thank you for the mention of Tranmere and during your great encore. Ride On brought tears to my eyes. Until the next time in October I hope.
Tom Murtha.
Christy's reply
The “good health”is a gift,cherished and (mostly)nurtured …that “energy” is generated when the words and music are exposed to the enthusiasm of two thousand listeners ( victorious Tranmere Rovers amongst them)…..on we go, heel to the toe…
Hello again Christy. Loved last night’s gig at Festival Hall, thank you. FYI and with reference to the song lambasting politicians, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell was sat just in front of me. He seemed to take that one in good stead. Best wishes for the rest of the tour. I’ve alerted one of my brothers that you will be doing 2 nights at Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk. Best Regards, Jim
Christy's reply
Yes indeed Jim, we are destined for Carrickdale very soon…always a lively gig there as it straddles the invisible line…the dressing room is in the republic, the stage in the occupied territory….the Vat goes to London but the Band goes to Dublin…
RFH was splendid…great venue, warm welcoming staff and two great audiences…
heading for Holyhead soon….well pleased with our visit…Thank You
Dear Christy, Thanks for two lovely gigs at the Festival Hall. Nearly didn’t make the 2nd one (railway signal failure outside Brighton) but finally got there just in time by minicab (although, sadly, my son was not able to make the gig as he doesn’t travel well in a car). Anyway, you were all brilliant both nights. Hope you have a safe and easy journey home, Thanks again, JackieH.
Christy's reply
Thank You Jackie H…..sorry to read that your son did not travel…
Hi Christy
I have just been to see your concert tonight at Southbank and it is the first time I have seen you singing live. What a great show! However, there are some songs you performed that were new to me and I am wondering if I could please have the playlist of the concert so that I can find them to listen to at home.
Thank you and kind regards, Denise
Christy's reply
Thank you,I will post the set list here later…C
1.Chicago
2.North & South of The River
3.Only our Rivers run free
4.Yellow Furze Woman ( aka Wise &Holy)
5.Shovel
6.Burning Times
7.Sweet Thames flow softly
8.No Time for Love
9.Bright Blue Rose
10.Ringing The Bell
11.Sail On Jimmy (aka Irish Pagan Ritual)
12.Voyage
13.Lingo Politico
14.McIlhatton
15.On The mainland
16.Back Home in Derry
17.Beeswing
18.Missing You
19.Raggle Taggle Gypsy
20.Quinte Brigada
21.Black is The Colour
22.Lisdoonvarna
23.Ride On
24.Joxer
25.Spacilhill
Hi Christy.
I’m coming tonight to see you for maybe the millionth time. Been doing it for 40 years.
Can you please sing the Brothers Conneelly?
Good luck!
Christy's reply
regrets….did not read your post until after the concert
Thanks Christy for your kind comments, much appreciated, and thanks also to Agnes Nealis for the advice on posting to your site, worked a treat…
Re Rinty Monaghan after boxing … your memory of stock car racing may be right… he certainly was around cars a lot working as taxi driver, truck driver and gas station attendant as this Wildgeese website says…
And also, the Superstox Facebook page also mentions a query on Rinty… here we go…
David Kipling asks:
History question: I’m trying to trace info on an Irish stock-car driver from the 1950s. ‘Rinty’ Monaghan was a champion boxer from Belfast. After hanging up his gloves,I think he drove stock-cars in Ireland, including Dublin, probably a Spedeworth-type formula. RINTY MONAGHAN, anyone
Vic Rayner replies..
Just googled Rinty and there’s plenty of info about his boxing career. In the Wikipedia write up it gives his 3 daughters and son’s names, maybe you could see if any are on facebook
Hide or report this
William Finnegan replies..
Hi David ,Rinty was very famous boxer but I don’t recall him racing ,not in his home town of Belfast or elsewhere in N.I. from stockcars started here in 1968 ,maybe he had a go before that at some grass meeting but not known to me ,he was also well known for singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling in the ring at his fights !
David Kipling replies..
Thanks Vic and William — it may be that he only tried once or twice (as many did) without making a name for himself
Christy's reply
Thanks DK
My Western correspondant (Agnes) came up with some newspaper cuttings.In fact,Rinty did race Stock Cars in Shelboune Park Dublin in the late 50s. When I get back to base I will attempt to share them with you….
Best for now…
Dear Christy,
My parents took my sister and I to see you perform at the Southbank Centre 10 years ago. I was 15 and it was my first gig. We’ve seen you enough times since to make it a family tradition — I’m 25 now and coming back to see you at the Southbank Centre tonight with parents in their 60s! I know it’s a long shot but if you could dedicate a song to my parents (Tim and Maria) tonight from myself and my sister Grace, that would make their evening. They love anything you set your hand to but Bright Blue Rose is special to us. They’ve had a tough few years and are the best parents I could ask for!!! Can’t wait to see you this eve. We love you and Deccy! Sophie
Christy's reply
Greetings to you and Family….the Blue Rose blossomed once again
Hi Christy
Can’t believe that we are going to see you tonight
It’s even more special as it is my husbands birthday today Sean Caden
He is from Coill Dubh in Kildare and is always driving everyone mad playing your songs in our Irish club and at home
We are watching the Christy Moore tribute show on the late late show at the moment
Could you please sing the Honda 50 song as he had one when we first met and took me around Allenwood and the areas that you mention
Also if you could say hi to him that would mean a lot
Looking forward to seeing you later and enjoy the rest of your day 🎶
Christy's reply
hey Sean Caden from Coill Dubh….my Honda 50 was impounded in Holyhead..I had red diesel in the tank….its not midnight yet so Happy Birthday
Wonderful show, Christy, thanks for a great night. Brought our 12-year-old daughter with us too – she loved it and we couldn’t believe our luck when you sang The Voyage, our family anthem too for many years. (In fact we were playing it in the hospital when she and her twin sister were born all those years ago.) You were in great voice, congrats to the whole band. Enjoy tonight!
Christy's reply
Another 2 nights along the journey….thank you for your support and feedback
Don’t worry about the Go Move Shift request Christy, to be honest it was a ,
‘tongue in cheek’ way to celebrate yesterdays news and the fact that the beginning of June will see the end of May (Theresa). Good luck for tonight and have a safe journey home.
Christy's reply
I had it all set up in my mind’s plan…I was gonna sing it in memory of “The King of The Irish Travellers”, my old Buddy Pecker Dunne…..when I heard that his daughter ,young Sara Dunne, was in the audience I decided upon “The Travelling People” instead…….sorry about that John..
both songs came from the same hand…Ewan MacColl
Hi Christy, really looking forward to tonight’s gig at the Festival Hall. I’ve had the good fortune to have already seen several of your gigs there. Nothing beats a live music performance. I trust you’ll enjoy it this evening as much as I’m sure I will.
Kind Regards, Jim
Christy's reply
just getting ready now Jim….clearing away last nights rasps and frogs, preparing the vocal chords for tonights concert….50 years ago my prep would commence 5 minutes before showtime…now it takes me all day to prepare…physically, mentally and spiritually…..the times they are a changing….
hope you have a good night
Looking forward to the show tonight Christy but first the small matter of Tranmere Rovers at Wembley for the play off final. Wish us luck.
Tom.
Christy's reply
Go For it Tom….this is the Day when lifelong memories will be conceived…great personal sporting events rarely come to pass (for most of us )…..Tranmere Rovers at Wembley….its a bit like Moorefield GFC at CrokePark…..I wish ye well Tom….(Micky Flynn and Newport will be determined to make it as difficult as possible)
Hello Christy,
Hope everything went well in the UK!
Last week Sir Elton John was here on his farewell tour. The first time I saw him was in 1979, alone with his piano and Ray Cooper ( that man is a show on his own!) and it was enchanting by it’s simplicity.
I went to several gigs of him during the years but it never was like that first time.
The last time I saw him I was pregnant from my son, and he likes him to, so we went together and had a great evening. It was a worthy goodbye.
He all surprised us by telling openly about his struggle to get sober and he made a very strong political statement.
He was tired of the politicians and he shouted he was a European, against the Brexit and certainly not an imperialist who wanted to colonize people. It was very imported we talked more often together!
He got a standing ovation for his words.
Today we have elections here and I’m very curious for the results, let’s hope many people keep his words in minds!
Now we are counting the days for your gigs in Sligo and a little tour on our favorite island!
Do you still eat chocolate?
Keep well and see you soon!
Greetings Chris
I’m trying to stay away from the chocolate!
I played a Festival with Elton way back circa 1970.
A Festival remembered for all the wrong reasons. (at Krumlin,nr Barkisland, Halifax,Yorkshire) there is a website somewhere reflecting upon it…I recall Elton generously sharing his Brandy with rain sodden listeners….many have fallen by the wayside since, a few have survived to sing another song..
Sligo has always been a great Music town….hope you have a good trip over
Hi Christy, Well what a great gig at The Festival Hall on Friday, Rob C and I were smiling all the way through and singing along a little too! It’s a few years now since I last saw you and so great to hear those songs again. You were on cracking form and the band are just so good. Burning Times took me back to when I first met you in a studio in Dublin. Rob and I stayed up quite late with a few drinks, thanks for a really inspiring evening. Roger.
Dear Roger,
Good to hear from you….
28 years since we worked on those songs…
Some of them still in the set, always a good sign…
great to hear the music you are making with Rob Corcoran…
Read in Sunday Business Post ar maidin – Bord na Móna is considering growing medicinal cannabis on reclaimed bogs. Other medicinal herbs are being trialled in Offaly. They have also partnered with a maple syrup company from Vermont to extract sap from wild birch trees in Longford…apparently pasteurised the product is similar to coconut water. This led me to your song ‘…leave him out near Timahoe and that’s where it all began, as to why she picked the Shortgrass, god only knows…you’ll never bate the Bord na Mona man.’ I’m now listening to God Woman and going to log off /bog off as the dinner won’t make its self! Go Well Christy. Mary
He drank tae on top of Everest
before Hillery was born
he climbed blindfold up the North Face
and swam back-stroke round the Horn
Me sister and I have seen you so many times and came to the Festival Hall on Friday. We have run out of superlatives to try and explain how we felt after your magnificent set. We thought it the best ever! We were uplifted and hopeful for the future, very tricky to feel that way with Brexshit! We were moved from laughter to sadness. Thank you so much for caring, for your kindness, for your dedications to Palestine, Lyra, travellers, the underrepresented. Musicians as ever brilliant and you seemed in such fine form! We’re still talking about it and having fun trying to remember your play list. All the best Christy, keep well, until the next time Maggie x
Heading Home now….back to base to recharge the batteries…Thank You
Hi Christy. At the Festival Hall last night, you said before Don’t Forget You’re Shovel “I got this song from a small folk club in Chatham, Kent in 1969”. I wondered if you could remember where it was, although it is a long time ago. The Old Ash Tree had a folk club where the likes of Richard Thompson used to play but I thought that didn’t start until the seventies.
Thanks for a fantastic show last night!
I’ll check out my 1969 diary when I get home…the truth will soon be known
Hi Christy. Thanks so much to you and the band for a great show. I hadn’t seen you live I think since a wild gig at the Kentish Town forum some 17 years ago. The family had a great night and then spent till the early hours listening to some of the classics you played and the new bands you mentioned in your gig. Great set. Great vibe. Great to see you play with a fire in your heart in such an iconic setting. It was a privaledge to be part of it. Regards Dan
The Forum in Kentish Town was a lively venue….had a few hot nights there…RFH is slightly more refined, even more enjoyable
Hi Christy,
We are just on the train travelling home after a momentous day watching Tranmere Rovers win and you in such great form. I’ve been watching you for longer than I care to remember and I don’t think I’ve see such a wonderful show. You appear in good health and full of energy. The flame for justice still burns bright too I’m pleased to see. Thank you for the mention of Tranmere and during your great encore. Ride On brought tears to my eyes. Until the next time in October I hope.
Tom Murtha.
The “good health”is a gift,cherished and (mostly)nurtured …that “energy” is generated when the words and music are exposed to the enthusiasm of two thousand listeners ( victorious Tranmere Rovers amongst them)…..on we go, heel to the toe…
Hello again Christy. Loved last night’s gig at Festival Hall, thank you. FYI and with reference to the song lambasting politicians, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell was sat just in front of me. He seemed to take that one in good stead. Best wishes for the rest of the tour. I’ve alerted one of my brothers that you will be doing 2 nights at Carrickdale Hotel, Dundalk. Best Regards, Jim
Yes indeed Jim, we are destined for Carrickdale very soon…always a lively gig there as it straddles the invisible line…the dressing room is in the republic, the stage in the occupied territory….the Vat goes to London but the Band goes to Dublin…
RFH was splendid…great venue, warm welcoming staff and two great audiences…
heading for Holyhead soon….well pleased with our visit…Thank You
Dear Christy, Thanks for two lovely gigs at the Festival Hall. Nearly didn’t make the 2nd one (railway signal failure outside Brighton) but finally got there just in time by minicab (although, sadly, my son was not able to make the gig as he doesn’t travel well in a car). Anyway, you were all brilliant both nights. Hope you have a safe and easy journey home, Thanks again, JackieH.
Thank You Jackie H…..sorry to read that your son did not travel…
Hi Christy
I have just been to see your concert tonight at Southbank and it is the first time I have seen you singing live. What a great show! However, there are some songs you performed that were new to me and I am wondering if I could please have the playlist of the concert so that I can find them to listen to at home.
Thank you and kind regards, Denise
Thank you,I will post the set list here later…C
1.Chicago
2.North & South of The River
3.Only our Rivers run free
4.Yellow Furze Woman ( aka Wise &Holy)
5.Shovel
6.Burning Times
7.Sweet Thames flow softly
8.No Time for Love
9.Bright Blue Rose
10.Ringing The Bell
11.Sail On Jimmy (aka Irish Pagan Ritual)
12.Voyage
13.Lingo Politico
14.McIlhatton
15.On The mainland
16.Back Home in Derry
17.Beeswing
18.Missing You
19.Raggle Taggle Gypsy
20.Quinte Brigada
21.Black is The Colour
22.Lisdoonvarna
23.Ride On
24.Joxer
25.Spacilhill
Hi Christy.
I’m coming tonight to see you for maybe the millionth time. Been doing it for 40 years.
Can you please sing the Brothers Conneelly?
Good luck!
regrets….did not read your post until after the concert
Hi Christy.
Miracles do happen we won. In the way to your show now. Maybe a shoutout for Tranmere Rovers.
Thanks
Tom.
such joy upon the air
Thanks Christy for your kind comments, much appreciated, and thanks also to Agnes Nealis for the advice on posting to your site, worked a treat…
Re Rinty Monaghan after boxing … your memory of stock car racing may be right… he certainly was around cars a lot working as taxi driver, truck driver and gas station attendant as this Wildgeese website says…
And also, the Superstox Facebook page also mentions a query on Rinty… here we go…
https://thewildgeese.irish/profiles/blogs/rinty-monaghan-beloved-belfast-champion-boxer?xg_source=activity
Also
From Old Skool Superstox Facebook page
David Kipling asks:
History question: I’m trying to trace info on an Irish stock-car driver from the 1950s. ‘Rinty’ Monaghan was a champion boxer from Belfast. After hanging up his gloves,I think he drove stock-cars in Ireland, including Dublin, probably a Spedeworth-type formula. RINTY MONAGHAN, anyone
Vic Rayner replies..
Just googled Rinty and there’s plenty of info about his boxing career. In the Wikipedia write up it gives his 3 daughters and son’s names, maybe you could see if any are on facebook
Hide or report this
William Finnegan replies..
Hi David ,Rinty was very famous boxer but I don’t recall him racing ,not in his home town of Belfast or elsewhere in N.I. from stockcars started here in 1968 ,maybe he had a go before that at some grass meeting but not known to me ,he was also well known for singing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling in the ring at his fights !
David Kipling replies..
Thanks Vic and William — it may be that he only tried once or twice (as many did) without making a name for himself
Thanks DK
My Western correspondant (Agnes) came up with some newspaper cuttings.In fact,Rinty did race Stock Cars in Shelboune Park Dublin in the late 50s. When I get back to base I will attempt to share them with you….
Best for now…
Buzzing for tonight, Christy. Hope you’re enjoying your time in the big smoke.
Up the Yellow Furze crew!
Senchelstown Abú
Beauparc, Cotton Mills, Hayestown, Ardmulchan,Kentstown,Stackallen
early days spent in all those places
Dear Christy,
My parents took my sister and I to see you perform at the Southbank Centre 10 years ago. I was 15 and it was my first gig. We’ve seen you enough times since to make it a family tradition — I’m 25 now and coming back to see you at the Southbank Centre tonight with parents in their 60s! I know it’s a long shot but if you could dedicate a song to my parents (Tim and Maria) tonight from myself and my sister Grace, that would make their evening. They love anything you set your hand to but Bright Blue Rose is special to us. They’ve had a tough few years and are the best parents I could ask for!!! Can’t wait to see you this eve. We love you and Deccy! Sophie
Greetings to you and Family….the Blue Rose blossomed once again
Hi Christy
Can’t believe that we are going to see you tonight
It’s even more special as it is my husbands birthday today Sean Caden
He is from Coill Dubh in Kildare and is always driving everyone mad playing your songs in our Irish club and at home
We are watching the Christy Moore tribute show on the late late show at the moment
Could you please sing the Honda 50 song as he had one when we first met and took me around Allenwood and the areas that you mention
Also if you could say hi to him that would mean a lot
Looking forward to seeing you later and enjoy the rest of your day 🎶
hey Sean Caden from Coill Dubh….my Honda 50 was impounded in Holyhead..I had red diesel in the tank….its not midnight yet so Happy Birthday
Up The Lilywhites
Wonderful show, Christy, thanks for a great night. Brought our 12-year-old daughter with us too – she loved it and we couldn’t believe our luck when you sang The Voyage, our family anthem too for many years. (In fact we were playing it in the hospital when she and her twin sister were born all those years ago.) You were in great voice, congrats to the whole band. Enjoy tonight!
Another 2 nights along the journey….thank you for your support and feedback
Don’t worry about the Go Move Shift request Christy, to be honest it was a ,
‘tongue in cheek’ way to celebrate yesterdays news and the fact that the beginning of June will see the end of May (Theresa). Good luck for tonight and have a safe journey home.
I had it all set up in my mind’s plan…I was gonna sing it in memory of “The King of The Irish Travellers”, my old Buddy Pecker Dunne…..when I heard that his daughter ,young Sara Dunne, was in the audience I decided upon “The Travelling People” instead…….sorry about that John..
both songs came from the same hand…Ewan MacColl
Hi Christy, really looking forward to tonight’s gig at the Festival Hall. I’ve had the good fortune to have already seen several of your gigs there. Nothing beats a live music performance. I trust you’ll enjoy it this evening as much as I’m sure I will.
Kind Regards, Jim
just getting ready now Jim….clearing away last nights rasps and frogs, preparing the vocal chords for tonights concert….50 years ago my prep would commence 5 minutes before showtime…now it takes me all day to prepare…physically, mentally and spiritually…..the times they are a changing….
hope you have a good night
Looking forward to the show tonight Christy but first the small matter of Tranmere Rovers at Wembley for the play off final. Wish us luck.
Tom.
Go For it Tom….this is the Day when lifelong memories will be conceived…great personal sporting events rarely come to pass (for most of us )…..Tranmere Rovers at Wembley….its a bit like Moorefield GFC at CrokePark…..I wish ye well Tom….(Micky Flynn and Newport will be determined to make it as difficult as possible)