Been listening to the magic nights pod cast wonderful insight to the songs very interesting to hear you talk about how they came about .
On the way to Dublin looking forward to another vicar street gig tonight …. Have you seen little women yet it’s been getting good response so has 1917. .
As so often,reading posts and your replies,the references to places/gigs/past times,resonate.
Just now its Westport and the Castlecourt hotel…a few decades back,arriving in the town with 2 young kids and deciding to stay the night.A welcome at the hotel ,a ‘family room’,lovely town,great breakfast feed and hitting the road around Clew Bay,out to Achill,before meandering back East, to ‘yellow furze’country…
One of numerous,memorable trips,with your music for company in the car…On the Westport travels it was a cassette of you at ‘The Point’,Dublin…the kids loved the energy and vibe of it…still do! And,that venue is always called ‘The Point’,whenever its mentioned-most recently,last Christmas…
Great memories and continuing music evolution…’Magic Nights’ is perfect in capturing more recent times…
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
Morra Dave
Evolution/Revolution
Resolution/Absolution
Suffragettes/United City
Emily Pankhurst/Liam Gallagher
Nobby Stiles/Francis Lee
Hi Christy
I hope, I am not too late – 2 years ago my dad came over from Germany to listen to you in Vicar Street, like he used to do 30 years ago. You were so kind to sing him a song. It meant the world to him, he is talking about it ever since.
Tomorrow, on Tuesday, 14th – he is coming over again to listen to you, the last time with me before he is becoming a grandfather to his first irish grandchild, which is due in March. So it will be tomorrow my dad, Andrew, me and a little unborn who cannot wait to listen to your songs.
I was wondering if you would sing him another song tomorrow, it would make him and me very happy. (just in case – his name is Rolf)
Thank you so much and I am looking forward to tomorrow.
All the best, Elyn
Christy's reply
Elyn Jasmin,
I’m in an awful quandry,
tonight is night 10 in Vicar
the finale of our run
there is an absolute deluge of requests for call-outs
I’ve never experienced anything like it
Chuck & Buck are in from The Bronx lookin for the Boys from the NYPD
Gloria and Galahad from Gateshead want to hear Cushy Butterfield
Joxer from Ballyfermot wants me to sing a song for his Josephine
Larry is home from Kalgoorlie and wants me to serenade his Granny
6 rapscallions from Dundalk lookin for “Come out ye Black & Tans”
Sister Philomena is home from the Belgian Congo lookin for Casey
Sharon wants a callout for Mister Burgess,
Biddy wants me to remember Miley
my Godmother from Beauparc wants to hear Yellow Furze Woman
Charlie Flanagan wants “The Boys from The D.M.P.
Leo Varadkar is mad for a bit of Kylie Minogue
I dont know how in the name of Jasus I’m gonna fit ’em all in
Harry Crosbie is lookin for plannin permission
Mero in the mosh pit lookin for The Crack was 90
Lar home from Budapest wants anything from Bruce or Elvis
Hi Christy,
I saw you play the Vicar on December 9th (after 25 years of promising myself I’d fly over to see you) and I’m still buzzing from your performance! Haven’t stopped listening to “Magic Nights” since it became available. Every day I have a new favorite! Currently I can’t get enough of “Tippin’ It Up to Nancy”. The last 2 minutes, especially the bodhran, makes my heart feels like it’s going to jump out of my chest. My wife and I are flying over to see both shows in Bundoran in October (I’ve convinced her it’s a present for her). I’m counting the days! See you then.
Buck
Christy's reply
The bould Buck to hit Bundoran….
You have chosen well…its a great gig room in a very Irish Hotel….Bundoran is a favourite Summer resort in the North West….Sun Worshippers throng across The Border in the Summer Months…it boasts Casinos and Chippers to satisfy every persuasion and the Blessed Virgin Herself has been known to drop in occasionally…I first appeared there in 1972 with Planxty….we were flying it at the time in our clogs and flares, our well coiffed locks flying in the Great Northern Breeze….
it is also a renowned as a great centre for Country Music….hit the right night in Bundoran and God only knows who you might hear…..
I’m very happy with that outro to “Tippin it Up”..you are the first to mention it in public…..Mairtin, Cathal,Sheamie, Jimmy and myself fell into a grand groove there, a touch of the mesmeric in The Royal Spa…..
Giz a shoutout closer to the event and we’ll sing a song for you and your Bride…we like to serenade our long haul listeners
Hi Christy
Hope all’s well with you and yours.
I sent a message via this forum after we saw you and Declan at the first of your two gigs at the RFH in May last year and you replied, chapter and verse, about how much you loved the RFH, London and about your memories of venues in London throughout your career. It was such a lovely reply and really meant a lot to me, so thank you.
We’re coming to Ireland in April to visit a friend of ours in Westport and we’re very much looking forward to seeing you again at the Castle Court Hotel on 9 April. We’re also looking forward to our friends, John & Tracy, seeing you for the first time.
Could I request a couple of songs, please? I’m writing early as, if you haven’t played this for a while then I guess it may take a while to reacquaint yourself with (what I think is) a song up there with your best: ‘Me and The Rose’… it’s a long one! Even better would be if you could sing ‘Away Your Broken Heart’ before it!
Anyway, here’s hoping!
Very best wishes
Gary
Christy's reply
Hey Gary,
Greetings to Middlesex.
I remember Teddington well.
Used to have digs in Southall.
Pressed singles for EMI in Hayes
(and baked pies for Walls)
drank pints in Twickers
and sang in “The Fighting Cocks in Kingston
and walked the River bank to glorious Richmond
lay down in East Sheen and woke up in Dorking
…..with regard to Westport….”Away You Broken Heart” is no problem, I can sing it in an inst but “Me & The Rose” is a different story… not unlike Ulysses or Godot, it cannot be performed at the drop of a hat….I might perform it at solo gigs in the coming year but could not attempt it with the Orchestra….(Bands have broken up for less)…I mean to say, The Beatles broke up coz Yoko insisted on chomping George’s Gold Grain…
Westport is a very civilised destination (when the stags and hens are not about) The Park at Westport House is worth a visit, Matt Molloys Pub offers music and Porter of the highest degree…Christy’s Coffee shop grinds only the finest beans and you’ll be spoiled for choice in the grub stakes
Hi Christy,
Myself and my man love your music..we listen to it everyday and we hop into the car..We seen you in Carrickdale in newry last year and can’t wait to see you in Cavan this year..I was just wondering do you play at weddings. If you could get back to me that would be great on violetk91@yahoo.ie. Thank you.
Christy's reply
Dear Violet…
I know what you mean….I always have the wireless on when I hop into the car…a good blast of reels ringing as I drive out the gate…Sean Potts, Joe Burke, Matt Molloy, Frankie Gavin, got me into town yesterday and Dolores Keane,Patsy Cline and Margaret Barry filled my sails on the way back….that Carrickdale venue always rocks in the Summer Months…we usually play it round the twalfth when weary souls are seeking to avoid the lambeg wallopers…
with regard to weddings..I’m afraid the answer is no…its a health issue with me…I was born with a terrible weakness for the drink….it grew within me as age encroached upon youth….I sent my communion money on Winters Tale Sherry and was a sorry sight staggering home in my short trousars….come Confirmation and I’d moved on to the Flagons….as soon as I got the Bishops Blessing I was off to the Furry Glen where we gave it the lash…..anyway, to get back to the question of weddings…..for some reason the blessed Sacraments always brought on bouts of drinking and Marriage was no exception…as a serving boy officiating at weddings, christenings and funerals there was always a few bob going for the altar boys….while some lads would buy Double Centres, Tayto or Patsi-Pops myself and the Meg McGowan always opted for a few scoops down Rosy’s Lane….
Back in my early days I performed at a few weddings but it always ended in tears…..as previously described in these annals I once fell in on top of the wedding cake, another time I was badly assaulted by the Bride’s Mother, but worst by far was when I was asked to play at a multi denominational service in Ballyhaunis ( Kosher/Traveller).I played the wrong song for the first dance (“Come out you Black and Tans”) whereupon all hell broke loose….( Thankfully the Bride and Groom got offside and made it safe to Knock Airport ) it took the Garda, FCA,Civil Defence and The Knights of Columbanus to restore Law & Order but I ended up in Court where the Judge suggested that I limit myself to Ballad Lounges and Funeral Homes for the forseeable….thats where it stands Violet 91…Thank you for your enquiry and Thank you for listening….I wish you and your man happy and peaceful days
Well Christy the first gig in CJs with you was June 89 still have a picture of you with us and you sitting in the back of the band trailer we had played the week before with you in the Temperence Hall Loughrea after that gig in CJs Neilus O Conner gave us a gig in the front bar and I m still there solo on Tuesday night’s and with 2 others in the Summer the band have retired form the Wedding scene but we are still all doing different bits
I’m heading to Tullamore on the Saturday and I did trade in the Ferguson TVO I got 300 euro for it and 15 round bales of hay an a dozen duck eggs it was a fair deal
See you soon
Christy's reply
CJ’s always a favourite, the happy Western throng, Benny a great host,
two particular memories, the night the power went, the room in complete darkness, JD lit the stage with a torch, the audience still and silent, it was eerie and wonderful …the atmosphere lost when the power returned……..
….another night two young Spainish women stood up and walked out at the end of Quinte Brigada…with fists aloft they called out “Viva Franco”
How ya Christy Happy New Year to you and yours hope all is well your flying through the Vicar St gigs fair play
Well Santy was very good to me this year I got Magic Nights so it’s on in the car now full time really enjoying it and I also got tickets for Tullamore so really looking forward to that it’s been a while since I saw ya so once the Massey passes the NCT we’ll be off
Anyway stay well and face the puck out
Christy's reply
Morra Iggy,
I hope and yours are all in good order as we face into 2020..thanks for your message…
almost finished the Dublin run now…it has been remarkable…lots of new listeners coming out to hear the songs..the band is tight and we have a few new numbers in the mix ….interestingly some old repertoire has re-emerged….re arranged and freshened up they sound brand new to my old ears…like meeting old friends at a Fleadh ceol..
How many years is it now since we gigged together in CJ’s ?….how is your Band going? which night you coming to Tulach Mhór ? will you take the Bog Road or the M6 ?…you must have traded in the Ferguson TVO
I thoroughly enjoyed your gig on Wednesday night, probably my favourite experience of the three times I’ve seen you now (the other two were in the UK but there’s something extra special about being with a home audience).
I especially enjoyed your rendition of Spancilhill – my mam, who was a proud Tulla woman, sadly passed away suddenly at the end of 2018 and that song means a lot to me. It was almost like coming full circle as the last time I was able to speak to her was just before your November 2018 show in the Barrowlands.
Thank you for a wonderful night in Vicar Street, it was great to be there. Best wishes & take care.
Christy's reply
Thank You Barbara,
Your post brings me right back to “The Windswept Hill” of beautiful Tulla…I arrived there in the Spring of 1964….I hitched from Clonmel that Sunday morning, guitar case and rucksack containing everything I owned in the World…I was a rich young man….Sorry to read of your Mother’s passing…doubtless that leaves you with a strong Tulla connection….(my own Mother hailed from Yellow Furze in County Meath to where I feel inextricably linked)
56 years on I still clearly recall my months in that wee East Clare Town….I heard Paddy Canny’s Music, I learned “Spancilhill”, “The Scariff Martyrs”,”The Rambler From Clare”, I travelled with John Minogue & Joe McGrath to Miltown-Malbay where I heard Willie Clancy ( who asked me to sing “Liverpool Lou” and then accompanied me on the Uileann Pipes…perhaps a seed was sown)
your post reminds me that Barrowland looms once more…back beneath that Carousel of Healing to jitterbug and boogie the night away
Dear Christy,
Thank you so much for a very special concert on Tuesday the 7th. Since we returned home we cannot stop playing your music, from Planxty to now. It was a nice coincidence to see you perform Weekend in Amsterdam right in front of us (front row). But the whole concert was breathtaking, fun, warm and according to Wim the most intense he’s ever seen of any artist, and he’s seen a few.. We’re in awe of your continuing strength and urgency, and your vocals are still really amazing. Seeing you perform in Ireland was lovely because of the connection we felt with the Irish, and the buzzing in the crowd. We wish you and your loved ones a very good new year, and look forward to seeing you again in good health. Bye!
Christy's reply
“O The Lowlands Low The Lowlands Low
We’re Sailing to the Lowlands Low”………..
Greetings to you both…..and thank you for your feedback….we are enjoying our current residency in Thomas St….8 down,2 to go….the audience has been scintillating, encouraging, responsive …..the Band has reacted accordingly….
Soon we return to the Provinces….we go back to The Country…back to The Land….as our esteemed leaders go to The Polls we will seek to provide diversion to the electorate as they struggle to decide which poster to trust…
Hello Christy. Talking about you here with old friends visiting from Inverness. We used to teach in London. Regaling them with stories about your gigs over the years.
I sang Ordinary Man last week at our weekly open mic in Barnstaple. I play the Richie Havens method on a Guild D40. Will always be aspiring to play like Richie. It’s been ten years now since I started. Great fun too!
Would love you to come to The Plough Arts Centre here in Torrington. Such a lovely, intimate 200 seater. No problem with accommodation.
Go well for 2020
In solidarity
Dave
Christy's reply
Hi Dave,
Richie had such a unique technique…got to hear him maybe 10 years back here in Dublin..it was a beautiful performance…really regret not getting to meet him…
“You got me always on the run”
Dont know if I’ll make it to The Plough…my overseas endeavours are less frequent as time rolls by….2020 plans include 3 in Scotland and 3 in England (North)
Great to hear that you are singing Peter Hames “Ordinary Man”..he’ll be delighted
A poem for you tonight.
There is the destiny of happiness. There is the destiny of pain.
There is the destiny of sunshine. There is the destiny of rain.
There is the destiny of peace. There is the destiny of war.
There is the destiny of Love. There is the destiny of a whore.
The gift of God is thus to us.
To Love unconditionally whilst incarnated in this dust.
Charles Robinson
Just wondering what your first move is when writing music. Lyrics or Music first?
Also, why the blacked out tak sign on the guitars?
Cheers
Christy's reply
Lyrics First…
I started playing TAKS in 1981…I have 5 old TAKS from that era…many years ago I sought assistance from them (assistance on pick-up systems,not freebies) and they were 100% unwilling to help…since the 80s they changed their process of manufacture…the subsequent guitars do not match the quality or sound of their original instruments (in my opinion) I black out their LOGO for those reasons…I have been more then happy and satisfied playing 40 year old taks..they are wonderful gigging guitars…but I would neither play nor endorse later models..sin an scéal
The music will always won out… and it certainly did last night.
Great to hear Wallys “Los Desperacidos” again.
Burning Times is spellbinding. … must be the best arrangement of a brilliant song.
Great to have been there.
Christy, a fantastic gig last night! Absolutely loved every minute of it. Thanks so much for the dedication on Ordinary Man for my Dad, Terry Scanlon. Me and brother missed him a lot there last night and your dedication meant a lot. You might remember him from his time at Auto Audio and Alarms in Kimmage.
Best wishes and keep her lit!
Eric
Christy's reply
We are blest to have loved our Fathers…..our Da died in 1956….the Love lives on
Great gig tonight Christy, bit bigger than The Meeting Place, you’re well able for the bollix on the balcony. Great way to spend my birthday with my wonderful wife. Best to Val and family.
Ian Spillane (Shey & Hannes son)
Christy's reply
What a treat to hear from you Ian….brings me right back to those heady times in Dorset Street…. you Ma & Da ran the Best Venue that ever existed in this City…Shay and Hanne ,along with Paddy and The Badger, ran the Meeting Place like a crazy run away train….Upstairs & Downstairs were two different worlds that somehow melled together….
Frank Connolly’s last book “A Conspiracy of Lies” describes a similar place in its pages…
I wish you well Ian…please send our love to Hanne
Well…….. last night in vicar street was amazing Christy. Thank you for giving Tracey a shout! (On the mushrooms!!) the first time we’ve been to see you live and we’re already working out the next time we can make it to a gig! Thank you for a crackin night!!! Take care and all the best!! Alan and Tracey.
Heading to vicar st tonight…. wasn’t expecting to make it for this set of gigs but there are a lot of good folks that made it possible. Looking forward to the show.
Hope the hens survived the foxes visit……. we had a mink got in once …. bled the lot of them….. there was a snare waiting for him the next time he visited.
Christy's reply
I glimpsed your beaming dial momentarily last night….as we wrestled with thon lewdermawns in the balcony stage right….thankfully they did not dominate proceedings…they were but a slight pimple on the arse of an otherwise wonderful night in Baile átha Cliath…..I always have to remember that I too was once that soldier….drunk as a skunk oblivious to those around me…I wish them well
Hi Christy
Been listening to the magic nights pod cast wonderful insight to the songs very interesting to hear you talk about how they came about .
On the way to Dublin looking forward to another vicar street gig tonight …. Have you seen little women yet it’s been getting good response so has 1917. .
Adam, you were in good voice last night…..
Morning Christy
As so often,reading posts and your replies,the references to places/gigs/past times,resonate.
Just now its Westport and the Castlecourt hotel…a few decades back,arriving in the town with 2 young kids and deciding to stay the night.A welcome at the hotel ,a ‘family room’,lovely town,great breakfast feed and hitting the road around Clew Bay,out to Achill,before meandering back East, to ‘yellow furze’country…
One of numerous,memorable trips,with your music for company in the car…On the Westport travels it was a cassette of you at ‘The Point’,Dublin…the kids loved the energy and vibe of it…still do! And,that venue is always called ‘The Point’,whenever its mentioned-most recently,last Christmas…
Great memories and continuing music evolution…’Magic Nights’ is perfect in capturing more recent times…
Enjoy the day
Dave
Morra Dave
Evolution/Revolution
Resolution/Absolution
Suffragettes/United City
Emily Pankhurst/Liam Gallagher
Nobby Stiles/Francis Lee
Hi Christy
I hope, I am not too late – 2 years ago my dad came over from Germany to listen to you in Vicar Street, like he used to do 30 years ago. You were so kind to sing him a song. It meant the world to him, he is talking about it ever since.
Tomorrow, on Tuesday, 14th – he is coming over again to listen to you, the last time with me before he is becoming a grandfather to his first irish grandchild, which is due in March. So it will be tomorrow my dad, Andrew, me and a little unborn who cannot wait to listen to your songs.
I was wondering if you would sing him another song tomorrow, it would make him and me very happy. (just in case – his name is Rolf)
Thank you so much and I am looking forward to tomorrow.
All the best, Elyn
Elyn Jasmin,
I’m in an awful quandry,
tonight is night 10 in Vicar
the finale of our run
there is an absolute deluge of requests for call-outs
I’ve never experienced anything like it
Chuck & Buck are in from The Bronx lookin for the Boys from the NYPD
Gloria and Galahad from Gateshead want to hear Cushy Butterfield
Joxer from Ballyfermot wants me to sing a song for his Josephine
Larry is home from Kalgoorlie and wants me to serenade his Granny
6 rapscallions from Dundalk lookin for “Come out ye Black & Tans”
Sister Philomena is home from the Belgian Congo lookin for Casey
Sharon wants a callout for Mister Burgess,
Biddy wants me to remember Miley
my Godmother from Beauparc wants to hear Yellow Furze Woman
Charlie Flanagan wants “The Boys from The D.M.P.
Leo Varadkar is mad for a bit of Kylie Minogue
I dont know how in the name of Jasus I’m gonna fit ’em all in
Harry Crosbie is lookin for plannin permission
Mero in the mosh pit lookin for The Crack was 90
Lar home from Budapest wants anything from Bruce or Elvis
but rest assured Elyn, I have Rolf on the list….
Wishing You & Andrew the best in March
Hi Christy,
I saw you play the Vicar on December 9th (after 25 years of promising myself I’d fly over to see you) and I’m still buzzing from your performance! Haven’t stopped listening to “Magic Nights” since it became available. Every day I have a new favorite! Currently I can’t get enough of “Tippin’ It Up to Nancy”. The last 2 minutes, especially the bodhran, makes my heart feels like it’s going to jump out of my chest. My wife and I are flying over to see both shows in Bundoran in October (I’ve convinced her it’s a present for her). I’m counting the days! See you then.
Buck
The bould Buck to hit Bundoran….
You have chosen well…its a great gig room in a very Irish Hotel….Bundoran is a favourite Summer resort in the North West….Sun Worshippers throng across The Border in the Summer Months…it boasts Casinos and Chippers to satisfy every persuasion and the Blessed Virgin Herself has been known to drop in occasionally…I first appeared there in 1972 with Planxty….we were flying it at the time in our clogs and flares, our well coiffed locks flying in the Great Northern Breeze….
it is also a renowned as a great centre for Country Music….hit the right night in Bundoran and God only knows who you might hear…..
I’m very happy with that outro to “Tippin it Up”..you are the first to mention it in public…..Mairtin, Cathal,Sheamie, Jimmy and myself fell into a grand groove there, a touch of the mesmeric in The Royal Spa…..
Giz a shoutout closer to the event and we’ll sing a song for you and your Bride…we like to serenade our long haul listeners
Hi Christy
Hope all’s well with you and yours.
I sent a message via this forum after we saw you and Declan at the first of your two gigs at the RFH in May last year and you replied, chapter and verse, about how much you loved the RFH, London and about your memories of venues in London throughout your career. It was such a lovely reply and really meant a lot to me, so thank you.
We’re coming to Ireland in April to visit a friend of ours in Westport and we’re very much looking forward to seeing you again at the Castle Court Hotel on 9 April. We’re also looking forward to our friends, John & Tracy, seeing you for the first time.
Could I request a couple of songs, please? I’m writing early as, if you haven’t played this for a while then I guess it may take a while to reacquaint yourself with (what I think is) a song up there with your best: ‘Me and The Rose’… it’s a long one! Even better would be if you could sing ‘Away Your Broken Heart’ before it!
Anyway, here’s hoping!
Very best wishes
Gary
Hey Gary,
Greetings to Middlesex.
I remember Teddington well.
Used to have digs in Southall.
Pressed singles for EMI in Hayes
(and baked pies for Walls)
drank pints in Twickers
and sang in “The Fighting Cocks in Kingston
and walked the River bank to glorious Richmond
lay down in East Sheen and woke up in Dorking
…..with regard to Westport….”Away You Broken Heart” is no problem, I can sing it in an inst but “Me & The Rose” is a different story… not unlike Ulysses or Godot, it cannot be performed at the drop of a hat….I might perform it at solo gigs in the coming year but could not attempt it with the Orchestra….(Bands have broken up for less)…I mean to say, The Beatles broke up coz Yoko insisted on chomping George’s Gold Grain…
Westport is a very civilised destination (when the stags and hens are not about) The Park at Westport House is worth a visit, Matt Molloys Pub offers music and Porter of the highest degree…Christy’s Coffee shop grinds only the finest beans and you’ll be spoiled for choice in the grub stakes
Hi Christy,
Myself and my man love your music..we listen to it everyday and we hop into the car..We seen you in Carrickdale in newry last year and can’t wait to see you in Cavan this year..I was just wondering do you play at weddings. If you could get back to me that would be great on violetk91@yahoo.ie. Thank you.
Dear Violet…
I know what you mean….I always have the wireless on when I hop into the car…a good blast of reels ringing as I drive out the gate…Sean Potts, Joe Burke, Matt Molloy, Frankie Gavin, got me into town yesterday and Dolores Keane,Patsy Cline and Margaret Barry filled my sails on the way back….that Carrickdale venue always rocks in the Summer Months…we usually play it round the twalfth when weary souls are seeking to avoid the lambeg wallopers…
with regard to weddings..I’m afraid the answer is no…its a health issue with me…I was born with a terrible weakness for the drink….it grew within me as age encroached upon youth….I sent my communion money on Winters Tale Sherry and was a sorry sight staggering home in my short trousars….come Confirmation and I’d moved on to the Flagons….as soon as I got the Bishops Blessing I was off to the Furry Glen where we gave it the lash…..anyway, to get back to the question of weddings…..for some reason the blessed Sacraments always brought on bouts of drinking and Marriage was no exception…as a serving boy officiating at weddings, christenings and funerals there was always a few bob going for the altar boys….while some lads would buy Double Centres, Tayto or Patsi-Pops myself and the Meg McGowan always opted for a few scoops down Rosy’s Lane….
Back in my early days I performed at a few weddings but it always ended in tears…..as previously described in these annals I once fell in on top of the wedding cake, another time I was badly assaulted by the Bride’s Mother, but worst by far was when I was asked to play at a multi denominational service in Ballyhaunis ( Kosher/Traveller).I played the wrong song for the first dance (“Come out you Black and Tans”) whereupon all hell broke loose….( Thankfully the Bride and Groom got offside and made it safe to Knock Airport ) it took the Garda, FCA,Civil Defence and The Knights of Columbanus to restore Law & Order but I ended up in Court where the Judge suggested that I limit myself to Ballad Lounges and Funeral Homes for the forseeable….thats where it stands Violet 91…Thank you for your enquiry and Thank you for listening….I wish you and your man happy and peaceful days
Well Christy the first gig in CJs with you was June 89 still have a picture of you with us and you sitting in the back of the band trailer we had played the week before with you in the Temperence Hall Loughrea after that gig in CJs Neilus O Conner gave us a gig in the front bar and I m still there solo on Tuesday night’s and with 2 others in the Summer the band have retired form the Wedding scene but we are still all doing different bits
I’m heading to Tullamore on the Saturday and I did trade in the Ferguson TVO I got 300 euro for it and 15 round bales of hay an a dozen duck eggs it was a fair deal
See you soon
CJ’s always a favourite, the happy Western throng, Benny a great host,
two particular memories, the night the power went, the room in complete darkness, JD lit the stage with a torch, the audience still and silent, it was eerie and wonderful …the atmosphere lost when the power returned……..
….another night two young Spainish women stood up and walked out at the end of Quinte Brigada…with fists aloft they called out “Viva Franco”
How ya Christy Happy New Year to you and yours hope all is well your flying through the Vicar St gigs fair play
Well Santy was very good to me this year I got Magic Nights so it’s on in the car now full time really enjoying it and I also got tickets for Tullamore so really looking forward to that it’s been a while since I saw ya so once the Massey passes the NCT we’ll be off
Anyway stay well and face the puck out
Morra Iggy,
I hope and yours are all in good order as we face into 2020..thanks for your message…
almost finished the Dublin run now…it has been remarkable…lots of new listeners coming out to hear the songs..the band is tight and we have a few new numbers in the mix ….interestingly some old repertoire has re-emerged….re arranged and freshened up they sound brand new to my old ears…like meeting old friends at a Fleadh ceol..
How many years is it now since we gigged together in CJ’s ?….how is your Band going? which night you coming to Tulach Mhór ? will you take the Bog Road or the M6 ?…you must have traded in the Ferguson TVO
Dear Christy,
I thoroughly enjoyed your gig on Wednesday night, probably my favourite experience of the three times I’ve seen you now (the other two were in the UK but there’s something extra special about being with a home audience).
I especially enjoyed your rendition of Spancilhill – my mam, who was a proud Tulla woman, sadly passed away suddenly at the end of 2018 and that song means a lot to me. It was almost like coming full circle as the last time I was able to speak to her was just before your November 2018 show in the Barrowlands.
Thank you for a wonderful night in Vicar Street, it was great to be there. Best wishes & take care.
Thank You Barbara,
Your post brings me right back to “The Windswept Hill” of beautiful Tulla…I arrived there in the Spring of 1964….I hitched from Clonmel that Sunday morning, guitar case and rucksack containing everything I owned in the World…I was a rich young man….Sorry to read of your Mother’s passing…doubtless that leaves you with a strong Tulla connection….(my own Mother hailed from Yellow Furze in County Meath to where I feel inextricably linked)
56 years on I still clearly recall my months in that wee East Clare Town….I heard Paddy Canny’s Music, I learned “Spancilhill”, “The Scariff Martyrs”,”The Rambler From Clare”, I travelled with John Minogue & Joe McGrath to Miltown-Malbay where I heard Willie Clancy ( who asked me to sing “Liverpool Lou” and then accompanied me on the Uileann Pipes…perhaps a seed was sown)
your post reminds me that Barrowland looms once more…back beneath that Carousel of Healing to jitterbug and boogie the night away
Sail On….
Dear Christy,
Thank you so much for a very special concert on Tuesday the 7th. Since we returned home we cannot stop playing your music, from Planxty to now. It was a nice coincidence to see you perform Weekend in Amsterdam right in front of us (front row). But the whole concert was breathtaking, fun, warm and according to Wim the most intense he’s ever seen of any artist, and he’s seen a few.. We’re in awe of your continuing strength and urgency, and your vocals are still really amazing. Seeing you perform in Ireland was lovely because of the connection we felt with the Irish, and the buzzing in the crowd. We wish you and your loved ones a very good new year, and look forward to seeing you again in good health. Bye!
“O The Lowlands Low The Lowlands Low
We’re Sailing to the Lowlands Low”………..
Greetings to you both…..and thank you for your feedback….we are enjoying our current residency in Thomas St….8 down,2 to go….the audience has been scintillating, encouraging, responsive …..the Band has reacted accordingly….
Soon we return to the Provinces….we go back to The Country…back to The Land….as our esteemed leaders go to The Polls we will seek to provide diversion to the electorate as they struggle to decide which poster to trust…
Thank you Irma & Wim……Ride On.
Hello Christy. Talking about you here with old friends visiting from Inverness. We used to teach in London. Regaling them with stories about your gigs over the years.
I sang Ordinary Man last week at our weekly open mic in Barnstaple. I play the Richie Havens method on a Guild D40. Will always be aspiring to play like Richie. It’s been ten years now since I started. Great fun too!
Would love you to come to The Plough Arts Centre here in Torrington. Such a lovely, intimate 200 seater. No problem with accommodation.
Go well for 2020
In solidarity
Dave
Hi Dave,
Richie had such a unique technique…got to hear him maybe 10 years back here in Dublin..it was a beautiful performance…really regret not getting to meet him…
“You got me always on the run”
Dont know if I’ll make it to The Plough…my overseas endeavours are less frequent as time rolls by….2020 plans include 3 in Scotland and 3 in England (North)
Great to hear that you are singing Peter Hames “Ordinary Man”..he’ll be delighted
A poem for you tonight.
There is the destiny of happiness. There is the destiny of pain.
There is the destiny of sunshine. There is the destiny of rain.
There is the destiny of peace. There is the destiny of war.
There is the destiny of Love. There is the destiny of a whore.
The gift of God is thus to us.
To Love unconditionally whilst incarnated in this dust.
Charles Robinson
Thank You Charles….
Hi Christy,
Just wondering what your first move is when writing music. Lyrics or Music first?
Also, why the blacked out tak sign on the guitars?
Cheers
Lyrics First…
I started playing TAKS in 1981…I have 5 old TAKS from that era…many years ago I sought assistance from them (assistance on pick-up systems,not freebies) and they were 100% unwilling to help…since the 80s they changed their process of manufacture…the subsequent guitars do not match the quality or sound of their original instruments (in my opinion) I black out their LOGO for those reasons…I have been more then happy and satisfied playing 40 year old taks..they are wonderful gigging guitars…but I would neither play nor endorse later models..sin an scéal
The music will always won out… and it certainly did last night.
Great to hear Wallys “Los Desperacidos” again.
Burning Times is spellbinding. … must be the best arrangement of a brilliant song.
Great to have been there.
sound…great for us too
Christy, a fantastic gig last night! Absolutely loved every minute of it. Thanks so much for the dedication on Ordinary Man for my Dad, Terry Scanlon. Me and brother missed him a lot there last night and your dedication meant a lot. You might remember him from his time at Auto Audio and Alarms in Kimmage.
Best wishes and keep her lit!
Eric
We are blest to have loved our Fathers…..our Da died in 1956….the Love lives on
Great gig tonight Christy, bit bigger than The Meeting Place, you’re well able for the bollix on the balcony. Great way to spend my birthday with my wonderful wife. Best to Val and family.
Ian Spillane (Shey & Hannes son)
What a treat to hear from you Ian….brings me right back to those heady times in Dorset Street…. you Ma & Da ran the Best Venue that ever existed in this City…Shay and Hanne ,along with Paddy and The Badger, ran the Meeting Place like a crazy run away train….Upstairs & Downstairs were two different worlds that somehow melled together….
Frank Connolly’s last book “A Conspiracy of Lies” describes a similar place in its pages…
I wish you well Ian…please send our love to Hanne
Heard you played fairytale of new york for me tonight, thank you christy ❤
“came in at 18/1”
Mr What.Grand National. Aintree.1958. Toss Taffe. I was on it A Shilling each way.
Sorry to sa we wont make it to tonights show but i know it will be magical for those who are there. Best wishes from sweden.
Well…….. last night in vicar street was amazing Christy. Thank you for giving Tracey a shout! (On the mushrooms!!) the first time we’ve been to see you live and we’re already working out the next time we can make it to a gig! Thank you for a crackin night!!! Take care and all the best!! Alan and Tracey.
as The High Level Ranters used to sing;
“O She was The Flower of Northumberland”
Heading to vicar st tonight…. wasn’t expecting to make it for this set of gigs but there are a lot of good folks that made it possible. Looking forward to the show.
Hope the hens survived the foxes visit……. we had a mink got in once …. bled the lot of them….. there was a snare waiting for him the next time he visited.
I glimpsed your beaming dial momentarily last night….as we wrestled with thon lewdermawns in the balcony stage right….thankfully they did not dominate proceedings…they were but a slight pimple on the arse of an otherwise wonderful night in Baile átha Cliath…..I always have to remember that I too was once that soldier….drunk as a skunk oblivious to those around me…I wish them well