What wonderful nights they were at the Golden Lion and the Cavalcade. Yes they were both Sunday nights. I first saw Planxty play in December 1972 at the Golden Lion. I remember hardly being able to wait for the “Black Album” to come out and hoping most of the songs and instrumentals I particularly enjoyed being played that cold December night would be on the album. They were with the exception of Sally Brown (Andy) and Lish young buy a broom (by yourself).
Planxty came back to M/C around March 1973 at the FTH supporting Al Stewart, and the following month supporting Steeleye. Both were Saturdays and were followed by Cavalcade gigs on the next evening.
Whilst I was grateful to the Clancys and Tommy Makem for opening the door to this hidden musical world for me once I heard the sound of Planxty it felt akin to how people felt towards Bill Haley upon hearing Elvis. Certainly changed my life!
Christy's reply
I’ve never lost my passion for Bill Haley…..memory of first love doth linger
How ya Christy hope all is well with you, you’ll be flat to the mat this week congrats on the lifetime achievement award well deserved and well earned ,enjoy tomorrow night looking forward to the new album
Keep well and safe
Face the puck out
Sunday folk club at ‘The Golden Lion’ pub, Withington was a very successful gig for Harris and Appleton ( I think they had Christian names! possibly, Andrew and Russell, but I might be making that up!) You played there solo in 1971 – possibly 72 as well. I was a regular at that time.
You’d gained a following from early days, and stories were emerging about ‘Planxty’ as a result of ‘Prosperous’ – so, there was an immediate buzz when H+A announced ticket sale for a ‘big gig’… this was Planxty – in the ( larger, upstairs room) at ‘The Cavalcade’ pub, a mile down the road in Didsbury. No doubt, a shrewd business move by ‘the boys’ in charge, but it led to a packed room and a wonderful gig. I’ll never forget the atmosphere, brilliant sound and close up view of four guys on top form, loving the music – everything admirable about Planxty…
Great to know that it was the eve of recording the first LP. If ever a band was set for sessions, it was that band in the moment. A great time in my life too – so much interlinked…and, here we are… new LP soon out of the traps and music still being an essential…
As ever – all the best and thanks
Dave
Christy's reply
I still see their faces clearly but cant recall which was which…they came in for a bit of stick but they ran good gigs and I recall them fondly…Folk Club organisers played a vital part in the whole movement…they were driven people..I recall most of them with great affection…there was a small number of ruffians…. in all walks of life
It goes against all my instincts to learn a folksong from a sterile page of notes instead of a living, breathing person, but needs must.
Its to do with not pinning the thing down. The difference between a butterfly in flight and one pinned dead to a board.
Anyway, that’s not helping.
There’s lots of stuff in the book.
A different version od raggle taggle, about a billion songs starting with “as I ravoed out one bright may morning,,,”
I found a song called Billy Taylor. I’ve found a few old recordings that all seem to treat it as a comic song, but to me it feels like a big ballad. I think I’m going to see if it works like that.
Thanks for the intro to Mark Redmond’s piping…wonderful sounds emerge.
Quite a few of Mark’s youtube/ facebook posts online – well worth a watch, whenever time permits. Some great close up camera work too – I was reminded of being fascinated watching Liam Og O’Flynn (as well as absorbing listening)when I was close to the stage at my first Planxty gig – almost 50 years ago. Some great things are never forgotten…
Enjoy the day
Dave
Christy's reply
Everyone was close to the stage that night,..Harris & Appleton liked to pack ’em into The Golden Lion those Sunday nights back in 1972(am I right here Dave ?)..we stayed in a nearby B&B and left for London the next morning to start work on the first Planxty album
Hi Christy, like Dave my fingers are claried with Indo ink. Enjoyed reading the cover story – Extraordinary man. You suit the ecclesiastical purple. As the Angelus bells rings out I’m moving on to the umbrella man’s article.
Dear Christy, its that damp chill…could do without it.
However i just post this to extoll the virtues of the Box Set booklet. It has a fab array of stories about the tunes.
For those without the physical booklet you can download it from checking out the discography on this site. Braw stuff like…
WE TOOK ON A NAIL OUTSIDE MOUNTRATH and limped to portlaoise where cid aired the spare while i got out the biro.
Love it, so many gems. It fair warmed me up.
Rory
Christy's reply
its always a buzz when the biro flows in the right direction….
A great, nostalgic feeling to get the ‘Indo’s’ print on my fingers…I managed to find a copy after a long absence from it …What a great read and photos – ace to see an Atkin in glorious tecnicolour.
Thanks for the ‘Johnny Boy’ cast list – as a companero harmony singer – respect to Andy – lovely work in a tight ensemble. Really looking forward to the album – fine looking too.
That’s a wonderful interview in the Indo this morning…..
Your a busy man this week , we look forward to going to Vicar street for the Folk awards …. something we’ve been trying to attend for a few years now…. looks lime we picked the best year…. it’ll be great to be there to be in the place as you receive your well earned accolade.
Hope the gigs keep rolling on and that a return to the Hills is coming down the line in 22…..
Christy's reply
after 18 months of virtual inactivity a busy week is most welcome..
Fear not Marty many of us are dreaming of returning to those Hills, to thon Lake of Shadows,to that Poisened Glen,them low-arsed boy racers,those Mary’s from Dungloe, to Teach Leo, “half shaft” from Bunbeg, the land of Packie Manus Byrne, the Dohertys,Dinny McLoughlin, Rory,wee Daniel and mighty Margo, Clannad,Altan Aileach and all that resonate suas ansin i dTír Conaill
“adieu to Ballyshannon will I ever see you more
and manys the happy day I spent around Bundoran’s shore
to my wife and Family I’ll bid a fond farewell
for I’m goin away and I’m bound to stay in the burnin pits of hell”…..(from “Fr McFadden” as sung by the late Frank Lunny Senior)
That hacker with athenry rising through it was so exciting. I was on the edge of my seat.. Who’d have thought the match would match it.
Christy's reply
What a great sporting spectacle…such a pleasure to behold..I know its a mystery to many, but to those of us who cherish the madness of the oval ball, yesterday was magnificent….many memorable moments ,for me none more so than James Lowe being embraced by his fellow Kiwis at the final whistle….I did not expect Ireland to play so openly yesterday…..happy for all the squad, also for Andy Farrell…(every time I sing “Dunlavin Green” I think of Andy Farrell…altho the good man is pure Lancashire I sometimes think of him as having drops of Kildare/Wicklow blood in his veins.)… he had a difficult task stepping into Joe Schmidt’s boots but he has carried it off, ably assisted by cohorts, at least two of whom are from “across the water..Catt & Easterby….
Many congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement award Christy. I must admit that I did a double take as I had assumed that an eminent greybeard like yourself had received this accolade long before now. Better late than never. Here’s to the third act.
Christy's reply
I’m hoping its premature….that there may be many peaks ahead
Hello Christy,
I’m loving the way you treat the words in that song. The consonants are so beautiful.
Got to get singing. I need to slow those consonants down. Thank you.
I need to ask about the melody at the beginning. I’ve been listening to music carefully for 44 years and I still can’t work it out. Is it a harmonica?
How brilliant that Willie Clancy’s pipes have been passed on, and via Liam Og O’Flynn they’re now inspiring the next generation.
Years ago, Simon Nicol (founder member)of Fairport Convention was asked about the numerous personnel changes that had happened – and if, beyond a certain point, could/would it still be ‘Fairport Convention’ ? In the spirit of folk music – the tradition, Simon gave a great answer. He likened the group to an orchestra or brass band… the music and name should live on, if there are people willing and able to play the music. Fairport have had a settled line up for years now (with Simon still in the mix) – the band name flourishing in its sixth decade.
Next week is a hell of a good week – I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
Dave
Christy's reply
I saw Fairport in Free Trade Hall ( surely a misnomer) circa 1970..they were inspirational..
Dear Christy,
I watched a bbc iplayer film about the great Scottish/Irish boxer from a century ago Benny Lynch , entitled ‘Benny’.
Such a sad tale ultimately after becoming the best in the world, and it struck me of how similar his story was to Jack Doyle.
Then of course i returned to my favourite, the Box Set, and the sanctuary of the pink disc for his song ….all roads lead there.
Cheers
Christy
Ps holocaust was the correct word.
Christy's reply
I’m contemplating a song about Conor McGregor…..Mrs Brown keeps coming into the picture
Hello Christy,
I’ve been listening to your new song Johnny Boy and reading a bit about it.
Its a beautiful ballad. I’d never heard it before so I found a live recording of Gary Moore doing it too.
I think it’s going to go down a storm, like the voyage.
It made me think of the poem Do not stand at my grave and weep. Also City of Chicago.
I need to work out what that note at the bottom is with the gravel on it. Lovely.
What wonderful nights they were at the Golden Lion and the Cavalcade. Yes they were both Sunday nights. I first saw Planxty play in December 1972 at the Golden Lion. I remember hardly being able to wait for the “Black Album” to come out and hoping most of the songs and instrumentals I particularly enjoyed being played that cold December night would be on the album. They were with the exception of Sally Brown (Andy) and Lish young buy a broom (by yourself).
Planxty came back to M/C around March 1973 at the FTH supporting Al Stewart, and the following month supporting Steeleye. Both were Saturdays and were followed by Cavalcade gigs on the next evening.
Whilst I was grateful to the Clancys and Tommy Makem for opening the door to this hidden musical world for me once I heard the sound of Planxty it felt akin to how people felt towards Bill Haley upon hearing Elvis. Certainly changed my life!
I’ve never lost my passion for Bill Haley…..memory of first love doth linger
How ya Christy hope all is well with you, you’ll be flat to the mat this week congrats on the lifetime achievement award well deserved and well earned ,enjoy tomorrow night looking forward to the new album
Keep well and safe
Face the puck out
Eyes are glued upon the sliotar
Hi Christy
When will you be touring Glasgow again?
Hi Clare…..I’ve no idea at this time
Great recall, Christy
Sunday folk club at ‘The Golden Lion’ pub, Withington was a very successful gig for Harris and Appleton ( I think they had Christian names! possibly, Andrew and Russell, but I might be making that up!) You played there solo in 1971 – possibly 72 as well. I was a regular at that time.
You’d gained a following from early days, and stories were emerging about ‘Planxty’ as a result of ‘Prosperous’ – so, there was an immediate buzz when H+A announced ticket sale for a ‘big gig’… this was Planxty – in the ( larger, upstairs room) at ‘The Cavalcade’ pub, a mile down the road in Didsbury. No doubt, a shrewd business move by ‘the boys’ in charge, but it led to a packed room and a wonderful gig. I’ll never forget the atmosphere, brilliant sound and close up view of four guys on top form, loving the music – everything admirable about Planxty…
Great to know that it was the eve of recording the first LP. If ever a band was set for sessions, it was that band in the moment. A great time in my life too – so much interlinked…and, here we are… new LP soon out of the traps and music still being an essential…
As ever – all the best and thanks
Dave
I still see their faces clearly but cant recall which was which…they came in for a bit of stick but they ran good gigs and I recall them fondly…Folk Club organisers played a vital part in the whole movement…they were driven people..I recall most of them with great affection…there was a small number of ruffians…. in all walks of life
Thinking about your story of John Reilly singing, drinking some porter, then carrying on the song with a different tune.
This is how the thing lives.
Hello Christy,
I spent a couple of hours yesterday morning wandering through the book of folksongs called a secret stream.
https://francisboutle.co.uk/products/a-secret-stream/
It goes against all my instincts to learn a folksong from a sterile page of notes instead of a living, breathing person, but needs must.
Its to do with not pinning the thing down. The difference between a butterfly in flight and one pinned dead to a board.
Anyway, that’s not helping.
There’s lots of stuff in the book.
A different version od raggle taggle, about a billion songs starting with “as I ravoed out one bright may morning,,,”
I found a song called Billy Taylor. I’ve found a few old recordings that all seem to treat it as a comic song, but to me it feels like a big ballad. I think I’m going to see if it works like that.
Rebecca
Mornin’ Christy
Thanks for the intro to Mark Redmond’s piping…wonderful sounds emerge.
Quite a few of Mark’s youtube/ facebook posts online – well worth a watch, whenever time permits. Some great close up camera work too – I was reminded of being fascinated watching Liam Og O’Flynn (as well as absorbing listening)when I was close to the stage at my first Planxty gig – almost 50 years ago. Some great things are never forgotten…
Enjoy the day
Dave
Everyone was close to the stage that night,..Harris & Appleton liked to pack ’em into The Golden Lion those Sunday nights back in 1972(am I right here Dave ?)..we stayed in a nearby B&B and left for London the next morning to start work on the first Planxty album
Hi Christy, like Dave my fingers are claried with Indo ink. Enjoyed reading the cover story – Extraordinary man. You suit the ecclesiastical purple. As the Angelus bells rings out I’m moving on to the umbrella man’s article.
as Fr Jack might say…”Chowder”
Dear Christy, its that damp chill…could do without it.
However i just post this to extoll the virtues of the Box Set booklet. It has a fab array of stories about the tunes.
For those without the physical booklet you can download it from checking out the discography on this site. Braw stuff like…
WE TOOK ON A NAIL OUTSIDE MOUNTRATH and limped to portlaoise where cid aired the spare while i got out the biro.
Love it, so many gems. It fair warmed me up.
Rory
its always a buzz when the biro flows in the right direction….
Hi Christy
A great, nostalgic feeling to get the ‘Indo’s’ print on my fingers…I managed to find a copy after a long absence from it …What a great read and photos – ace to see an Atkin in glorious tecnicolour.
Thanks for the ‘Johnny Boy’ cast list – as a companero harmony singer – respect to Andy – lovely work in a tight ensemble. Really looking forward to the album – fine looking too.
Have a good day
Dave
we’re in the home straight now Dave
Hi Christy
Great to hear about the Lifetime achievement.
I’m after getting tickets and will be there on the night.
I’ll give you a holler or a wolf whistle from the nose bleeds/ cheap seats.
Congratulations.
See you Tuesday
Billy Treacy
thems the dear seats Billy
That’s a wonderful interview in the Indo this morning…..
Your a busy man this week , we look forward to going to Vicar street for the Folk awards …. something we’ve been trying to attend for a few years now…. looks lime we picked the best year…. it’ll be great to be there to be in the place as you receive your well earned accolade.
Hope the gigs keep rolling on and that a return to the Hills is coming down the line in 22…..
after 18 months of virtual inactivity a busy week is most welcome..
Fear not Marty many of us are dreaming of returning to those Hills, to thon Lake of Shadows,to that Poisened Glen,them low-arsed boy racers,those Mary’s from Dungloe, to Teach Leo, “half shaft” from Bunbeg, the land of Packie Manus Byrne, the Dohertys,Dinny McLoughlin, Rory,wee Daniel and mighty Margo, Clannad,Altan Aileach and all that resonate suas ansin i dTír Conaill
“adieu to Ballyshannon will I ever see you more
and manys the happy day I spent around Bundoran’s shore
to my wife and Family I’ll bid a fond farewell
for I’m goin away and I’m bound to stay in the burnin pits of hell”…..(from “Fr McFadden” as sung by the late Frank Lunny Senior)
That hacker with athenry rising through it was so exciting. I was on the edge of my seat.. Who’d have thought the match would match it.
What a great sporting spectacle…such a pleasure to behold..I know its a mystery to many, but to those of us who cherish the madness of the oval ball, yesterday was magnificent….many memorable moments ,for me none more so than James Lowe being embraced by his fellow Kiwis at the final whistle….I did not expect Ireland to play so openly yesterday…..happy for all the squad, also for Andy Farrell…(every time I sing “Dunlavin Green” I think of Andy Farrell…altho the good man is pure Lancashire I sometimes think of him as having drops of Kildare/Wicklow blood in his veins.)… he had a difficult task stepping into Joe Schmidt’s boots but he has carried it off, ably assisted by cohorts, at least two of whom are from “across the water..Catt & Easterby….
Christy, best performance by a 6 nations side in a decade.
Come on you boys in green.
Outstandng
Rory
what a game…the sofa is wrecked
Many congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement award Christy. I must admit that I did a double take as I had assumed that an eminent greybeard like yourself had received this accolade long before now. Better late than never. Here’s to the third act.
I’m hoping its premature….that there may be many peaks ahead
Thanks for the heads up, Rebecca
Beautiful music, Christy – like I’ve said before, there’s real ‘soul’ in there…
harmonica(?) works brilliantly and harmonies are ace (Andy?) – ‘Johnny Boy’ has a wonderful, timeless quality – for that, much thanks D
Harmonica…..Seamie Dowd
Pipes…………..Mark Redmond
Vocals………….Andy Moore
Colours………..Gavin Murphy
Words & Music..Gary Moore
Hello Christy,
I’m loving the way you treat the words in that song. The consonants are so beautiful.
Got to get singing. I need to slow those consonants down. Thank you.
I need to ask about the melody at the beginning. I’ve been listening to music carefully for 44 years and I still can’t work it out. Is it a harmonica?
For those who don’t pop into Facebook or twitter
https://youtu.be/4mV8HSTkQHM
Dave, I agree, the pipes are a magical thing, the way the have a life beyond our lifetimes.
Rebecca
I love being able to discern lyrics..beats me why so many great singers place no value on diction..it gets worse as time goes by
Hi Christy
How brilliant that Willie Clancy’s pipes have been passed on, and via Liam Og O’Flynn they’re now inspiring the next generation.
Years ago, Simon Nicol (founder member)of Fairport Convention was asked about the numerous personnel changes that had happened – and if, beyond a certain point, could/would it still be ‘Fairport Convention’ ? In the spirit of folk music – the tradition, Simon gave a great answer. He likened the group to an orchestra or brass band… the music and name should live on, if there are people willing and able to play the music. Fairport have had a settled line up for years now (with Simon still in the mix) – the band name flourishing in its sixth decade.
Next week is a hell of a good week – I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
Dave
I saw Fairport in Free Trade Hall ( surely a misnomer) circa 1970..they were inspirational..
Dear Christy,
I watched a bbc iplayer film about the great Scottish/Irish boxer from a century ago Benny Lynch , entitled ‘Benny’.
Such a sad tale ultimately after becoming the best in the world, and it struck me of how similar his story was to Jack Doyle.
Then of course i returned to my favourite, the Box Set, and the sanctuary of the pink disc for his song ….all roads lead there.
Cheers
Christy
Ps holocaust was the correct word.
I’m contemplating a song about Conor McGregor…..Mrs Brown keeps coming into the picture
Hello Christy,
I’ve been listening to your new song Johnny Boy and reading a bit about it.
Its a beautiful ballad. I’d never heard it before so I found a live recording of Gary Moore doing it too.
I think it’s going to go down a storm, like the voyage.
It made me think of the poem Do not stand at my grave and weep. Also City of Chicago.
I need to work out what that note at the bottom is with the gravel on it. Lovely.
Rebecca