Hi All. So its the first day of the first part of UK tour,,,,, (Fools Day too !! ) You’ ve mentioned Four Strong Winds here a few times lately,,,,heres a gret version to wish you well,,, may the wind be always at your back ! Beir bua. H http://youtu.be/FK7JbQOuUBo
hi christy
we were thinking of a way to send something REALLY SPECIAL for Easter.
We hope you don’t mind but we sent it special delivery.
We have sent a fine big billy goat to you!
We will be very lonely after him but we think you deserve him because of all the entertainment you give us and he will certainly entertain you.!
So head outside your front door .He’s just been dropped there in a big cardboard box.
Be nice to him now and speak lots of bord na mona Gaeilge to him.
happy easter to you cáisc shona duit!!
enjoy!!
p.s. If he starts showing his teeth run!
Hi Christy we went to a Mike Harding concert in Stafford on Friday night and he mentioned that he used to play at The Falcon pub and other venues around the Midlands along with other singers like the great Christy Moore. See you when we’ve paddled up the Mersey from Brum
Steve
Still reading your chat posts and commenting, too as each one is so rich and has so much life. Reading them backwards chronologically….will this reverse the aging process?
Y tambien, Me encanta “Los Desaparecidos”. Vos, la escribiste este? Mi buen amigo de años, era uno de los desaparecidos de La Guerra Sucia, pero le sobrevivio. La envió tu canción a él (en BsAs).
“Sueno Con Serpiente” (se escribo de Sylvio Rodriguez de Cuba) es una canción tan hermosa y profunda. Es sobre la lucha de la gente contra el monstro global y goloso que busca destruir la luz y amor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88kZIM6zXn0 Sorry about the Spanish – google translate always to the rescue! Many recordings including Mercede’s Sosa’s Well I’m not supposed to put it here but Sylvio’s is the purest. The 49er area is a little confusing to me. I snuck it in anyway. Can you find it? Vos! Vos sos imprescindible!
‘If I were a Blackbird…’
Begob C, you’re a great man on the pen (or keyboard!) and I love the engaging reads. It was a bit poignant to read how your first big influences were those boyos with the aran bainin (sic) geanseys, The Clancys. Sad to relate among their very first fans from all those years and who grew up with them in Carrick, is ill in Clonmel Hospital and though the person has bounced back previously defying the odds, we’ll hope they can do it again but am a bit fearful this time. I often have heard you talking how all those years ago it was their singing that did it for you.
Will try and keep you posted on how they get on.
But ironic how it the Clancys did it for you all those years ago.
Keep the music alive and bear bua as Pat butler (was it?) used to say on radio.
If I haven’t said this already to you online, maybe I have, Nic Jones has been back gigging and Philip King told me he’s going to play some a track soon on a programme.
Christy's reply
The chats and feedback make for an ongoing conversation with others who share a love for these songs. It was the reason I set this site up. I had hoped for more discussion about the songs themselves. Nevertheless I am quite content with how the general flow of conversation has emerged. Be it about ailing Clancy fans, latecomers at gigs, queries about American dates,Dean Crowe’s hall or the source of The broad majestic Shannon, these chats keep me occupied here in Leeds this sunny Sunday morning.
All the best for the gig in Leeds Christy. Seems like a long time since you were last here.
Christy's reply
by my reckoning its between 15 and 20 years since my last gig here in Leeds..played a bunch of nights in The Varities….dont know why its been so long, Yorkshire was my home away from home in the late 60s. My first gig here was with John and Rita Wall at Club Memphis in 1967.I was just starting out on my journey. Favourite Leeds gigs included The Grove , The Adelphi at Leeds Brig and an eccentric Club run by Bob and Carol Pegg, late of Mr Foxx fame…..its good to be back.
If you were a Blackbird … maybe we’d meet up in our garden. There are a few of them singing so beautifully especially in the evening and early morning before the day breaks. Loved your new Chat, dear Christy. It’s always a pleasure to read. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Hope you’ll have a great time on the mainland. Safe travelling and best of luck, Traudel
Hello There,
just wanted to share a story about being on time. Many years ago I was going to see you in Liverpool, I wanted to ask you to sing a Bob Marley song so decided to write you a letter. I did not have an address so for some reason I am not sure of, I sent the letter to Kilarney post office, anyway the gig came and went, and that was the end of that I thought, about two or three years later I received the letter back stating not collected. So if that is not the Irish being late I don’t know what is. All the best with your up and coming gigs, and take care.
Christy's reply
those blackbirds are charmers…they charm hens from their nests and then steal their eggs, they can charm the very worms from the soil
Christy,
Any chance you could make it over here by boat, plane, submarine, even Branson’s new rocket ?. I know you are averse to long trips but the diaspora is growing by the day everywhere (even over here in the US now) and we could do with a morale boost to take our minds off how badly things are at home. We’re starved of a bit of real culture and I’m sure you’d sell out anywhere/everywhere you’d play and the craic would be great.
Your sincerely,
Buntus Cainte
Christy's reply
Morra Bunty…no chance at the minute..I have been approached by the coalition to head up a quango back here to try and put an end to quangos..between the frackin in Leitrim and the gas coming ashore at Howth Head its all Go here….Aiden O’Brien and Mickey Lowry have asked me to head up a delegation to further the interests of those seeking to build the giant massage/gambling/geegee/cabaret extravaganza below in the Premier county ( Im assured there is nothing in it for Mickey except a few auld Number Ones). Aiden, God be good to him, fancies a dacent racetrack closer to Rosegreen…hes hardly going to run his nags at Powerstown park or Limerick Junction God Bless them and their sires and dams….I’ve little time to be cavorting off to America despite repeated invites from the White House where they’d love an auld blast of Allende…you’ll have to sing out yourself Bunty …face the puc out and stick to the ground hurling
i hope you have a full tank Christy,You might have to use the Honda 50 to get back to Dublin,Mad people here are filling what ever they can get their hands on with diesel and petroleum,And if you buy the sun paper you can get a free sausage roll from Morrisons,Shine on.
Christy's reply
all our vehicles run on chicken shite, we filled up in Holyhead once we got thru the shed….looking forward to plenty of sausage rolls..fair play to Cameron, a true man of the people..
Won’t print it here but would love to hear you speak this poem: Should be googled easily enough. Don’t want to take up too much space here. KINDNESS by Naomi Shahib Nye.
Shine on.
Christy's reply
Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend……………..NAOMI SHAHIB NYE
I did read your brilliant July-August piece (left a comment there)and of course, your current postings. Love that you bring it all there to the page, and alive for me way over here. I’m reading ’em all now, so I don’t miss anything. Thanks so much for sharing these gems (in addition to your more recognized gift of song). I could also do with hearing you read more poetry.
Christy's reply
it is a pleasure to write these letters to all the good listeners….ye give air to my songs
Hey Christy; thanks for the latest chat. just thinking it must take ages for you to put all this terrific news together, or is it like your music— once you get started it just flows?
Regarding the ‘late’ starts, i tend to go to the concerts alone and i must say that i have met some beautiful people while waiting in the front rows.Those people complaining should sit back, relax and prepare themselves for a wonderful journey together with yourself and Decy.
Chat soon.
Patsy
Christy's reply
Thanks PaddyMc…it does not take too long…it allows me to reflect and to share…..certainly takes nothing like the time I used to spend “riding the high stool”…in fairness I should say that those complaining were very few in number but they got me going a bit !
Dear Christy,
your new chat was a pleasure to read once again, and we had to smile, too, about punctuality being a German virtue and all … Anyway, it was good to get an insight into gig preparations and timing. Over the past few years, we joined some 20 of your gigs in Ireland and never found them to be particularly delayed. Some celebrities have a reputation to start their gigs 1 or 2 hours late – so we really enjoy sitting there and sucking our gobstoppers for only 10 or 15 minutes … 😉
Good to hear about Declan’s upcoming album and solo gigs – hope to catch one of the latter.
We are looking forward to be back home in Derry for your gigs in a month from now. Good luck with your tour across the water !
Christy's reply
see you on The Walls….keep coming back…love to all our listeners in that beautiful country
Hi Christy,
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to give us such a brilliant update and let us know the latest thoughts and news. I really enjoyed it and it’s always fascinating to learn more about all the hard work and preparation which goes into the gigs to make sure that the audience can then jump aboard the magic carpet of the live performance. Thanks again and I’m looking forward to catching you again in Glasgow in November (it’ll be my daughter’s first time on the magic carpet).
Christy's reply
hey up there, hope all goes well round Wick and Thurso….is the Folk Club still running in Dounreay
Well Christy – Im looking forward to your gig next Wednesday at the Royal Festival Hall – my sons got the tickets and they too are avid listeners – they had no choice as they were brought up on your music – first saw you in Claremorris, Co Mayo, around 1973 when Planxty were in their prime. Give us a few auld songs Wednesday night!
Christy's reply
that was in Andy Creightons Lounge Claremorris in 1972..we pulled into the carpark at 2 in the afternoon…there was a queue and we got really excited in the back of the Ford Transit..then Andy Irvine noticed that everyone in the queue was either on crutches or in a wheelchair..the queue was for Finbar Nolan, 7th Son of a 7th Son who was holding a clinic in the venue…when Finbar had laid hands on the sick and infirm we set up our gear and waited…and waited……hope you and the sons have a good night
Hi All. Yes best of luck and safe travelling to all for the UK tour,,,, ye are nearly covering the four corners of the mainland…. I’m sure it ye will get a great reception. By coincidence Freddie White is home for the month of April and embarking on a tour,,, all details on his Facebook page,,,next week he is in Wexford, Kilkenny and Cork. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
Christy's reply
morra Hilary….fill up in Camp and Blennerville and coast every chance you get
Dear Christy, I think that it is very funny that irish people give out about gig starting time cos irish folk are never on time. The germans are always there on time if not earlier. My husband has nearly lost his mind with me but I have improved over the years.
As to Slattery’s – that was a great time and we had a great time – I was there and we also went to see Freddie White in the Baggot – what is he up to?
Keep up the good work – love the home page – just brill
Best wishes
Liz Cosgrave
Christy's reply
Freddie lived in USA for many years, in the Boston area. He returned to Ireland circa 2000 and re-commenced gigging here after 17 years away. Last year he moved to Australia and I have not heard since. While back here we did a number of gigs together and he played beautifully…..I think I must have a bit of German blood in me!. I love to arrive early and settle in, better looking at it then looking for it…..Slatterys became a strange joint for a while but I believe its hosting gigs again..what a mecca it was back in the day…I reckon,between the 2 rooms, there used be 16 gigs a week there and I played many of them….Happy Springtime to all our German Listeners…ps just heard that Freddie is home for a month and playing some Irish gigs
Hi Christy, Thanx for the chat…As always very informative and descriptive. Looking forward to seeing yourself and Declan in Liverpool next weekend (you better be on time) LOL ! …God Grant Me……….Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
keep coming back…see you over yonder, hoping that we get the juice to travel
Hi All. So its the first day of the first part of UK tour,,,,, (Fools Day too !! ) You’ ve mentioned Four Strong Winds here a few times lately,,,,heres a gret version to wish you well,,, may the wind be always at your back ! Beir bua. H http://youtu.be/FK7JbQOuUBo
hi christy
we were thinking of a way to send something REALLY SPECIAL for Easter.
We hope you don’t mind but we sent it special delivery.
We have sent a fine big billy goat to you!
We will be very lonely after him but we think you deserve him because of all the entertainment you give us and he will certainly entertain you.!
So head outside your front door .He’s just been dropped there in a big cardboard box.
Be nice to him now and speak lots of bord na mona Gaeilge to him.
happy easter to you cáisc shona duit!!
enjoy!!
p.s. If he starts showing his teeth run!
Hi Christy we went to a Mike Harding concert in Stafford on Friday night and he mentioned that he used to play at The Falcon pub and other venues around the Midlands along with other singers like the great Christy Moore. See you when we’ve paddled up the Mersey from Brum
Steve
Meant 4711ers not 49ers…donk : I
Still reading your chat posts and commenting, too as each one is so rich and has so much life. Reading them backwards chronologically….will this reverse the aging process?
Y tambien, Me encanta “Los Desaparecidos”. Vos, la escribiste este? Mi buen amigo de años, era uno de los desaparecidos de La Guerra Sucia, pero le sobrevivio. La envió tu canción a él (en BsAs).
“Sueno Con Serpiente” (se escribo de Sylvio Rodriguez de Cuba) es una canción tan hermosa y profunda. Es sobre la lucha de la gente contra el monstro global y goloso que busca destruir la luz y amor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88kZIM6zXn0 Sorry about the Spanish – google translate always to the rescue! Many recordings including Mercede’s Sosa’s Well I’m not supposed to put it here but Sylvio’s is the purest. The 49er area is a little confusing to me. I snuck it in anyway. Can you find it? Vos! Vos sos imprescindible!
‘If I were a Blackbird…’
Begob C, you’re a great man on the pen (or keyboard!) and I love the engaging reads. It was a bit poignant to read how your first big influences were those boyos with the aran bainin (sic) geanseys, The Clancys. Sad to relate among their very first fans from all those years and who grew up with them in Carrick, is ill in Clonmel Hospital and though the person has bounced back previously defying the odds, we’ll hope they can do it again but am a bit fearful this time. I often have heard you talking how all those years ago it was their singing that did it for you.
Will try and keep you posted on how they get on.
But ironic how it the Clancys did it for you all those years ago.
Keep the music alive and bear bua as Pat butler (was it?) used to say on radio.
If I haven’t said this already to you online, maybe I have, Nic Jones has been back gigging and Philip King told me he’s going to play some a track soon on a programme.
The chats and feedback make for an ongoing conversation with others who share a love for these songs. It was the reason I set this site up. I had hoped for more discussion about the songs themselves. Nevertheless I am quite content with how the general flow of conversation has emerged. Be it about ailing Clancy fans, latecomers at gigs, queries about American dates,Dean Crowe’s hall or the source of The broad majestic Shannon, these chats keep me occupied here in Leeds this sunny Sunday morning.
All the best for the gig in Leeds Christy. Seems like a long time since you were last here.
by my reckoning its between 15 and 20 years since my last gig here in Leeds..played a bunch of nights in The Varities….dont know why its been so long, Yorkshire was my home away from home in the late 60s. My first gig here was with John and Rita Wall at Club Memphis in 1967.I was just starting out on my journey. Favourite Leeds gigs included The Grove , The Adelphi at Leeds Brig and an eccentric Club run by Bob and Carol Pegg, late of Mr Foxx fame…..its good to be back.
If you were a Blackbird … maybe we’d meet up in our garden. There are a few of them singing so beautifully especially in the evening and early morning before the day breaks. Loved your new Chat, dear Christy. It’s always a pleasure to read. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. Hope you’ll have a great time on the mainland. Safe travelling and best of luck, Traudel
Hello There,
just wanted to share a story about being on time. Many years ago I was going to see you in Liverpool, I wanted to ask you to sing a Bob Marley song so decided to write you a letter. I did not have an address so for some reason I am not sure of, I sent the letter to Kilarney post office, anyway the gig came and went, and that was the end of that I thought, about two or three years later I received the letter back stating not collected. So if that is not the Irish being late I don’t know what is. All the best with your up and coming gigs, and take care.
those blackbirds are charmers…they charm hens from their nests and then steal their eggs, they can charm the very worms from the soil
Christy,
Any chance you could make it over here by boat, plane, submarine, even Branson’s new rocket ?. I know you are averse to long trips but the diaspora is growing by the day everywhere (even over here in the US now) and we could do with a morale boost to take our minds off how badly things are at home. We’re starved of a bit of real culture and I’m sure you’d sell out anywhere/everywhere you’d play and the craic would be great.
Your sincerely,
Buntus Cainte
Morra Bunty…no chance at the minute..I have been approached by the coalition to head up a quango back here to try and put an end to quangos..between the frackin in Leitrim and the gas coming ashore at Howth Head its all Go here….Aiden O’Brien and Mickey Lowry have asked me to head up a delegation to further the interests of those seeking to build the giant massage/gambling/geegee/cabaret extravaganza below in the Premier county ( Im assured there is nothing in it for Mickey except a few auld Number Ones). Aiden, God be good to him, fancies a dacent racetrack closer to Rosegreen…hes hardly going to run his nags at Powerstown park or Limerick Junction God Bless them and their sires and dams….I’ve little time to be cavorting off to America despite repeated invites from the White House where they’d love an auld blast of Allende…you’ll have to sing out yourself Bunty …face the puc out and stick to the ground hurling
i hope you have a full tank Christy,You might have to use the Honda 50 to get back to Dublin,Mad people here are filling what ever they can get their hands on with diesel and petroleum,And if you buy the sun paper you can get a free sausage roll from Morrisons,Shine on.
all our vehicles run on chicken shite, we filled up in Holyhead once we got thru the shed….looking forward to plenty of sausage rolls..fair play to Cameron, a true man of the people..
Won’t print it here but would love to hear you speak this poem: Should be googled easily enough. Don’t want to take up too much space here. KINDNESS by Naomi Shahib Nye.
Shine on.
Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend……………..NAOMI SHAHIB NYE
I did read your brilliant July-August piece (left a comment there)and of course, your current postings. Love that you bring it all there to the page, and alive for me way over here. I’m reading ’em all now, so I don’t miss anything. Thanks so much for sharing these gems (in addition to your more recognized gift of song). I could also do with hearing you read more poetry.
it is a pleasure to write these letters to all the good listeners….ye give air to my songs
Hey Christy; thanks for the latest chat. just thinking it must take ages for you to put all this terrific news together, or is it like your music— once you get started it just flows?
Regarding the ‘late’ starts, i tend to go to the concerts alone and i must say that i have met some beautiful people while waiting in the front rows.Those people complaining should sit back, relax and prepare themselves for a wonderful journey together with yourself and Decy.
Chat soon.
Patsy
Thanks PaddyMc…it does not take too long…it allows me to reflect and to share…..certainly takes nothing like the time I used to spend “riding the high stool”…in fairness I should say that those complaining were very few in number but they got me going a bit !
Dear Christy,
your new chat was a pleasure to read once again, and we had to smile, too, about punctuality being a German virtue and all … Anyway, it was good to get an insight into gig preparations and timing. Over the past few years, we joined some 20 of your gigs in Ireland and never found them to be particularly delayed. Some celebrities have a reputation to start their gigs 1 or 2 hours late – so we really enjoy sitting there and sucking our gobstoppers for only 10 or 15 minutes … 😉
Good to hear about Declan’s upcoming album and solo gigs – hope to catch one of the latter.
We are looking forward to be back home in Derry for your gigs in a month from now. Good luck with your tour across the water !
see you on The Walls….keep coming back…love to all our listeners in that beautiful country
Hi Christy,
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to give us such a brilliant update and let us know the latest thoughts and news. I really enjoyed it and it’s always fascinating to learn more about all the hard work and preparation which goes into the gigs to make sure that the audience can then jump aboard the magic carpet of the live performance. Thanks again and I’m looking forward to catching you again in Glasgow in November (it’ll be my daughter’s first time on the magic carpet).
hey up there, hope all goes well round Wick and Thurso….is the Folk Club still running in Dounreay
Well Christy – Im looking forward to your gig next Wednesday at the Royal Festival Hall – my sons got the tickets and they too are avid listeners – they had no choice as they were brought up on your music – first saw you in Claremorris, Co Mayo, around 1973 when Planxty were in their prime. Give us a few auld songs Wednesday night!
that was in Andy Creightons Lounge Claremorris in 1972..we pulled into the carpark at 2 in the afternoon…there was a queue and we got really excited in the back of the Ford Transit..then Andy Irvine noticed that everyone in the queue was either on crutches or in a wheelchair..the queue was for Finbar Nolan, 7th Son of a 7th Son who was holding a clinic in the venue…when Finbar had laid hands on the sick and infirm we set up our gear and waited…and waited……hope you and the sons have a good night
Hi All. Yes best of luck and safe travelling to all for the UK tour,,,, ye are nearly covering the four corners of the mainland…. I’m sure it ye will get a great reception. By coincidence Freddie White is home for the month of April and embarking on a tour,,, all details on his Facebook page,,,next week he is in Wexford, Kilkenny and Cork. Beir bua agus Beannacht. H
morra Hilary….fill up in Camp and Blennerville and coast every chance you get
Dear Christy, I think that it is very funny that irish people give out about gig starting time cos irish folk are never on time. The germans are always there on time if not earlier. My husband has nearly lost his mind with me but I have improved over the years.
As to Slattery’s – that was a great time and we had a great time – I was there and we also went to see Freddie White in the Baggot – what is he up to?
Keep up the good work – love the home page – just brill
Best wishes
Liz Cosgrave
Freddie lived in USA for many years, in the Boston area. He returned to Ireland circa 2000 and re-commenced gigging here after 17 years away. Last year he moved to Australia and I have not heard since. While back here we did a number of gigs together and he played beautifully…..I think I must have a bit of German blood in me!. I love to arrive early and settle in, better looking at it then looking for it…..Slatterys became a strange joint for a while but I believe its hosting gigs again..what a mecca it was back in the day…I reckon,between the 2 rooms, there used be 16 gigs a week there and I played many of them….Happy Springtime to all our German Listeners…ps just heard that Freddie is home for a month and playing some Irish gigs
Hi Christy, Thanx for the chat…As always very informative and descriptive. Looking forward to seeing yourself and Declan in Liverpool next weekend (you better be on time) LOL ! …God Grant Me……….Love & Respect Martin Mac
keep coming back…see you over yonder, hoping that we get the juice to travel