Hey Bixie. Missed you for a while there. Nice to see your own slant on our lovely language back on the guestbook. Was chatting to Johnny Brophy in Coffey’s at the brother’s 40th earlier in the year. Some great catching up on the ol’ days dancing in the town hall, Ryston, Dreamland Athy, Castledermot …. hope all is well with ya.
Hello dear Christy, Glad to read you’re back home safe and you can rest now from your joyful tour.
I see you mentioned The Sun is Burning below, can remember well when we talked about the song and it’s significance many years ago. After the show you told me that you had tried to sing it but you couldn’t think of the words and that it’s “a good song”. So hopefully you’ll be able to sing this moving song again and maybe we’ll get to hear it live one day.
Enjoy your break and have a nice autumn, Traudel
Christy's reply
must get it out and practice it once more…written by Ian Cambell who wrote many great songs including “The Old man’s song”
Meant to say Christy, thanks so much for the mini tribute (at least that’s how I saw it) at the Glasgow Concer Hall to the young man from Twinbrook. I especially enjoyed hearing about the first of the songs being smuggled to you on the rizla paper.
I remember clearly being at the Barrowlands when you played there on the tenth anniversary of his death in 1991 – the emotion in the hall that night was tangible.
Hi Christy, came to see you twice in one week my friends loved the gig in Manchester on Tuesaday and on Monday in Glasgow.. well what can I say it was fantastic.. thank you so much for everything.. lots of love to you and your family from the Imlach Clan 🙂
Christy's reply
Fiona…it was great to finish off the tour in the company of such dear old friends…ye are the right bunch for a good bit of banter, laughter and tears and all emotions in between….it was like being back in 152
Hey Christy I believe d ” boxing clubs ” all over Ireland are heaving since the heroics of Katie. I’d say hallo and d macs are buzzing. I rem years ago goin out to d hangmans on weds evenings to hear the trad sessions. And Davoc’s music reminds me of that Der is some amount out here now and as bad as that is for ireland it has itsgood points for us out here in perth . The quality of the Irish session has absolutely sky rocketed I have met alot of musicians from Clare ,kerry , Galway etc. All fantastic players. I was at the w.a hurling final a couple of weeks ago and my god der was some all Ireland medal holders on display Delighted to hear Anne singing on d album. I will let d mammy know so she can listen in
G’day Christie. Hope all is good with u n d clan. Just a word to let ya know that I am a proud owner of Davoc rynne’s new album. It is now played on full blast around the streets of perth. A lovely piece of home to keep me reminded of where I come from. Pass on my congrats to Davoc and tell him fair play to him.
Christy's reply
Hey Bixie..I suppose you heard that The Sash won the County Championship….the flags are still fluttering below the bank corner….I like Davoc’s album, its real old style music..we had a great day making it, lots of hot tea sandwiches and apple tart.. played a gig myself in Ryston back at the end of September…it was a great night..the hall was jam packed with Lily Whites from all parishes and town lands…Johnny Doyle was in the front row with his wife, it was some treat for me to have him there…its always special to play “The Boxing Club”…great photos up on the wall of the dressing room..all the heroes from years ago…there is a window in the dressing room that looks out over the audience so I was able to watch the crowd gathering and spot old friends and neighbours take their seats and chat with each other…good to hear from you again
Well Christy that was a lovely set of gigs, was it not?! Some pretty special moments over the 4 nights you were here. “How Long?” just sounds gorgeous live, it’s a song that I hadn’t really thought of for a while, inspiring to hear again, and always relevant. I tuned into Farmer Michael Hayes in a different way on hearing it in the live setting – like properly “getting” the song, if you like.
I never would have thought of you singing “Weekend In Amsterdam” unaccompanied, but it was brilliant – fair play to you, as you’d say 😉 That’s why you’re up on the stage and I’m in the audience watching in awe. I hope Declan enjoyed the tour as well – I loved him laughing at the Nazis getting booed during “Quinta Brigada” at the Barras. I laughed myself at Stirling, I think, when he looked at his guitar in utter bewilderment at one point, as if to ask it why it wouldn’t do what he wanted it to! Loved “Sun Shine In” -particularly the way the song builds and then soars. He’s some man to have beside you, that’s for sure.
There were plenty of goosebumpy moments at the Barrowlands, as ever. “Francis Hughes” was hairs-on-end material. You fitting in the dedication to JJ was special, added to an already perfect and emotional night. There is literally nothing better for me than seeing you play that hall.
I’m still basking in the after-glow of it all, mind wandering to some of these moments when the brain gets tired of processing what it should actually be doing! Saw the Herald review of Royal Concert Hall today – 4 stars, would have been off the scale had they been at the Barras!
Anyway, I passed over a few things for yourself at the Concert Hall by way of thanks, hopefully they reached you safely? Hope you got them in time to share the bounty out, if not then the December dates aren’t too far away. The picture was a risk, I thought, as you likely have something similar- but then again, it was very apt, and can you really have too much of a good thing?! Next time you’re back I can put it in to be framed for you! You’ll probably have realised that waxing lyrical about Christy gigs and rambling on in general is my special talent, and I’ve exercised it plenty already, so I’ll leave you in peace now.
Christy's reply
thanks for the goodys all delivered at the RCH.. we divvied up the candy…thanks for the Barrowland picture…as I had one already I signed it and sent it to Wally Page who co-wrote “Come all you dreamers”…thanks too for your gig review…I enjoyed reading your reflections..I dont get to see Declans reactions during the gig as my eyes are always clenched shut as I try to remember the unfolding songs…I very much enjoy having him at my side..he is a stalwart and his playing is inspirational, supportive and very enjoyable
Hi Christy I’m currently putting a proposal to limerick city council to erect a memorial to the Limerick men who fought (and died ) with the International brigade in the Spanish civil war 1936 -39. I have cross party support but would also like to seek support from the wider Labour movement and other bodies particularly educational bodies,NGO’s,artists ,mistrals etc. As you know Limerick’s reputation for piousness and conservatism I’m expecting a bit of opposition. Limerick city was the first city in the world to recognize the Franco regime much to its shame.The memorial affords the good citizens an opportunity to expunge this great error and commemorate these very brave men who locally and nationally went against the flow With the resurgence of fascism, racism and xenophobia I hoped you and some of your colleagues might support this proposal. If successful the memorial which will be designed by a young upcoming Limerick artist, will be supported by public educational /musical events on the mentioned themes. Sincerely Ger McCloskey
Christy's reply
I wish you well in your endeavours. I will continue to remember the Brigadistas, in my own way, for as long as I am able to do so.
A great review from the Glasgow Herald today… Christy Moore & Declan Sinnott, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow by Rob Adams Folk & Jazz critic.
“Just before taking my seat for Monday’s concert I was speaking with someone who was worried about how young singers these days don’t know how to sing old folk songs
They could learn from Christy Moore. He doesn’t sing many of the Scottish ballads in question, although I’ll bet he could still deliver a killer Bogie’s Bonnie Belle if we asked nicely. His relationship with songs is fascinating: he considers them carefully, examines every word, every phrase and while he’ll sing them in whatever order they come into his head, he always honours their meaning It is possibly Moore’s spontaneity in choosing songs that has kept his now decade-long touring partnership with guitarist Declan Sinnott from lapsing
into routine – Sinnott doesn’t seem to know what is coming next any more than we do. The general sketch, songs of serious social and political comment leavened by mad tales of carousal and love songs dedicated to lovers or horses, is a constant but there is always a freshness in the performance, with Sinnott adding deft, conceived-in-the moment slide guitar commentaries, gentle acoustic runs or some fiery kerrang where apposite.
Through it all, Moore’s clarity of diction and the essential humanity in his singing gives every impression that he is singing to us personally, which in some cases here he actually was. Just as the chap who asked for Honda 50’s mirthful tale of adventure on the rural roads of Kildare will have had his night made complete, the woman who received the duo’s ultra-tender Ride On, with its quietly burning guitar glissandi, for her 65th birthday must have gone home glowing. “
Christy's reply
well spotted Hilary…always nice to get a good and thorough review
Hi Christy, a delayed THANK YOU for your gig at Barrowlnds! Myself and 3 friends came up from London to see yourself and Dec in the classic venue and we weren’t disappointed. We’re all 2nd gen Irish and grew up listening to you. Beeswing is always so captivating. Biko Drum got the feet tapping (as soon as we caught up with the lyric shuffle in the chorus!). It never ceases to amaze me how your performance can bring so many different emotions out in 2 hours. An absolute joy to watch you. See you in London soon..(and Electric Picnic again if we’re lucky..). All the best, Christine x 2, Tracey & Emily
Christy's reply
its the collective that does it..good to read that ye had a good trip North to the Church of Ceilí…thanks for the thumbs up
CM (67)
The Oireachtas was like the Galway tent but all Gaeilge.Not as much craic as the galway tent.
We waited in the lobby cause we heard that rí tory was on a rib.The front door opened
not the rí but Gerry Adams.!I thought he couldn’t be real but dad said he was.
I took RS monster cup when and walked through the hotel and up and down
the elevator with it.
Everyone was saying comhairdeachas agus ‘fair play ‘ and I said ‘go raibh maith agat’
and shook their hands.Then RS came and that party was over.
On the way home we ended up on the road to Doire and we
didn’t want to go there because John has the flue from being in a sauna in a shed in Roscommán.
So we had to turn the car all around and high speed towards sligo,
When we came home RS was surprised because the lán of Ros A Mhíl had 3 fires.they were all shaking our hands and saying fair play.
RS wants to know are you learning ‘in carrickonshannon 1845 the landlords of Leitrim ‘ ?
she tried it for a while.CS (8) RS(13) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KKLSPzhyMM
Christy's reply
great to read of your recent success and welcome home…just back from Glasgow myself…I have been working on that song for a few months now…its a great bit of writing..I just need to make a few adjustments so as it might fit me…shorten the legs and let the waist out a bit….good to home after 10 days on the road…
how you doin christy,thank you and declan so much for a wonderful night,at the albert hall,stirling!do you reckon that,could become a regular venue,for your scottish tour?what was the last song you heard that moved your good self,also is there a song that you sing,that still makes the hair on your neck stand up?
Christy's reply
I heard Patsy Cline sing ” I fall to pieces” on the radio at 4 am this morning….heard “Strange Fruit” last night from Billie Holliday….as for my own singing….Lord Baker, Van Diemens Land, Magdalen Lauderies, Hattie Carroll,Pity the Poor Immigrant,Spancilhill,Strange Ways,1913 Massacre, Los Gatos…I can sing a song for 40 years and then suddenly, from nowhere, comes a fresh interpretation that leaves me struggling to contine….Lawless, The Sun is Burning, Wandering Aonghus……
Hi Christy, been a few years since I last saw you but saw you I have over the years, loads of gigs in Glasgow and several in Ireland including the massive ones at the Point during the smoke and Strong Whisky promotion and a nice wee gig in the Fairways hotel Dundalk where my wife’s people hail from… ( my own are from Monaghan, land of Big Tom and Paddy Cole ).
Anyways was at the concert hall on Mon and enjoyed the gig thoroughly even though I had a bad seat ( looking straight on to the back of your head, that’s what comes of leaving it late to book…) Personally all the shouts for songs kind of spoil the atmosphere a bit for me at the Glasgow gigs… I think it kind of interrupts the flow somewhat. Would have loved to have heard Reel in The Flickering Light and Natives but that aside I thought Ride On dedicated to the lady who had passed away was played beautifully and on the other side of the coin No time for love was masterful with Declan bringing so much to the table on electric guitar.Sorry if this is a bit long winded but thanks for all the entertainment over the years Christy… Keep her Lit! 😎
Christy's reply
long posts are not a problem here….The Flicker has been rested these past few years…I have different feelings about the requests…some times the cacophony of demandin bellows can be unsettling…on the other hand 46 years ago there were no requests, no gigs, no encores….just slogging around trying to get gig anywhere, a place to doss, a few pints and a bit of dinner…I was a long time on the road before I started to get requests…any Paolo, greetings to all Coatbridge songsters and thanks for your post
Writing to say thank you for two unforgettable nights in the Barras and Stirling- each held its own magic. I walked from the east end of Glasgow with a spring in my step, raring to go and mad for the night; in Albert’s hall the singing and songs brought tears to my eyes. Ye’re fierce men! Thank you Christy and Declan.
Wonderful to hear so many positive reviews of the English and Scottish gigs. You always seem to have that special connection with the audience and it’s great reading all the wee personal memories that certain songs and gigs have to each listener. Long may it continue. Looking forward to Galway to start the New Year in the best way possible and hopefully a few more gigs along the road. rest up after your travels and keep doing what you do – we appreciate and savour it.
Christy's reply
its a 2way situation John…we are both immersed in the process in very different ways…we work every day at our own music…we rehearse at our own separate projects which keeps us ” match fit”….then when we meet up out on the road we are ready to roll…..we too appreciate and savour what all you songsters bring to the gigs
Hi All, A damp n dirty one at home, but who cares ? It’s been some Caledonian tour… from the choir in Barrowlands to the respectful yet responsive engagement with the songs in that room in Stirling, the lovely old hall in Edinburgh to the modern space in the Glasgow. I’ ve been going to the Glasgow Concert Hall since 2003 and I think this was the best gig there yet and for a Mon Night,,,!! the range of songs across the 4 gigs was amazing,,, Hurt, Quiet Desperation, The Boy from,,, Motherland,,, Spancill Hill,, Nancy Spain,,,Amsterdam,,, Billy Grey,, Scapegoats,,,,No Time for Love and a BBR to finish off Barrowlands. What gifts ye generously shared with us ? ,,,,and connecting with the motley 4711ers,,,, Cloud 9 is stationary over An Riocht… Mile mile buiochas to you and all the crew,,,, beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
the sun is low but shining through the falling leaves…after 6 gigs in 8 days the auld chanter is husky and the body in need of rest…thanks to you and all the 4711ers who gave us such great support in England and Scotland….if you are passing the Christie Hennessy, pause and give him my love and best wishes ……”2 big dogs and a man shouts who goes there”
Christy
I was at the Concert Hall to see you again on Monday. The standard of your singing and Declan’s playing were at their usual supreme level. To be honest though, I felt that there was something missing. I can’t put my finger on it, but I’ve seen you about 20 times before, and this one was different.
I don’t know if you were tired or weary, or just didn’t feel 100%, but I got a vibe that you’d rather be elsewhere.
Please don’t take this as a criticism. Even if I’m right, everyone is entitled to an off-night, or to not be up-for-it once in a while.
I only hope it was nothing more than that, and that you are well.
No Time For Love was outstanding; the emotion in your singing and Declan’s soaring solo were the highlight for me.
Looking forward to the next time – and I’m going to have to keep pestering you for Butterfly as you didn’t sing it!
Stay well
Christy's reply
tired perhaps but not weary Griff…I always welcome honest feedback here, I set this site up specifically for the purpose….not for one moment did I wish to be elsewhere…that said, whatever you perceived was your experience and as valid as my own…Butterfly was on the “to-do” list but the right moment never came…its a song that needs the right circumstance and air….your requests never pester me…sorry you had an off night but thanks for the feedback…got home safe and sound with a satisfied feeling of job well done by everyone concerned.
Hey christy.. Just me AGAIN ha! Brief reminder.. I was introduced to your music via my owl man. Hes an avid fan for many years and has passed his enthusiasm onto me. I seen you 4times last year highlights being getting 2prints of yourself signed in Drogheda to which i got professuonally mounted one for myself and a tresured present to my da which he proudly mounted on his bedroom wall.. Shortly after whilst in An Chuirt hotel gweedore bumbped into you and declin in tha carpark!! Lethal!! Ps.. You told my woman to stop smokin to which she ignored haha.. Thanx for trying.. Anyway.. Iv just recieved tickets to another gig in belfast this march.. And im takin my paps with me. Many more good memories to come christy.. Bring on the magic…
Hey Bixie. Missed you for a while there. Nice to see your own slant on our lovely language back on the guestbook. Was chatting to Johnny Brophy in Coffey’s at the brother’s 40th earlier in the year. Some great catching up on the ol’ days dancing in the town hall, Ryston, Dreamland Athy, Castledermot …. hope all is well with ya.
Hello dear Christy, Glad to read you’re back home safe and you can rest now from your joyful tour.
I see you mentioned The Sun is Burning below, can remember well when we talked about the song and it’s significance many years ago. After the show you told me that you had tried to sing it but you couldn’t think of the words and that it’s “a good song”. So hopefully you’ll be able to sing this moving song again and maybe we’ll get to hear it live one day.
Enjoy your break and have a nice autumn, Traudel
must get it out and practice it once more…written by Ian Cambell who wrote many great songs including “The Old man’s song”
Meant to say Christy, thanks so much for the mini tribute (at least that’s how I saw it) at the Glasgow Concer Hall to the young man from Twinbrook. I especially enjoyed hearing about the first of the songs being smuggled to you on the rizla paper.
I remember clearly being at the Barrowlands when you played there on the tenth anniversary of his death in 1991 – the emotion in the hall that night was tangible.
Hope the fire never leaves your belly.
Let us remember
Hi Christy, came to see you twice in one week my friends loved the gig in Manchester on Tuesaday and on Monday in Glasgow.. well what can I say it was fantastic.. thank you so much for everything.. lots of love to you and your family from the Imlach Clan 🙂
Fiona…it was great to finish off the tour in the company of such dear old friends…ye are the right bunch for a good bit of banter, laughter and tears and all emotions in between….it was like being back in 152
Hey Christy I believe d ” boxing clubs ” all over Ireland are heaving since the heroics of Katie. I’d say hallo and d macs are buzzing. I rem years ago goin out to d hangmans on weds evenings to hear the trad sessions. And Davoc’s music reminds me of that Der is some amount out here now and as bad as that is for ireland it has itsgood points for us out here in perth . The quality of the Irish session has absolutely sky rocketed I have met alot of musicians from Clare ,kerry , Galway etc. All fantastic players. I was at the w.a hurling final a couple of weeks ago and my god der was some all Ireland medal holders on display Delighted to hear Anne singing on d album. I will let d mammy know so she can listen in
nice on Bixie..keep coming back
G’day Christie. Hope all is good with u n d clan. Just a word to let ya know that I am a proud owner of Davoc rynne’s new album. It is now played on full blast around the streets of perth. A lovely piece of home to keep me reminded of where I come from. Pass on my congrats to Davoc and tell him fair play to him.
Hey Bixie..I suppose you heard that The Sash won the County Championship….the flags are still fluttering below the bank corner….I like Davoc’s album, its real old style music..we had a great day making it, lots of hot tea sandwiches and apple tart.. played a gig myself in Ryston back at the end of September…it was a great night..the hall was jam packed with Lily Whites from all parishes and town lands…Johnny Doyle was in the front row with his wife, it was some treat for me to have him there…its always special to play “The Boxing Club”…great photos up on the wall of the dressing room..all the heroes from years ago…there is a window in the dressing room that looks out over the audience so I was able to watch the crowd gathering and spot old friends and neighbours take their seats and chat with each other…good to hear from you again
Well Christy that was a lovely set of gigs, was it not?! Some pretty special moments over the 4 nights you were here. “How Long?” just sounds gorgeous live, it’s a song that I hadn’t really thought of for a while, inspiring to hear again, and always relevant. I tuned into Farmer Michael Hayes in a different way on hearing it in the live setting – like properly “getting” the song, if you like.
I never would have thought of you singing “Weekend In Amsterdam” unaccompanied, but it was brilliant – fair play to you, as you’d say 😉 That’s why you’re up on the stage and I’m in the audience watching in awe. I hope Declan enjoyed the tour as well – I loved him laughing at the Nazis getting booed during “Quinta Brigada” at the Barras. I laughed myself at Stirling, I think, when he looked at his guitar in utter bewilderment at one point, as if to ask it why it wouldn’t do what he wanted it to! Loved “Sun Shine In” -particularly the way the song builds and then soars. He’s some man to have beside you, that’s for sure.
There were plenty of goosebumpy moments at the Barrowlands, as ever. “Francis Hughes” was hairs-on-end material. You fitting in the dedication to JJ was special, added to an already perfect and emotional night. There is literally nothing better for me than seeing you play that hall.
I’m still basking in the after-glow of it all, mind wandering to some of these moments when the brain gets tired of processing what it should actually be doing! Saw the Herald review of Royal Concert Hall today – 4 stars, would have been off the scale had they been at the Barras!
Anyway, I passed over a few things for yourself at the Concert Hall by way of thanks, hopefully they reached you safely? Hope you got them in time to share the bounty out, if not then the December dates aren’t too far away. The picture was a risk, I thought, as you likely have something similar- but then again, it was very apt, and can you really have too much of a good thing?! Next time you’re back I can put it in to be framed for you! You’ll probably have realised that waxing lyrical about Christy gigs and rambling on in general is my special talent, and I’ve exercised it plenty already, so I’ll leave you in peace now.
thanks for the goodys all delivered at the RCH.. we divvied up the candy…thanks for the Barrowland picture…as I had one already I signed it and sent it to Wally Page who co-wrote “Come all you dreamers”…thanks too for your gig review…I enjoyed reading your reflections..I dont get to see Declans reactions during the gig as my eyes are always clenched shut as I try to remember the unfolding songs…I very much enjoy having him at my side..he is a stalwart and his playing is inspirational, supportive and very enjoyable
Hi Christy I’m currently putting a proposal to limerick city council to erect a memorial to the Limerick men who fought (and died ) with the International brigade in the Spanish civil war 1936 -39. I have cross party support but would also like to seek support from the wider Labour movement and other bodies particularly educational bodies,NGO’s,artists ,mistrals etc. As you know Limerick’s reputation for piousness and conservatism I’m expecting a bit of opposition. Limerick city was the first city in the world to recognize the Franco regime much to its shame.The memorial affords the good citizens an opportunity to expunge this great error and commemorate these very brave men who locally and nationally went against the flow With the resurgence of fascism, racism and xenophobia I hoped you and some of your colleagues might support this proposal. If successful the memorial which will be designed by a young upcoming Limerick artist, will be supported by public educational /musical events on the mentioned themes. Sincerely Ger McCloskey
I wish you well in your endeavours. I will continue to remember the Brigadistas, in my own way, for as long as I am able to do so.
A great review from the Glasgow Herald today… Christy Moore & Declan Sinnott, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow by Rob Adams Folk & Jazz critic.
“Just before taking my seat for Monday’s concert I was speaking with someone who was worried about how young singers these days don’t know how to sing old folk songs
They could learn from Christy Moore. He doesn’t sing many of the Scottish ballads in question, although I’ll bet he could still deliver a killer Bogie’s Bonnie Belle if we asked nicely. His relationship with songs is fascinating: he considers them carefully, examines every word, every phrase and while he’ll sing them in whatever order they come into his head, he always honours their meaning It is possibly Moore’s spontaneity in choosing songs that has kept his now decade-long touring partnership with guitarist Declan Sinnott from lapsing
into routine – Sinnott doesn’t seem to know what is coming next any more than we do. The general sketch, songs of serious social and political comment leavened by mad tales of carousal and love songs dedicated to lovers or horses, is a constant but there is always a freshness in the performance, with Sinnott adding deft, conceived-in-the moment slide guitar commentaries, gentle acoustic runs or some fiery kerrang where apposite.
Through it all, Moore’s clarity of diction and the essential humanity in his singing gives every impression that he is singing to us personally, which in some cases here he actually was. Just as the chap who asked for Honda 50’s mirthful tale of adventure on the rural roads of Kildare will have had his night made complete, the woman who received the duo’s ultra-tender Ride On, with its quietly burning guitar glissandi, for her 65th birthday must have gone home glowing. “
well spotted Hilary…always nice to get a good and thorough review
Hi Christy, a delayed THANK YOU for your gig at Barrowlnds! Myself and 3 friends came up from London to see yourself and Dec in the classic venue and we weren’t disappointed. We’re all 2nd gen Irish and grew up listening to you. Beeswing is always so captivating. Biko Drum got the feet tapping (as soon as we caught up with the lyric shuffle in the chorus!). It never ceases to amaze me how your performance can bring so many different emotions out in 2 hours. An absolute joy to watch you. See you in London soon..(and Electric Picnic again if we’re lucky..). All the best, Christine x 2, Tracey & Emily
its the collective that does it..good to read that ye had a good trip North to the Church of Ceilí…thanks for the thumbs up
CM (67)
The Oireachtas was like the Galway tent but all Gaeilge.Not as much craic as the galway tent.
We waited in the lobby cause we heard that rí tory was on a rib.The front door opened
not the rí but Gerry Adams.!I thought he couldn’t be real but dad said he was.
I took RS monster cup when and walked through the hotel and up and down
the elevator with it.
Everyone was saying comhairdeachas agus ‘fair play ‘ and I said ‘go raibh maith agat’
and shook their hands.Then RS came and that party was over.
On the way home we ended up on the road to Doire and we
didn’t want to go there because John has the flue from being in a sauna in a shed in Roscommán.
So we had to turn the car all around and high speed towards sligo,
When we came home RS was surprised because the lán of Ros A Mhíl had 3 fires.they were all shaking our hands and saying fair play.
RS wants to know are you learning ‘in carrickonshannon 1845 the landlords of Leitrim ‘ ?
she tried it for a while.CS (8) RS(13)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KKLSPzhyMM
great to read of your recent success and welcome home…just back from Glasgow myself…I have been working on that song for a few months now…its a great bit of writing..I just need to make a few adjustments so as it might fit me…shorten the legs and let the waist out a bit….good to home after 10 days on the road…
how you doin christy,thank you and declan so much for a wonderful night,at the albert hall,stirling!do you reckon that,could become a regular venue,for your scottish tour?what was the last song you heard that moved your good self,also is there a song that you sing,that still makes the hair on your neck stand up?
I heard Patsy Cline sing ” I fall to pieces” on the radio at 4 am this morning….heard “Strange Fruit” last night from Billie Holliday….as for my own singing….Lord Baker, Van Diemens Land, Magdalen Lauderies, Hattie Carroll,Pity the Poor Immigrant,Spancilhill,Strange Ways,1913 Massacre, Los Gatos…I can sing a song for 40 years and then suddenly, from nowhere, comes a fresh interpretation that leaves me struggling to contine….Lawless, The Sun is Burning, Wandering Aonghus……
Hi Christy, been a few years since I last saw you but saw you I have over the years, loads of gigs in Glasgow and several in Ireland including the massive ones at the Point during the smoke and Strong Whisky promotion and a nice wee gig in the Fairways hotel Dundalk where my wife’s people hail from… ( my own are from Monaghan, land of Big Tom and Paddy Cole ).
Anyways was at the concert hall on Mon and enjoyed the gig thoroughly even though I had a bad seat ( looking straight on to the back of your head, that’s what comes of leaving it late to book…) Personally all the shouts for songs kind of spoil the atmosphere a bit for me at the Glasgow gigs… I think it kind of interrupts the flow somewhat. Would have loved to have heard Reel in The Flickering Light and Natives but that aside I thought Ride On dedicated to the lady who had passed away was played beautifully and on the other side of the coin No time for love was masterful with Declan bringing so much to the table on electric guitar.Sorry if this is a bit long winded but thanks for all the entertainment over the years Christy… Keep her Lit! 😎
long posts are not a problem here….The Flicker has been rested these past few years…I have different feelings about the requests…some times the cacophony of demandin bellows can be unsettling…on the other hand 46 years ago there were no requests, no gigs, no encores….just slogging around trying to get gig anywhere, a place to doss, a few pints and a bit of dinner…I was a long time on the road before I started to get requests…any Paolo, greetings to all Coatbridge songsters and thanks for your post
Writing to say thank you for two unforgettable nights in the Barras and Stirling- each held its own magic. I walked from the east end of Glasgow with a spring in my step, raring to go and mad for the night; in Albert’s hall the singing and songs brought tears to my eyes. Ye’re fierce men! Thank you Christy and Declan.
Eoineen, tá failte romhat mo cara
Wonderful to hear so many positive reviews of the English and Scottish gigs. You always seem to have that special connection with the audience and it’s great reading all the wee personal memories that certain songs and gigs have to each listener. Long may it continue. Looking forward to Galway to start the New Year in the best way possible and hopefully a few more gigs along the road. rest up after your travels and keep doing what you do – we appreciate and savour it.
its a 2way situation John…we are both immersed in the process in very different ways…we work every day at our own music…we rehearse at our own separate projects which keeps us ” match fit”….then when we meet up out on the road we are ready to roll…..we too appreciate and savour what all you songsters bring to the gigs
Hi All, A damp n dirty one at home, but who cares ? It’s been some Caledonian tour… from the choir in Barrowlands to the respectful yet responsive engagement with the songs in that room in Stirling, the lovely old hall in Edinburgh to the modern space in the Glasgow. I’ ve been going to the Glasgow Concert Hall since 2003 and I think this was the best gig there yet and for a Mon Night,,,!! the range of songs across the 4 gigs was amazing,,, Hurt, Quiet Desperation, The Boy from,,, Motherland,,, Spancill Hill,, Nancy Spain,,,Amsterdam,,, Billy Grey,, Scapegoats,,,,No Time for Love and a BBR to finish off Barrowlands. What gifts ye generously shared with us ? ,,,,and connecting with the motley 4711ers,,,, Cloud 9 is stationary over An Riocht… Mile mile buiochas to you and all the crew,,,, beir bua agus beannacht. H
the sun is low but shining through the falling leaves…after 6 gigs in 8 days the auld chanter is husky and the body in need of rest…thanks to you and all the 4711ers who gave us such great support in England and Scotland….if you are passing the Christie Hennessy, pause and give him my love and best wishes ……”2 big dogs and a man shouts who goes there”
Christy
I was at the Concert Hall to see you again on Monday. The standard of your singing and Declan’s playing were at their usual supreme level. To be honest though, I felt that there was something missing. I can’t put my finger on it, but I’ve seen you about 20 times before, and this one was different.
I don’t know if you were tired or weary, or just didn’t feel 100%, but I got a vibe that you’d rather be elsewhere.
Please don’t take this as a criticism. Even if I’m right, everyone is entitled to an off-night, or to not be up-for-it once in a while.
I only hope it was nothing more than that, and that you are well.
No Time For Love was outstanding; the emotion in your singing and Declan’s soaring solo were the highlight for me.
Looking forward to the next time – and I’m going to have to keep pestering you for Butterfly as you didn’t sing it!
Stay well
tired perhaps but not weary Griff…I always welcome honest feedback here, I set this site up specifically for the purpose….not for one moment did I wish to be elsewhere…that said, whatever you perceived was your experience and as valid as my own…Butterfly was on the “to-do” list but the right moment never came…its a song that needs the right circumstance and air….your requests never pester me…sorry you had an off night but thanks for the feedback…got home safe and sound with a satisfied feeling of job well done by everyone concerned.
Just a little message to say thanks for a great night Friday best concert I’ve ever been to great music
short and sweet and thankfully received
Hey christy.. Just me AGAIN ha! Brief reminder.. I was introduced to your music via my owl man. Hes an avid fan for many years and has passed his enthusiasm onto me. I seen you 4times last year highlights being getting 2prints of yourself signed in Drogheda to which i got professuonally mounted one for myself and a tresured present to my da which he proudly mounted on his bedroom wall.. Shortly after whilst in An Chuirt hotel gweedore bumbped into you and declin in tha carpark!! Lethal!! Ps.. You told my woman to stop smokin to which she ignored haha.. Thanx for trying.. Anyway.. Iv just recieved tickets to another gig in belfast this march.. And im takin my paps with me. Many more good memories to come christy.. Bring on the magic…
up down..ride on Kris
Thanks Christy and Declan for an amazing concert last night, 1st class as usual. Looking forward to your next visit to Glasgow already.
we are priviledged to have such generous listeners