I did indeed enjoy the gig, another wonderful evening, thank you so much, Christy. The new songs are beautiful, and sad. I loved the updated lyrics in Welcome to the Cabaret! Before you came on stage I was chatting to the lady next to me and we worked out we’d both been at the same Albert Hall gig in the 80s, so later when you mentioned it we nodded sagely to each other! See you at the NCH in March. Cheers, Anne
Christy's reply
I have great respect for you long serving listeners..
its getting on for 40 years since I played The Albert Hall…
When I showed up at the stage door the (uniformed) door man refused me entry..
I had to ring the promoter to sort it out…I think my Donkey Jacket was the problem
Dear Christy,
we came over from Leipzig/Germany to see your show tonight. It was fantastic and we enjoyed it a lot! Thank you very much. I was impressed by your energy an how you rocked the place. All the best for you and thanks for the autographs :-).
Matthias
Christy's reply
Welcome to Dublin Matthias….I hope you have a good visit….I have experienced fine hospitality in your Country….thank you for your feedback
I had the enormous pleasure of attending your gig tonight, as well as those in the Concert Hall and Galway last year, and the first in this run in November – but tonight – what a set list, and a crowd to match. Thank you for another enthralling evening, and catch you again later in the year – I’ll have to bring a bigger sign
Christy's reply
the songs carry us all to a place where can feel together in unison
Hello Christy, hope you’re well. Happy new year. Seen you in The Carrickdale in November. Great show as usual. I’ve been following you since I was a child, I gave you a CD to listen to in 2016 called ‘Just Another Day’. I have a new song I wrote, a lot of people are saying it would be a great song for you to do. It’s called ‘Strong As An Ox’. If you’re interested sure let me know- cheers.
Really looking forward to tonight’s gig. Just walked round the corner from my hotel and found my seat, slightly nearer the stage than usual but still too shy for the front row.
All the best,
Anne
Christy's reply
I understand ….hope you had a good gig…It went well for me
Hi Christy,
Really looking forward to tonight’s concert. Would be lovely if you got a chance to mention Diane from Sheffield who’ll also be there tonight (Monday 9th). She comes over every Christmas/New Year to come to a night with you at Vicar St. Beeswing is her song…
Thanks, Christy… Rory
Rebeccah. Dont ignore the written word. James Joyce, Dubliners. A great exquisite selection of short stories. The Dead is the best and most unforgettable.
Christy's reply
for me, John Huston’s film adaptation of Joyce’s “The Dead” is one of my favourite Films of all time… So many outstanding scenes therein… When Angelica talks about Michael Fury it melts the heart…when Frank Patterson sings “The Lass of Aughrim” I fall to pieces every time…
Donal McCann delivers an outstanding performance as do allthe spuuprting players…
saw a brilliant Film yesterday….The North Circular, directed by Luke McManus…highly recommended
Hi Christy, all this talk of Nelson leads me to only one man.
Nelson Rolhihlala Mandela will forever be the only Nelson.
His deeds would never shame even a single ‘devil in hell’.
Watching him walk out of prison will live with me to my deathbed.
One of my all time favourite songs is the Jerry Dammers , Special aka ‘free Nelson Mandela’.
A man rarely surpassed in dedication, selflessness, fight and forgiveness. May his star shine forever.
I have visited the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg three times, a remarkable place and a reminder of his courage and sacrifice.
Mary Manning was right. An indelible hero.
Rory
Christy's reply
I recall the night myself and Wally Page went on the lash with Bishop Tutu…there was a man who could sink a quare few pints..when the Police raided the joint at 4am The Bish put it up to them…fair play to the squad they took off their caps and joined us in The Snug til well after opening time….The Bish was well versed in Irish Ballads and sang a stirring version of “Whiskey in The Jar”..he also recalled Irish Musicians who broke The South African Boycott to flog their wares in Sun City….
Hello Christy,
Dublinese, that’s a new word to me. Lovely!
Here’s the Dubliners’ fabulous rendition https://youtu.be/5P50PHCHuwo
Today’s gig day yippee yie ay!
Spent a bit of time yesterday in the Brazen Head near Ushers Quay. It says on the outside its the oldest pub in Ireland. 1198. I’ve no idea but they’ve been there a long time and they do great food. The shepherdless pie is gorgeous, and not a single shepherd harmed in the making. It made me think of many of the lovely old pubs in York, going in down a passage to an inner courtyard.
It’s great to be back in Dublin! We’re staying on Lamb Alley, two minutes from Vicar Street.
Blowing up the pillar meant Nelson couldn’t climb back up onto his perch.
Ever heard of Kitty O’Mahony in Ballydehob? Was just made aware of her low key existence. I’m more than intrigued, as I’m sure you’ll be too. Hope yer well, Dylan
Enjoy the gigs. Sounds like the January Man has started the year at a sprint.
Great chat here about The Dubliners (and the fine city). Having listened to the band for years, I was really pleased to see an early 70s concert .All at the top of their game and emphasising just how amazing it was to have two superb, very different styles of singer in the same outfit… Messrs Drew and Kelly…
Not long before he died, Ronnie was involved with several spoken word/jazz/rock projects… An amazing finale…a favourite for me is his contributions to Celtic Poets by Jah Wobble s Invaders of the Heart….an unlikely combo on the face of it, but brilliant music and a deft mix. What being an artist is all about, I guess…taking the chances and not always having a safety net.
Bourkey. That’s on You Tube complete with the reading of McNiece’s poem. Has great lines.
“And the bare bones of a fanlight/over a hungry door.” Cant you just picture it.
All this talk of Nelson minded me of the first Dubliners album I heard – Finnegan Wakes. Recorded live at the Gate Theatre in April of 66. Luke Kelly prefaced the song Nelson’s Farewell with the first verse of a poem by Louis MacNeice called Dublin, simply Dublin
Grey brick upon brick
Declaratory bronze
On somber pedestals
O’Connell, Grattan, Moore
And the brewery tugs and the swans
On the balustraded stream
And the bare bones of a fanlight
Over a hungry door
And the air soft on the cheek
And the porter running from the taps
With a head of yellow cream
And Nelson on his pillar
Watching his world collapse
I wouldn’t be great for the poetry
(Had to look up what balustraded meant)
but Luke had a way with a poem/song.
When he sang it, it stayed sung.
I’ld like if his Sherrif St statue was atop of the pillar too
If the pillar was still there.
The pole in the hole – Jaysus wept.
Christy's reply
Not forgetting the “Floozie in the Jacuzzi ” or “The Whore in The Sewer” just two of the Dublinese nicknames applied to Eamon O’Doherty’s classic “Anna Livia” which now lies on The Liffey Bank beside Collins Barracks….others statues of Eamon’s can be seen in his Native Derry ( Emigrants on The Diamond)..in Galway ( Galway Hooker)…..coincidentally he also drove (and managed ) Sweeney’s Men in their very early months AND he wrote the song Joe McCann which features on my 1976 album “The Iron Behind The Velvet”….in his spare time Eamon was an Architect and Flute Player……Eamon and his Wife Barbara ran legendary nights of music and crack in their “rambling” house
I never knew (Galway)Joe Dolan had a hand in one of those Nelson songs. I remember them. To hear the great Sweeneys Men version of ‘Black Velvet Band’ do the following: into You Tube type in “Johnny Kelly Black Velvet Band”. You hear those early influences. I recall that tune getting a rendition of sponsored Radio Eireann programmes in the late 60s.
And now onto a different song:-
“We’ll even climb the Pillar/like we always meant to/watch the sun rise over the Strand/sleep and dream in chapels and bars/and whiskey in the jar….”
‘Faithful Departed’ (Phil Chevron)
Christy's reply
Des Kelly from Galway managed Sweeney’s Men (and early Planxty)… Johnny Kelly was his Brother. They both played in The Capitol Showband (Bass and Drums ) which enjoyed great success across the 1960s. Afterwards they both went into Band Management. Des was really passionate about Planxty and went to great lengths to get the Band established. He provided a Van and a Sound System.Our first two single records were on his Ruby Records Label. In later years Johnny ran The Poitín Still in Spiddal. Des hosted a long running music show on Galway Bay FM….. Both were Music Men and are fondly remembered.
As is my good buddy Phil Chevron late of The Pogues and The Radiators…
Saw a great Movie yesterday….The North Circular….beautifully filmed and with great music and song.Highly Recommended.Watch out for it.
I did indeed enjoy the gig, another wonderful evening, thank you so much, Christy. The new songs are beautiful, and sad. I loved the updated lyrics in Welcome to the Cabaret! Before you came on stage I was chatting to the lady next to me and we worked out we’d both been at the same Albert Hall gig in the 80s, so later when you mentioned it we nodded sagely to each other! See you at the NCH in March. Cheers, Anne
I have great respect for you long serving listeners..
its getting on for 40 years since I played The Albert Hall…
When I showed up at the stage door the (uniformed) door man refused me entry..
I had to ring the promoter to sort it out…I think my Donkey Jacket was the problem
Dear Christy,
we came over from Leipzig/Germany to see your show tonight. It was fantastic and we enjoyed it a lot! Thank you very much. I was impressed by your energy an how you rocked the place. All the best for you and thanks for the autographs :-).
Matthias
Welcome to Dublin Matthias….I hope you have a good visit….I have experienced fine hospitality in your Country….thank you for your feedback
Dia dhuit Christy,
I had the enormous pleasure of attending your gig tonight, as well as those in the Concert Hall and Galway last year, and the first in this run in November – but tonight – what a set list, and a crowd to match. Thank you for another enthralling evening, and catch you again later in the year – I’ll have to bring a bigger sign
the songs carry us all to a place where can feel together in unison
Hello Christy, hope you’re well. Happy new year. Seen you in The Carrickdale in November. Great show as usual. I’ve been following you since I was a child, I gave you a CD to listen to in 2016 called ‘Just Another Day’. I have a new song I wrote, a lot of people are saying it would be a great song for you to do. It’s called ‘Strong As An Ox’. If you’re interested sure let me know- cheers.
put the lyrics up here if you wish
Hi Christy,
Really looking forward to tonight’s gig. Just walked round the corner from my hotel and found my seat, slightly nearer the stage than usual but still too shy for the front row.
All the best,
Anne
I understand ….hope you had a good gig…It went well for me
Hi Christy,
Really looking forward to tonight’s concert. Would be lovely if you got a chance to mention Diane from Sheffield who’ll also be there tonight (Monday 9th). She comes over every Christmas/New Year to come to a night with you at Vicar St. Beeswing is her song…
Thanks, Christy… Rory
there you go
It wouldn’t be Barney McKenna playing mando on The Black Velvet Band Christy would it? He was a daemon for the tremelo wasn’t he!
I’m looking into it…I’ll share if I discover
Track: yes R, that’s the song.
The Pecker Dunne had a great parody of The B.V.B. “My Hi-Ace Van”
Rebeccah. Dont ignore the written word. James Joyce, Dubliners. A great exquisite selection of short stories. The Dead is the best and most unforgettable.
for me, John Huston’s film adaptation of Joyce’s “The Dead” is one of my favourite Films of all time… So many outstanding scenes therein… When Angelica talks about Michael Fury it melts the heart…when Frank Patterson sings “The Lass of Aughrim” I fall to pieces every time…
Donal McCann delivers an outstanding performance as do allthe spuuprting players…
saw a brilliant Film yesterday….The North Circular, directed by Luke McManus…highly recommended
Hi Christy, all this talk of Nelson leads me to only one man.
Nelson Rolhihlala Mandela will forever be the only Nelson.
His deeds would never shame even a single ‘devil in hell’.
Watching him walk out of prison will live with me to my deathbed.
One of my all time favourite songs is the Jerry Dammers , Special aka ‘free Nelson Mandela’.
A man rarely surpassed in dedication, selflessness, fight and forgiveness. May his star shine forever.
I have visited the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg three times, a remarkable place and a reminder of his courage and sacrifice.
Mary Manning was right. An indelible hero.
Rory
I recall the night myself and Wally Page went on the lash with Bishop Tutu…there was a man who could sink a quare few pints..when the Police raided the joint at 4am The Bish put it up to them…fair play to the squad they took off their caps and joined us in The Snug til well after opening time….The Bish was well versed in Irish Ballads and sang a stirring version of “Whiskey in The Jar”..he also recalled Irish Musicians who broke The South African Boycott to flog their wares in Sun City….
Haven’t heard of nicknames for either of Luke’s statues.
Went to visit his grave in Glassnevin.
The headstone reads – Luke Kelly Dubliner
Phillo’s statue is called The Ace with the Bass
(It rhymes when you say it in Dublinese)
Hard to believe he’s been gone nearly forty years.
Lots of videos of this are on YouTube. This one is from 2013
https://youtu.be/QALK8Mxqho4
That line
The trees know more…
Takes me straight to Aisling
That was a lovely night we had fr Philip….
Is this the version of The Black Velvet band being talked about here?
https://youtu.be/00RrnxtyRZw
Thats the very one Rebecca….anyone know who played mandolin there..any guesses ?
its quite amazing how you source some of the gems you manage to uncover..thank you on behalf of all our readers
Hello Christy,
Dublinese, that’s a new word to me. Lovely!
Here’s the Dubliners’ fabulous rendition
https://youtu.be/5P50PHCHuwo
Today’s gig day yippee yie ay!
Spent a bit of time yesterday in the Brazen Head near Ushers Quay. It says on the outside its the oldest pub in Ireland. 1198. I’ve no idea but they’ve been there a long time and they do great food. The shepherdless pie is gorgeous, and not a single shepherd harmed in the making. It made me think of many of the lovely old pubs in York, going in down a passage to an inner courtyard.
It’s great to be back in Dublin! We’re staying on Lamb Alley, two minutes from Vicar Street.
Blowing up the pillar meant Nelson couldn’t climb back up onto his perch.
Rebecca
Ever heard of Kitty O’Mahony in Ballydehob? Was just made aware of her low key existence. I’m more than intrigued, as I’m sure you’ll be too. Hope yer well, Dylan
https://youtu.be/Js0EaKdI5u0
Hi Christy/all
Enjoy the gigs. Sounds like the January Man has started the year at a sprint.
Great chat here about The Dubliners (and the fine city). Having listened to the band for years, I was really pleased to see an early 70s concert .All at the top of their game and emphasising just how amazing it was to have two superb, very different styles of singer in the same outfit… Messrs Drew and Kelly…
Not long before he died, Ronnie was involved with several spoken word/jazz/rock projects… An amazing finale…a favourite for me is his contributions to Celtic Poets by Jah Wobble s Invaders of the Heart….an unlikely combo on the face of it, but brilliant music and a deft mix. What being an artist is all about, I guess…taking the chances and not always having a safety net.
All the best
Dave
Bourkey. That’s on You Tube complete with the reading of McNiece’s poem. Has great lines.
“And the bare bones of a fanlight/over a hungry door.” Cant you just picture it.
All this talk of Nelson minded me of the first Dubliners album I heard – Finnegan Wakes. Recorded live at the Gate Theatre in April of 66. Luke Kelly prefaced the song Nelson’s Farewell with the first verse of a poem by Louis MacNeice called Dublin, simply Dublin
Grey brick upon brick
Declaratory bronze
On somber pedestals
O’Connell, Grattan, Moore
And the brewery tugs and the swans
On the balustraded stream
And the bare bones of a fanlight
Over a hungry door
And the air soft on the cheek
And the porter running from the taps
With a head of yellow cream
And Nelson on his pillar
Watching his world collapse
I wouldn’t be great for the poetry
(Had to look up what balustraded meant)
but Luke had a way with a poem/song.
When he sang it, it stayed sung.
I’ld like if his Sherrif St statue was atop of the pillar too
If the pillar was still there.
The pole in the hole – Jaysus wept.
Not forgetting the “Floozie in the Jacuzzi ” or “The Whore in The Sewer” just two of the Dublinese nicknames applied to Eamon O’Doherty’s classic “Anna Livia” which now lies on The Liffey Bank beside Collins Barracks….others statues of Eamon’s can be seen in his Native Derry ( Emigrants on The Diamond)..in Galway ( Galway Hooker)…..coincidentally he also drove (and managed ) Sweeney’s Men in their very early months AND he wrote the song Joe McCann which features on my 1976 album “The Iron Behind The Velvet”….in his spare time Eamon was an Architect and Flute Player……Eamon and his Wife Barbara ran legendary nights of music and crack in their “rambling” house
I never knew (Galway)Joe Dolan had a hand in one of those Nelson songs. I remember them. To hear the great Sweeneys Men version of ‘Black Velvet Band’ do the following: into You Tube type in “Johnny Kelly Black Velvet Band”. You hear those early influences. I recall that tune getting a rendition of sponsored Radio Eireann programmes in the late 60s.
And now onto a different song:-
“We’ll even climb the Pillar/like we always meant to/watch the sun rise over the Strand/sleep and dream in chapels and bars/and whiskey in the jar….”
‘Faithful Departed’ (Phil Chevron)
Des Kelly from Galway managed Sweeney’s Men (and early Planxty)… Johnny Kelly was his Brother. They both played in The Capitol Showband (Bass and Drums ) which enjoyed great success across the 1960s. Afterwards they both went into Band Management. Des was really passionate about Planxty and went to great lengths to get the Band established. He provided a Van and a Sound System.Our first two single records were on his Ruby Records Label. In later years Johnny ran The Poitín Still in Spiddal. Des hosted a long running music show on Galway Bay FM….. Both were Music Men and are fondly remembered.
As is my good buddy Phil Chevron late of The Pogues and The Radiators…
Saw a great Movie yesterday….The North Circular….beautifully filmed and with great music and song.Highly Recommended.Watch out for it.
Oh grand R. You’re here on an extended break, not dashing back the same night.