Hi Christy, long-time lurker and mid-term fan here. I first saw you in Geelong in 1991 so I’m a bit late to the party, but it’s been a brilliant ride since then. I have so much to thank you for. Quick q: have you ever sung Phil the Fluter’s Ball? I know it from the Dubliners but for some reason I can hear it in your voice, but can’t find it anywhere. Thank you!
Christy's reply
you bring me right back
I was 12 or 13
Mammy was singin it
“Have you heard of Phil The Fluther
from the town of Ballymuck
the times were goin hard,
in fact the man was broke
he sent out invitations
to his neighbours one and all
O had’nt they the gaity
at Phil the Fluther’s ball”
Thanks for your words of encouragement and hope, reaching out was pretty easy for me in the end as it was do or die, I can only imagine what the first time clean and sobar felt like, and I have that to look forward to on the other side of the stage some day…
it always baffled me how you could stick around the music industry for so long knowing how much alcohol etc etc was involved both from an artist or spectaters point of view, now I get it, and you know what they say christy… Keep your enemy close!
The help and support that’s out there really is something priceless, I really like the hill, the first one in Cork if I’m not mistaken…
I went to the ruthland (sawmill) last night and then did something very special after, went for a spin down as far as myrtle ville with herself, to see if we could get a glimpse of the buck moon,
We parked just below bunny’s in that little viewing spot, waiting, no sign of the moon, 1120 had been and gone, the time it was supposed to rise, then at 1132 straight out over the calm sea, that little curve started to apear over the horizon, the clouds started to clear as we sat there in silence, not a breath of air blowing as she slowly showed her beauty rising up into the night sky, it was both spiritual and breathtaking watching her change color and get brighter as a strip of light ran across the ocean top for miles as far as we could see…
The very first meeting I went to a few months back someone said to me, “Jason” please keep coming back, bring the body and your mind will follow… He told me he promised I would “get it” if I keep coming back, get what I asked?…
Life beyond your wildest dreams….. And that’s what last night felt like. POWERFUL
I really do love you and your music Christy, it’s part of me and alway will be.!
Ive always looked upto you and now I have another reason to do so…
Jason
Christy's reply
Keep up the good work Jason…
random thoughts ,
overheard from bygone days …
one drink id be a drink too many
one hundred drinks id never be enough
its a right hoor when it gets in on you
the poor crathur
he’d a horrid weakness for the drink
the poor divvil
he’d drink it off a sore leg
fill us two pints there Phyllis
will you take something yourself
he went out for a haircut the day before yesterday
never heard a word from him since
Hello Christy,
Thankyou. The more you talk about gigs and songs the better for me.
I feel weird talking about my own, sometimes, here. I’m very grateful that you understand. It’s got nothing to do with self promotion. It’s just that it’s so very important to me, and I need to talk about it.
I’m learning this one at the moment.
Everything about it is beautiful, and I love the pictures he paints. https://youtu.be/3k5uyJ1BXWQ
I had a look for the petit binoui pipes. They look like the kind of pipes you see in medieval pictures.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
you’d be right in there in the middle of it
it id be all around you
the bag and chanter
the drones
the regulators
the bellows fillin up the bag
the air dispersed onto the reeds
out comes kiss the quaker
staker wallace
the bucks of oranmore
you’d be in heaven like
Hi Ya Christy
Nice to see you returning to Banks of River Boyne to play TLT in Drogheda tomorrow night Wednesday 5th ,,, My niece Emma will be Captaining a five a side team travelling from The Yellow Furze ,, I think they are travelling a day in advance to adjust to change in altitude!!
All would be delighted to hear a rendition of Yellow Furze woman
“We both sat together , down below The Yellow Furze,
She closed her eyes and started singing
A song about The light
That shines, and The Wonders of The world”
Hi Christy,
We are in Brittany, one of the 5 Celtic nations, it and Ireland are my favourite places out of Scotland.
Did you ever play here?
Here they play le petit biniou , a sort of mini bagpipe . Hopefully i can find some live music.
The pipes, drums and singers of our Celtic nations are a vital part of our heritage and music, thinking of patrick molard and of course Liam O’Flynn.
Rory
Christy's reply
I sometimes hear Bombardes in my dreams..always wake up with a headache but soon realise it was the Ricard and Pastis that had me by the head
A life long fan that has spoken to you here before, I didn’t get to the marquee to you this year as my circumstances have changed just a tad, any time I’ve ever seen you live in my “adult years” it’s always been under the influence of alcohol or narcotics or both,
This year I’ve finally reached my rock bottom and reached out for help, my name is Jason and I’m am addict ✌️
My dream was always to see you in vicar street, half that dream came trough, I got to vicar street a few years back, front row, canter seats I was almost in touching distance of you, but as usual it wasn’t actually me it was the addict sitting there drunk and probly crying trough most of the second half of the gig, I have a flash back and you looking at me at one point and there was genuine shame there on my part,….
Anyway life is better now, I’m clean and sobar 18 days today and have a stint in tabor lodge to look forward too,
I’ve seen you so many times but am really really looking forward to seeing you clean and sobar, I haven’t been too any gigs this year for obvious reasons but when I am ready, you will be most certainly the first on the list, you music is a very big part of my recovery, beeswing in particular
Hope your keeping well Christy
Until or paths cross again
Jaosn
Christy's reply
Well done on your 18 days and thanks for sharing…its a great achievement….you remind me of some of my own milestones….reaching out for the first time was my first step along this journey…..I always remember the first time I walked out on stage clean and sober…I was scared and paranoid but I was not alone
I got so much help along the way..everywhere I went there were rooms available to me…nearby and in far distant places….but the message was always the same, the help was always there…keep coming back Jason..maybe see you on The Hill some day
Hi C. Lots of memories and stories from An Riocht here following your mighty gig in INEC, no harm to re post this https://youtu.be/HCOMZqJeCNA…Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
after 12 hours in Brandon we made it back to Dingle for last orders…
My son, who owns an independent record company in Connecticut (mostly Ska & Punk) introduced me to the likes of Flogging Molly & the Drop Kick Murphys I found, even at 70 much of their music very enjoyable.
Still a big fan of Luke Kelly, Christy and the likes, but have discovered bands like the Gloaming and Lisa O’Neil & The Fontaines DC.
BTW tell Declan that my Sinnott side of the clan says HI.
Christy's reply
Morra Jack…have a listen to Lazarus Soul…..I passed your greeting on to Declan
Well, the ‘Mary Wallopers’ is the first that come to mind. What about ‘Flogging Molly’? The calibre of the musicans aint in doubt, it’s the music; Horslips on speed. I’d be worried if people or newer music fans were being introduced to ‘Irish music’ via these bands.
Christy's reply
for many of us, thats the way it works….its like starting with The Beano and ending up with Ulysses….The Clancy’s caught my ear and started my journey towards untold delights….dont be worried Ed
That tea of yours sounds a mighty brew. Bewleys tea is impossible to find here, so I’ll have to drop in there next time we’re in Dublin’s fair city. We have Betty’s over here. V posh tea shops. They do a lovely scone-y type thing called a fat rascal. I’ll have to check out their earl grey.
Settle was good. I found a new bookshop but not the second hand one. Plus a lovely green grocers in the cellar of the same building.
The folk punk festival was headlined by a band called Ferocious Dogs. The fans are into moshing. Shane Macgowan’s influence is strong.
Christy's reply
my first mosh was at the dwile flonking in east yorkshire….a barrel of Cameron’s Strongarm on tap..all gloves were off..
Hello Christy,
I’m so excited to be playing a solo gig at the Hawick Festival. Saturday 19th August is the day. I’ll be in the Heart of Hawick cafe, singing and strumming my heart out. It looks a great space. You can see the original water wheel through the glass floor, the doorway to Wonderland. The menu looks fab for lunch and coffee and cake. They do handmade pizzas. One of them has haggis on it!
I’m so happy to be doing this gig. I’m busy with the prep, and looking forward to it with all my heart.
Rory, will have to consult the roadmap to find yez and all that festivity come late August.
R, so ye got to Settle, was that bookshop still open? A ‘punk folk festival? Wouldn’t like the sound of that.
Hi Christy,
Three old fans plus a good friend, who was thrilled by your brother Luka Bloom playing in Dusseldorf, we‘ve been traveling the West Coast from Doolin up to Donegal as a party of four these days…trad sessions in the pubs of Doolin, the wonderful sights of Galway Bay, singing along while driving, then passing Bundoran brought back memories of one of your gigs in the Great Northern (the hotel‘s faded glory, and every song of yours a shining gem)… We’ll be careful when climbing up the Slieve League, because from there we‘ll be heading to Co.Louth to finally see you again in Drogheda on Wednesday – the real high point of our trip. Any chance to hear BBR in the TLT? I know it‘s not juke box time yet, but my wife Christina loves it so much that I dare to mention it, Drogheda marking our 39th anniversary ;). Whatever you play, Peter & Petra & the two of us are looking forward to a great night. Thank you for enriching our lives with your music. Dietmar
Christy's reply
safe journey from League to Louth
The TLT is an good venue..great acoustics
strange location in an industrial estate
but well worth a visit
Hi Christy , just back here in cork after a great weekend in west Kerry, and of course your gig in the inec .. it sure was a night to remember, really love the mix of songs ,Barr na sraide , snowflakes ,gortatagort , and spancihill , really stood out for me .. so until next time all the very best. .. safe travels to you and the crew … Tony and Fiona…
Christy's reply
I meant to sing The Big Marquee but got led astray
Howya Christy,
Great to hear the gigs are all going so well.
I think Hillary said that you’re having a patch that’s more magenta than purple (like a statue during lenta)
But are these gigs since covid the best seasons you’ve had ?
Or did you ever finish a season where you thought that will never be bet ? Just curious that’s all.
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Hard to say Bourkey….
early days in Manchester still remembered…then the first year in Planxty was mighty…early Moving Hearts an exciting sometimes dangerous time…. all the different eras, lineups,set lists, companeros, outfits…….no best, all different, but the past 18 months has been special…since returning to the solo gig I have a life time of songs to choose from …great thing is that new ( and old) songs keep coming my way…its a 57 year season with different circumstances all along the way…..all the way back to learning Kevin Barry, hearing The Clancys, then John Jacko and The Grehan’s…then “up to Dublin”, “over to London”…on and on it went and continues to revolve….I’m dizzy just thinkin about it
Thanks Seamus 👍👍👍
Hi Christy, long-time lurker and mid-term fan here. I first saw you in Geelong in 1991 so I’m a bit late to the party, but it’s been a brilliant ride since then. I have so much to thank you for. Quick q: have you ever sung Phil the Fluter’s Ball? I know it from the Dubliners but for some reason I can hear it in your voice, but can’t find it anywhere. Thank you!
you bring me right back
I was 12 or 13
Mammy was singin it
“Have you heard of Phil The Fluther
from the town of Ballymuck
the times were goin hard,
in fact the man was broke
he sent out invitations
to his neighbours one and all
O had’nt they the gaity
at Phil the Fluther’s ball”
Hi Christy…
Thanks for your words of encouragement and hope, reaching out was pretty easy for me in the end as it was do or die, I can only imagine what the first time clean and sobar felt like, and I have that to look forward to on the other side of the stage some day…
it always baffled me how you could stick around the music industry for so long knowing how much alcohol etc etc was involved both from an artist or spectaters point of view, now I get it, and you know what they say christy… Keep your enemy close!
The help and support that’s out there really is something priceless, I really like the hill, the first one in Cork if I’m not mistaken…
I went to the ruthland (sawmill) last night and then did something very special after, went for a spin down as far as myrtle ville with herself, to see if we could get a glimpse of the buck moon,
We parked just below bunny’s in that little viewing spot, waiting, no sign of the moon, 1120 had been and gone, the time it was supposed to rise, then at 1132 straight out over the calm sea, that little curve started to apear over the horizon, the clouds started to clear as we sat there in silence, not a breath of air blowing as she slowly showed her beauty rising up into the night sky, it was both spiritual and breathtaking watching her change color and get brighter as a strip of light ran across the ocean top for miles as far as we could see…
The very first meeting I went to a few months back someone said to me, “Jason” please keep coming back, bring the body and your mind will follow… He told me he promised I would “get it” if I keep coming back, get what I asked?…
Life beyond your wildest dreams….. And that’s what last night felt like. POWERFUL
I really do love you and your music Christy, it’s part of me and alway will be.!
Ive always looked upto you and now I have another reason to do so…
Jason
Keep up the good work Jason…
random thoughts ,
overheard from bygone days …
one drink id be a drink too many
one hundred drinks id never be enough
its a right hoor when it gets in on you
the poor crathur
he’d a horrid weakness for the drink
the poor divvil
he’d drink it off a sore leg
fill us two pints there Phyllis
will you take something yourself
he went out for a haircut the day before yesterday
never heard a word from him since
Hello Christy,
Thankyou. The more you talk about gigs and songs the better for me.
I feel weird talking about my own, sometimes, here. I’m very grateful that you understand. It’s got nothing to do with self promotion. It’s just that it’s so very important to me, and I need to talk about it.
I’m learning this one at the moment.
Everything about it is beautiful, and I love the pictures he paints.
https://youtu.be/3k5uyJ1BXWQ
I had a look for the petit binoui pipes. They look like the kind of pipes you see in medieval pictures.
Rebecca
you’d be right in there in the middle of it
it id be all around you
the bag and chanter
the drones
the regulators
the bellows fillin up the bag
the air dispersed onto the reeds
out comes kiss the quaker
staker wallace
the bucks of oranmore
you’d be in heaven like
Hang in there Jason.
Séamus
Sound
Hi Ya Christy
Nice to see you returning to Banks of River Boyne to play TLT in Drogheda tomorrow night Wednesday 5th ,,, My niece Emma will be Captaining a five a side team travelling from The Yellow Furze ,, I think they are travelling a day in advance to adjust to change in altitude!!
All would be delighted to hear a rendition of Yellow Furze woman
“We both sat together , down below The Yellow Furze,
She closed her eyes and started singing
A song about The light
That shines, and The Wonders of The world”
will ye be on The Honda 50s ?
Hi Christy,
We are in Brittany, one of the 5 Celtic nations, it and Ireland are my favourite places out of Scotland.
Did you ever play here?
Here they play le petit biniou , a sort of mini bagpipe . Hopefully i can find some live music.
The pipes, drums and singers of our Celtic nations are a vital part of our heritage and music, thinking of patrick molard and of course Liam O’Flynn.
Rory
I sometimes hear Bombardes in my dreams..always wake up with a headache but soon realise it was the Ricard and Pastis that had me by the head
Hi Christy my friend..
A life long fan that has spoken to you here before, I didn’t get to the marquee to you this year as my circumstances have changed just a tad, any time I’ve ever seen you live in my “adult years” it’s always been under the influence of alcohol or narcotics or both,
This year I’ve finally reached my rock bottom and reached out for help, my name is Jason and I’m am addict ✌️
My dream was always to see you in vicar street, half that dream came trough, I got to vicar street a few years back, front row, canter seats I was almost in touching distance of you, but as usual it wasn’t actually me it was the addict sitting there drunk and probly crying trough most of the second half of the gig, I have a flash back and you looking at me at one point and there was genuine shame there on my part,….
Anyway life is better now, I’m clean and sobar 18 days today and have a stint in tabor lodge to look forward too,
I’ve seen you so many times but am really really looking forward to seeing you clean and sobar, I haven’t been too any gigs this year for obvious reasons but when I am ready, you will be most certainly the first on the list, you music is a very big part of my recovery, beeswing in particular
Hope your keeping well Christy
Until or paths cross again
Jaosn
Well done on your 18 days and thanks for sharing…its a great achievement….you remind me of some of my own milestones….reaching out for the first time was my first step along this journey…..I always remember the first time I walked out on stage clean and sober…I was scared and paranoid but I was not alone
I got so much help along the way..everywhere I went there were rooms available to me…nearby and in far distant places….but the message was always the same, the help was always there…keep coming back Jason..maybe see you on The Hill some day
Hi C. Lots of memories and stories from An Riocht here following your mighty gig in INEC, no harm to re post this https://youtu.be/HCOMZqJeCNA…Beir bua agus beannacht. H
after 12 hours in Brandon we made it back to Dingle for last orders…
Hello Christy,
There’s nothing like a bit of dwile flonking to remind me of Pam and her black puddings. Hope she’s doing ok.
Thankyou for putting up with me blathering on about my gig. There are people here who are important to me and I was so excited. Still am!
I’m running a training course in 5 mins. The subject is cyber security. First time… I’m going to need all the help I can get.
Rebecca
I blather about gigs here all the time…
Hi Christy,
I was just seeing are you going to be releasing any new material, a single or an album perhaps?
still working on songs here Laura….no release scheduled yet
My son, who owns an independent record company in Connecticut (mostly Ska & Punk) introduced me to the likes of Flogging Molly & the Drop Kick Murphys I found, even at 70 much of their music very enjoyable.
Still a big fan of Luke Kelly, Christy and the likes, but have discovered bands like the Gloaming and Lisa O’Neil & The Fontaines DC.
BTW tell Declan that my Sinnott side of the clan says HI.
Morra Jack…have a listen to Lazarus Soul…..I passed your greeting on to Declan
Well, the ‘Mary Wallopers’ is the first that come to mind. What about ‘Flogging Molly’? The calibre of the musicans aint in doubt, it’s the music; Horslips on speed. I’d be worried if people or newer music fans were being introduced to ‘Irish music’ via these bands.
for many of us, thats the way it works….its like starting with The Beano and ending up with Ulysses….The Clancy’s caught my ear and started my journey towards untold delights….dont be worried Ed
‘Punk Irish’. I’ve heard some of it. No thanks.
what “some ” did you hear Ed
That tea of yours sounds a mighty brew. Bewleys tea is impossible to find here, so I’ll have to drop in there next time we’re in Dublin’s fair city. We have Betty’s over here. V posh tea shops. They do a lovely scone-y type thing called a fat rascal. I’ll have to check out their earl grey.
Settle was good. I found a new bookshop but not the second hand one. Plus a lovely green grocers in the cellar of the same building.
The folk punk festival was headlined by a band called Ferocious Dogs. The fans are into moshing. Shane Macgowan’s influence is strong.
my first mosh was at the dwile flonking in east yorkshire….a barrel of Cameron’s Strongarm on tap..all gloves were off..
Hello Christy,
I’m so excited to be playing a solo gig at the Hawick Festival. Saturday 19th August is the day. I’ll be in the Heart of Hawick cafe, singing and strumming my heart out. It looks a great space. You can see the original water wheel through the glass floor, the doorway to Wonderland. The menu looks fab for lunch and coffee and cake. They do handmade pizzas. One of them has haggis on it!
I’m so happy to be doing this gig. I’m busy with the prep, and looking forward to it with all my heart.
Rebecca
have a good one
Rory, will have to consult the roadmap to find yez and all that festivity come late August.
R, so ye got to Settle, was that bookshop still open? A ‘punk folk festival? Wouldn’t like the sound of that.
Hi Christy,
Three old fans plus a good friend, who was thrilled by your brother Luka Bloom playing in Dusseldorf, we‘ve been traveling the West Coast from Doolin up to Donegal as a party of four these days…trad sessions in the pubs of Doolin, the wonderful sights of Galway Bay, singing along while driving, then passing Bundoran brought back memories of one of your gigs in the Great Northern (the hotel‘s faded glory, and every song of yours a shining gem)… We’ll be careful when climbing up the Slieve League, because from there we‘ll be heading to Co.Louth to finally see you again in Drogheda on Wednesday – the real high point of our trip. Any chance to hear BBR in the TLT? I know it‘s not juke box time yet, but my wife Christina loves it so much that I dare to mention it, Drogheda marking our 39th anniversary ;). Whatever you play, Peter & Petra & the two of us are looking forward to a great night. Thank you for enriching our lives with your music. Dietmar
safe journey from League to Louth
The TLT is an good venue..great acoustics
strange location in an industrial estate
but well worth a visit
Hi Christy , just back here in cork after a great weekend in west Kerry, and of course your gig in the inec .. it sure was a night to remember, really love the mix of songs ,Barr na sraide , snowflakes ,gortatagort , and spancihill , really stood out for me .. so until next time all the very best. .. safe travels to you and the crew … Tony and Fiona…
I meant to sing The Big Marquee but got led astray
Howya Christy,
Great to hear the gigs are all going so well.
I think Hillary said that you’re having a patch that’s more magenta than purple (like a statue during lenta)
But are these gigs since covid the best seasons you’ve had ?
Or did you ever finish a season where you thought that will never be bet ? Just curious that’s all.
Bourkey
Hard to say Bourkey….
early days in Manchester still remembered…then the first year in Planxty was mighty…early Moving Hearts an exciting sometimes dangerous time…. all the different eras, lineups,set lists, companeros, outfits…….no best, all different, but the past 18 months has been special…since returning to the solo gig I have a life time of songs to choose from …great thing is that new ( and old) songs keep coming my way…its a 57 year season with different circumstances all along the way…..all the way back to learning Kevin Barry, hearing The Clancys, then John Jacko and The Grehan’s…then “up to Dublin”, “over to London”…on and on it went and continues to revolve….I’m dizzy just thinkin about it