Morning Christy,
I enjoy the Where I Come From album, been listening again these last few days. What was the inspiration behind it?
It has a gentle feel to some of the re worked gems.
Where i do come from as a person is special to me, i’d say it is to you too. Hawick or newbridge, it’s what makes us who we are.
Rory
Christy's reply
sitting here this morning in the Winter Sun trying to remember what inspired or drove the recording you mention…I could not be be certain so l got the album out and read the booklet..there I got the answer
“in 2012 I began to gather my songs together for this collection..then I re recorded them all..best to do it while I’m still able”
I’m enjoying this brief reflection back on that time a decade ago…..Tim Martin is no longer here….a dear friend, it was always a pleasure to work with Tim..we soldiered together on manys the track…. Tim never missed beat or a note, be it a good take when he would glow or a faulty take when we’d need to “go at it again”
I like Gary Farrelly’s artwork and Turlough Rynne’s sleeve design….the sleeve feels connected to “The Box Set 1964 -2004…
Currently working on a collection for 2024….hopefully we’ll achieve conclusion in the next few months…nearly there a few times but songs keep emerging that need consideration
been doing some recording back in Prosperous Co Kildare ….looking out the window of the studio across the fields I could see Downings House where we recorded the album “Prosperous” back in 1971……BIll Leader and his Revox A77 reel to reel….
Hello Christy,
Well, if you ever do get back over here I’d recommend Yorkshire, where the people are hewn like you own, from grit stone and dark earth, soft water and grasses playing in the wind. https://youtu.be/_LeOXsDdx38?si=d_Ptrc0hvgTF_7sZ
Rory, that is a beautiful link but you flatter me too much. I’ll not accept being put in the same category with that wonderful harpist. My harp playing is all about accompanying my songs that’s all. But thankyou.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
when I lived in Causeway Foot we rented a stone cottage from a local Farming Family……I recall that I always felt at home when I visited their farmhouse..they reminded me of my Father’s people who farmed in a similar manner and lived a similar lifestyle ..good farming people of the land..be it Yorkshire or Kildare
G’day young Christy:
I love to read your Sydney Certificate tale…
I regret I didn’t get to see you Downunder
I’m watching the cricket on TV (not the Jiminy sort) & listening to you on random play
Caught some YouTube posts of your recent concerts & I can feel the depth of warmth & goodwill in the room
I’m glad you enjoy the spirit as much as the audience – one is carried by the other & vice versa (??what??)
Salutations Stringman
Danny Harris – with open ears & mind & heart
One for Rebecca and music lovers,
We were glad at having your music ‘up north’ and the only other harpist i saw was this lady ( from near here) who ‘supported’ the heaney/o’flynn gig in edinburgh , she was very young then but i recall made a lovely sound. So here is a real prize for us all, hope it works.rory
The very well-known Belfast traditional and rebel singer Ray McAreavey (of particular Wolfhound fame) died recently and has been sent to his eternal rest. Ray could have been an international star, he was that good.
Hi 4711ers
Easkey how’s it going, still love your ‘roll on’ video from the camper van?
Pat n dave the cornerstones of our 4711 world, how goes the world in your corners of it ?
Our various other German friends tell us you were clearly a big hit over there, even before Joxer got there.
Hilary who releases wisdom of cm music into the world, the lady who knows all there is to know about Christy, i hope you have a peaceful holiday time.
Rebecca you’ve had ‘your’ prize already by coming to Hawick where we say that ‘a day out of Hawick is a day wasted’…… and then you already got a prize of those rarest of items namely vicar street tickets….keep stumbling over the videos.
Gipp a great range of interests and thoughts too.
Is pam from bury still visiting the site?
Any news from our Letterkenny friend?
All the best folks, and to you Christy.
Remember though that recent news tells us that rather than D for danger…..it’s F.
Rory
Christy's reply
we have a small tight knit group of regulars here..
we also welcome occasional visitors…
and respond equally to our one-off correspondents….
all communicators welcomed…
I know that we have readers who don’t correspond…
I understand that reticence
I read many journals myself without committing to correspondence…
Thank you all for being part of this 4711er room…for being there
Happy Christmas good Companeros…
“There’s gonna be good times ..
when all our dreams come true” …. ( Shane)
(through ?)
Hello Christy,
Thankyou!!!
It’s a deal.
We’ll be in Dublin for the two last Vicar Street shows of the run, given a gentle and prevaling wind. I’ll make sure I remind you nearer to the time.
Hi Christy , apologies if this question has already been asked but are there any concert tours planned for England at all ?
My wife and I have seen you many times in Liverpool and Manchester over the years . I seem to remember in your last gig at the Philharmonic in Liverpool you said something along the lines of it possibly being your last visit .
If that is the case a massive thanks for the memories . If not , well we simply cannot wait !
Kind regards
Peter Griffin , Wigan .
Christy's reply
Hi Peter…
I’d love to get back “over”
but I just don’t know…
nothing planned
First landed there in the Summer of 1961 aged 16….over every Summer for a few years…worked in Walls , EMI, Ross Foods,George Wimpey, ….moved over permanent in ’66 and served my time as an apprentice Folk Singer….spent time in your neck of the woods playing Wigan , Warrington, St Helens, Leigh, Bolton….remember meeting Barry Halpin and Bruce Scott at a Folk Club in Wigan..
Myself and the Crew often talk about another trip “over”…who knows whats gonna happen… some seem bent on making the poor old world a less friendlier place….I miss those nights at The Phil and Bridgewater
That’s a class story Christy, fair play for sharing!
Lovely effort and thought by Kildare commerades on the far side of the world. I suppose a gesture so great and unexpected would have a huge effect alright!
Christy's reply
the memory still lingers…that lane, the wee chat, there we were, so far from home, sharing snippets of our quiet Kildare identity….
“from Hawkfield and Kilbelin, Chinatown and Rosy’s Lane
Scattered round the world we dreamt of comin home again
from The Rocks of Sydney Harbour, The Bronx and Birmingham
to The Sandy Hills, The Seven Springs, The Waters of The Fen
…..The Lilys of The Short Grass are coming home again”
Looking back at the year and one of the highlights was a magical night in Bundoran. It was a sticky night and a full house, plenty of songs and one very special mention for my daughter Sophia on her first concert followed by bright blue rose – simply magic and a memory that will live with me and Sophia always – thanks Christy and Merry Christmas
Christy's reply
thats what its all about John….lovely to read that you and Sophia enjoyed our gig in The Great Northern….I really like that room….you are right, it can get “hot and sticky”…in my early singing years I recall many gigs being cold and almost empty…I love these hot and steamy nights……
Well Christy,
Some night in Tullamore last night. You had em eating out your hand and sent em home wanting more.
Some carry on for an oul fella.
Lovely touch presenting your paperwork to the young girl at the end.
A shout out to your long suffering roadie John who kindly flicked me a pick as he was packing up … it will travel 10,000 miles back to Brisbane and it’s good JuJu will help me lash out the tunes Down Under.
Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat Christy 💪💪
Christy's reply
maith an fear DP….tell us more about your “lashing out the tunes down under”.. are you gigging ? I have vivid memories of my 5 visits to Brisbane….
Words can’t express what an privilege and joy it was to see you again, this time in Tullamore. The show was grand, it was an honor to shake your hand.
My travel plans to Ireland are always in this order: #1 Secure tickets to your show. Only then; get plane tickets, car, then hotel! Let’s do this again, very soon.
A huge thanks to you and your “crew” for the warm welcome.
In the meantime, to You (and “yours”), Hillary, and Mom; I LOVE YOU BABY, HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Christy's reply
good man Joe…you got me singing Jimmy Mack’s “Missing You” again after a 5 year lay-off…I found a new way into it in Tullamore the other night…now I look forward to singing it more often…..Thank You
Christy hi,
I just stopped the car, to write this,as the news came on the radio .
Outside it is a perfect day for walking, here near Hawick.
There was gunshots, stones and bullets on a lovely, bright, crisp winter’s afternoon.
Rory
Hello Christy,
I’m listening to a lot of Martin Hayes these last couple of weeks. If I can’t learn Irish phrasing from him then it can’t be learnt. I sit and smile right through it. Like listening to Liam.
Just wondering if te should forget any prize for the quiz. I’ve been so blessed with getting to know your music and the people in the group that that is more than enough for anyone. Hugs to all.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
there will be a prize…dont know what it will be yet….sometimes it takes time..like the wee story from Sydney State….sometimes too I need reminding…reminds us when you and Steve are next visiting Vicar St
Good morning Christy.
Well we are back home on the banks of the river. Sadly not with my Mam, who passed on in 2003. A wonderful woman, who liked a good song herself. She was on the touchline for all of my life. Supporting me and the rest of the family. I’m sure she was with us on Monday night at Vicar Street. She loved Vishva almost as much as I do. I wrote a short piece about her here. https://tommurtha.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/watching-from-the-touchline/
We are now planning our next trip to see you sometime next year somewhere in Ireland. But we need to now rest for a few days to recover from our travels and reflect on a perfect celebratory conclusion to our anniversary. The Voyage continues.
Take care all.
Tom and Vishva.
Christy's reply
Morra Tom….deeply moved by the precious memories you have shared… Your Mother, “standing on the touchline”of your life evokes many moments of my own journey ….the photo of you on your trike with Herself “peeking” up the street as her wee hero pedals on is beautiful….Thank You
Well, it’s gonna be a day or two before we can wrap our collective heads around the concert.
This is what I know, the reach that you possess is very strong. I was pulled in by the simple setting and the incredibly knowledgeable audience. This show is collectively, a group of people that are ready to enjoy the show and enjoy each other!
It is, of course, a reflection of your approach, and your personality shows through, but it is also a direct acknowledgement of the people of Ireland.
All were strong willed people but at the same, lighthearted and welcoming.
Thank you for the moment, and also thank you for the shout out! We were instant celebrities at the pub afterwards.
We are looking forward to our next week in Ireland, and will spread the happiness when we get back to the states!
❤️ Melinda & Phillip
Christy's reply
I appreciate your comments on our “collective”….the uniqueness of every gathering…it enthralls me… young and old and middle aged gather together and we celebrate our love of singing and song….that Tullamore set will never happen again….the first two songs have become ideal openers because they encourage us to sing together…after that it becomes totally random, I never know where the night is going to take me…..hope your week here on the Island brings all you seek..thank you for your feedback
Great gig in Tullamore tonight Christy – savage mix of tunes – Lucy delighted with the set-list- thanks very much – Happy Christmas to you & yours- looking forward to Vicar Street in January
Christy's reply
was it yourself that called for “Rosalita & Jack Cambell”?
great call
song of the night for me
I love to sing Sean Mone’s beautiful song.
it goes in real deep
A bit late to the party on the Kunta Kinte quiz, however Christy! Is there any truth in the rumour that it must be referred to in America as the Toby Album!? I’ll get me coat!
Will we ever hear the Sydney State Theatre story?
Christy's reply
this is the story….
I was playing The Sydney State Theatre on Sat April 11th 1992
after the gig I went to the dressing room.. changed, had a pot of tea and prepared to leave…the stage door man told me there were some people at the stage door who wished to say hello…
what happened next has always stayed with me
a small group of four or five people introduced themselves….they were from the Kildare Association of New South Wales….they presented me with an Honorary Certificate of Membership..it was signed my Caroline Lane, President and Eugene Kavanagh VIce -President……
that Certificate hangs on the wall here above my desk..I see it every day and remember that , for me, magic moment…..
so far far away from home , so far from my place of Birth….these five KIldare exiles met me down a back lane behind the State Theatre in Sydney and created a moment that touched me deeply..
I’ve been presented with various discs, placques and awards over the past 50 years , all greatly appreciated , but this is the only one on my workroom wall..it has a special place in my heart…..for reasons I dont completely understand ….
In that comment you say Tom was responsible for the classic sleeve on the first Planxty album, and you go on to say:
“The artwork has been compromised by the various charlatans who have owned the album subsequent to its original vinyl release in 1972…..buck them, the lot of them….they may own the rights, they may divvy the spoils but they will never experience the pleasure and satisfaction we gained in making the music”
I enjoyed that comment, fair play to you.
Christy's reply
I liked Tom a lot…he used to show up at gigs regularly…he was friendly with Shay Spillane (El Smir)..they were part of a small elite drinking team that would show up at Festivals of that era…Lisdoonvarna and Ballisodare were particular favourites…. Shay would always have backstage access and those guys knew how to enjoy themselves…the boot of their car would be loaded with Smirnoff…brings me back to the Festivals of the 70’s early 80’s…very very different ethos from what goes for Festivals 40-50 years on…. Macroom, Lisdoon, Ballisodare, Siamsa and many other one -offs that spring to mind…. nr Clifden, Mullingar, Loughrea, ..it began to turn a bit with Siamsa and then turn a bit more with the Trip to Tipp ..then Slane kicked off the a new era of festivals commenced…..its all very different now..everything has bigger helpings…but there are improvements too….I love playing The Marquee in Cork every Summer…gonna have a crack at The Botanic Gardens in Belfast next Summer…. been invited to some of the bigger events but I’m happy with what I’m doing…. I was asked to do the Sphere in Vegas but The Bonnamh tells me that the backstage shithouse is crap
Hello Christy,
It’s lovely to read your reflections this morning.
Here’s something equally gentle and beautiful
https://youtu.be/d-FC7ml8oKw?si=t-7mkSERARQr_Dfn
Rebecca
a Flurry of Boxes
a Trio of Masters
Sí Bheag Sí Mhór
Ceart go Leór
Morning Christy,
I enjoy the Where I Come From album, been listening again these last few days. What was the inspiration behind it?
It has a gentle feel to some of the re worked gems.
Where i do come from as a person is special to me, i’d say it is to you too. Hawick or newbridge, it’s what makes us who we are.
Rory
sitting here this morning in the Winter Sun trying to remember what inspired or drove the recording you mention…I could not be be certain so l got the album out and read the booklet..there I got the answer
“in 2012 I began to gather my songs together for this collection..then I re recorded them all..best to do it while I’m still able”
I’m enjoying this brief reflection back on that time a decade ago…..Tim Martin is no longer here….a dear friend, it was always a pleasure to work with Tim..we soldiered together on manys the track…. Tim never missed beat or a note, be it a good take when he would glow or a faulty take when we’d need to “go at it again”
I like Gary Farrelly’s artwork and Turlough Rynne’s sleeve design….the sleeve feels connected to “The Box Set 1964 -2004…
Currently working on a collection for 2024….hopefully we’ll achieve conclusion in the next few months…nearly there a few times but songs keep emerging that need consideration
been doing some recording back in Prosperous Co Kildare ….looking out the window of the studio across the fields I could see Downings House where we recorded the album “Prosperous” back in 1971……BIll Leader and his Revox A77 reel to reel….
Hello Christy,
Well, if you ever do get back over here I’d recommend Yorkshire, where the people are hewn like you own, from grit stone and dark earth, soft water and grasses playing in the wind.
https://youtu.be/_LeOXsDdx38?si=d_Ptrc0hvgTF_7sZ
Rory, that is a beautiful link but you flatter me too much. I’ll not accept being put in the same category with that wonderful harpist. My harp playing is all about accompanying my songs that’s all. But thankyou.
Rebecca
when I lived in Causeway Foot we rented a stone cottage from a local Farming Family……I recall that I always felt at home when I visited their farmhouse..they reminded me of my Father’s people who farmed in a similar manner and lived a similar lifestyle ..good farming people of the land..be it Yorkshire or Kildare
G’day young Christy:
I love to read your Sydney Certificate tale…
I regret I didn’t get to see you Downunder
I’m watching the cricket on TV (not the Jiminy sort) & listening to you on random play
Caught some YouTube posts of your recent concerts & I can feel the depth of warmth & goodwill in the room
I’m glad you enjoy the spirit as much as the audience – one is carried by the other & vice versa (??what??)
Salutations Stringman
Danny Harris – with open ears & mind & heart
greetings Danny… a grand Winter’s morning here
One for Rebecca and music lovers,
We were glad at having your music ‘up north’ and the only other harpist i saw was this lady ( from near here) who ‘supported’ the heaney/o’flynn gig in edinburgh , she was very young then but i recall made a lovely sound. So here is a real prize for us all, hope it works.rory
https://youtu.be/XwBlC9gYdBs?si=cxwGwWWgXRqL1rXL
sounds good Rory…Phamie Gow….
Hello Christy,
The very well-known Belfast traditional and rebel singer Ray McAreavey (of particular Wolfhound fame) died recently and has been sent to his eternal rest. Ray could have been an international star, he was that good.
All the best,
Stevie
RIP Ray
also remembering Paddy McGuigan
Hi 4711ers
Easkey how’s it going, still love your ‘roll on’ video from the camper van?
Pat n dave the cornerstones of our 4711 world, how goes the world in your corners of it ?
Our various other German friends tell us you were clearly a big hit over there, even before Joxer got there.
Hilary who releases wisdom of cm music into the world, the lady who knows all there is to know about Christy, i hope you have a peaceful holiday time.
Rebecca you’ve had ‘your’ prize already by coming to Hawick where we say that ‘a day out of Hawick is a day wasted’…… and then you already got a prize of those rarest of items namely vicar street tickets….keep stumbling over the videos.
Gipp a great range of interests and thoughts too.
Is pam from bury still visiting the site?
Any news from our Letterkenny friend?
All the best folks, and to you Christy.
Remember though that recent news tells us that rather than D for danger…..it’s F.
Rory
we have a small tight knit group of regulars here..
we also welcome occasional visitors…
and respond equally to our one-off correspondents….
all communicators welcomed…
I know that we have readers who don’t correspond…
I understand that reticence
I read many journals myself without committing to correspondence…
Thank you all for being part of this 4711er room…for being there
Happy Christmas good Companeros…
“There’s gonna be good times ..
when all our dreams come true” …. ( Shane)
(through ?)
Hello Christy,
Thankyou!!!
It’s a deal.
We’ll be in Dublin for the two last Vicar Street shows of the run, given a gentle and prevaling wind. I’ll make sure I remind you nearer to the time.
Rebecca
😃
sounds good
Hi Christy , apologies if this question has already been asked but are there any concert tours planned for England at all ?
My wife and I have seen you many times in Liverpool and Manchester over the years . I seem to remember in your last gig at the Philharmonic in Liverpool you said something along the lines of it possibly being your last visit .
If that is the case a massive thanks for the memories . If not , well we simply cannot wait !
Kind regards
Peter Griffin , Wigan .
Hi Peter…
I’d love to get back “over”
but I just don’t know…
nothing planned
First landed there in the Summer of 1961 aged 16….over every Summer for a few years…worked in Walls , EMI, Ross Foods,George Wimpey, ….moved over permanent in ’66 and served my time as an apprentice Folk Singer….spent time in your neck of the woods playing Wigan , Warrington, St Helens, Leigh, Bolton….remember meeting Barry Halpin and Bruce Scott at a Folk Club in Wigan..
Myself and the Crew often talk about another trip “over”…who knows whats gonna happen… some seem bent on making the poor old world a less friendlier place….I miss those nights at The Phil and Bridgewater
That’s a class story Christy, fair play for sharing!
Lovely effort and thought by Kildare commerades on the far side of the world. I suppose a gesture so great and unexpected would have a huge effect alright!
the memory still lingers…that lane, the wee chat, there we were, so far from home, sharing snippets of our quiet Kildare identity….
“from Hawkfield and Kilbelin, Chinatown and Rosy’s Lane
Scattered round the world we dreamt of comin home again
from The Rocks of Sydney Harbour, The Bronx and Birmingham
to The Sandy Hills, The Seven Springs, The Waters of The Fen
…..The Lilys of The Short Grass are coming home again”
Looking back at the year and one of the highlights was a magical night in Bundoran. It was a sticky night and a full house, plenty of songs and one very special mention for my daughter Sophia on her first concert followed by bright blue rose – simply magic and a memory that will live with me and Sophia always – thanks Christy and Merry Christmas
thats what its all about John….lovely to read that you and Sophia enjoyed our gig in The Great Northern….I really like that room….you are right, it can get “hot and sticky”…in my early singing years I recall many gigs being cold and almost empty…I love these hot and steamy nights……
Well Christy,
Some night in Tullamore last night. You had em eating out your hand and sent em home wanting more.
Some carry on for an oul fella.
Lovely touch presenting your paperwork to the young girl at the end.
A shout out to your long suffering roadie John who kindly flicked me a pick as he was packing up … it will travel 10,000 miles back to Brisbane and it’s good JuJu will help me lash out the tunes Down Under.
Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat Christy 💪💪
maith an fear DP….tell us more about your “lashing out the tunes down under”.. are you gigging ? I have vivid memories of my 5 visits to Brisbane….
Christy,
Words can’t express what an privilege and joy it was to see you again, this time in Tullamore. The show was grand, it was an honor to shake your hand.
My travel plans to Ireland are always in this order: #1 Secure tickets to your show. Only then; get plane tickets, car, then hotel! Let’s do this again, very soon.
A huge thanks to you and your “crew” for the warm welcome.
In the meantime, to You (and “yours”), Hillary, and Mom; I LOVE YOU BABY, HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
good man Joe…you got me singing Jimmy Mack’s “Missing You” again after a 5 year lay-off…I found a new way into it in Tullamore the other night…now I look forward to singing it more often…..Thank You
Christy hi,
I just stopped the car, to write this,as the news came on the radio .
Outside it is a perfect day for walking, here near Hawick.
There was gunshots, stones and bullets on a lovely, bright, crisp winter’s afternoon.
Rory
it was not supposed to be like this
Hello Christy,
I’m listening to a lot of Martin Hayes these last couple of weeks. If I can’t learn Irish phrasing from him then it can’t be learnt. I sit and smile right through it. Like listening to Liam.
Just wondering if te should forget any prize for the quiz. I’ve been so blessed with getting to know your music and the people in the group that that is more than enough for anyone. Hugs to all.
Rebecca
there will be a prize…dont know what it will be yet….sometimes it takes time..like the wee story from Sydney State….sometimes too I need reminding…reminds us when you and Steve are next visiting Vicar St
Good morning Christy.
Well we are back home on the banks of the river. Sadly not with my Mam, who passed on in 2003. A wonderful woman, who liked a good song herself. She was on the touchline for all of my life. Supporting me and the rest of the family. I’m sure she was with us on Monday night at Vicar Street. She loved Vishva almost as much as I do. I wrote a short piece about her here. https://tommurtha.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/watching-from-the-touchline/
We are now planning our next trip to see you sometime next year somewhere in Ireland. But we need to now rest for a few days to recover from our travels and reflect on a perfect celebratory conclusion to our anniversary. The Voyage continues.
Take care all.
Tom and Vishva.
Morra Tom….deeply moved by the precious memories you have shared… Your Mother, “standing on the touchline”of your life evokes many moments of my own journey ….the photo of you on your trike with Herself “peeking” up the street as her wee hero pedals on is beautiful….Thank You
Well, it’s gonna be a day or two before we can wrap our collective heads around the concert.
This is what I know, the reach that you possess is very strong. I was pulled in by the simple setting and the incredibly knowledgeable audience. This show is collectively, a group of people that are ready to enjoy the show and enjoy each other!
It is, of course, a reflection of your approach, and your personality shows through, but it is also a direct acknowledgement of the people of Ireland.
All were strong willed people but at the same, lighthearted and welcoming.
Thank you for the moment, and also thank you for the shout out! We were instant celebrities at the pub afterwards.
We are looking forward to our next week in Ireland, and will spread the happiness when we get back to the states!
❤️ Melinda & Phillip
I appreciate your comments on our “collective”….the uniqueness of every gathering…it enthralls me… young and old and middle aged gather together and we celebrate our love of singing and song….that Tullamore set will never happen again….the first two songs have become ideal openers because they encourage us to sing together…after that it becomes totally random, I never know where the night is going to take me…..hope your week here on the Island brings all you seek..thank you for your feedback
Great gig in Tullamore tonight Christy – savage mix of tunes – Lucy delighted with the set-list- thanks very much – Happy Christmas to you & yours- looking forward to Vicar Street in January
was it yourself that called for “Rosalita & Jack Cambell”?
great call
song of the night for me
I love to sing Sean Mone’s beautiful song.
it goes in real deep
A bit late to the party on the Kunta Kinte quiz, however Christy! Is there any truth in the rumour that it must be referred to in America as the Toby Album!? I’ll get me coat!
Will we ever hear the Sydney State Theatre story?
this is the story….
I was playing The Sydney State Theatre on Sat April 11th 1992
after the gig I went to the dressing room.. changed, had a pot of tea and prepared to leave…the stage door man told me there were some people at the stage door who wished to say hello…
what happened next has always stayed with me
a small group of four or five people introduced themselves….they were from the Kildare Association of New South Wales….they presented me with an Honorary Certificate of Membership..it was signed my Caroline Lane, President and Eugene Kavanagh VIce -President……
that Certificate hangs on the wall here above my desk..I see it every day and remember that , for me, magic moment…..
so far far away from home , so far from my place of Birth….these five KIldare exiles met me down a back lane behind the State Theatre in Sydney and created a moment that touched me deeply..
I’ve been presented with various discs, placques and awards over the past 50 years , all greatly appreciated , but this is the only one on my workroom wall..it has a special place in my heart…..for reasons I dont completely understand ….
thats the story Gipp
In that comment you say Tom was responsible for the classic sleeve on the first Planxty album, and you go on to say:
“The artwork has been compromised by the various charlatans who have owned the album subsequent to its original vinyl release in 1972…..buck them, the lot of them….they may own the rights, they may divvy the spoils but they will never experience the pleasure and satisfaction we gained in making the music”
I enjoyed that comment, fair play to you.
I liked Tom a lot…he used to show up at gigs regularly…he was friendly with Shay Spillane (El Smir)..they were part of a small elite drinking team that would show up at Festivals of that era…Lisdoonvarna and Ballisodare were particular favourites…. Shay would always have backstage access and those guys knew how to enjoy themselves…the boot of their car would be loaded with Smirnoff…brings me back to the Festivals of the 70’s early 80’s…very very different ethos from what goes for Festivals 40-50 years on…. Macroom, Lisdoon, Ballisodare, Siamsa and many other one -offs that spring to mind…. nr Clifden, Mullingar, Loughrea, ..it began to turn a bit with Siamsa and then turn a bit more with the Trip to Tipp ..then Slane kicked off the a new era of festivals commenced…..its all very different now..everything has bigger helpings…but there are improvements too….I love playing The Marquee in Cork every Summer…gonna have a crack at The Botanic Gardens in Belfast next Summer…. been invited to some of the bigger events but I’m happy with what I’m doing…. I was asked to do the Sphere in Vegas but The Bonnamh tells me that the backstage shithouse is crap