Christy Moore
Flying Into Mystery
Christy Moore once described himself as “a bringer of news” – and he’s never shirked from reminding us where we’re really at. Sadly, the news hasn’t got much better recently.
As a result, there’s a generally wistful, sometimes downbeat feel, to much of Flying into Mystery the cumulative effect of which is to confront us with the increasingly fraught issues of the day.
Name-checking Greta Thunberg, ‘Clock Winds Down’, written by Jim Page – who wrote the Moving Hearts classic ‘Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Russian Roulette’ – is a powerful, apocalyptic summary of the global mess we’ve made with our unremitting greed and indifference.
With climate change constantly in the air, several other songs come with the smell of the countryside off them. There is a reverence for the wonders of nature too, not least on a fine rendition of Gary Moore’s ‘Johnny Boy’. In the same vein, the title-track (written by Tony Boylan and Wally Page), the Tuohy-Connaughton song ‘Gasun’ and Christy’s own take on ‘Myra’s Caboose’ all hit the mark.
Ricky Lynch’s ‘December 1942’ is a chilling tale of the Holocaust, and Christy’s cover of Dylan’s ‘I Pity the Poor Immigrant’ could hardly be more relevant, with its forlorn, trademark Moore vocal. The Bard of Hibbing crops up again in ‘Zozimus and Zimmerman’, which applies a ‘Lisdoonvarna’-style to a vivid portrait of a Dylan gig in Dublin that makes you wish you were there.
Christy’s voice is sturdily expressive throughout. And he still has that unerring instinct for a telling song. A Christy Moore album is never less than provocative. But this one is more than that. We want this album. But we surely need it even more. Flying Into Mystery is a great record – and a genuine contender for Album of the Year.
Jackie Hayden
Dear Listeners
I’m delighted to announce my new single, Clock winds Down is out today, ahead of the new album, Flying into Mystery on 17th November. I’ll be back in Vicar street for fully seated shows on Nov 24 & 30, Dec 6, 8, 14 & 16 and Jan 3, 9, 11 & 17. General tickets sale starts on Thursday 28/10. Really looking forward to getting back to singing the ballads.
Ride On
Christy
The album will be available on digital stores, CD & gatefold vinyl and is available to pre-order here: https://ChristyMoore.lnk.to/FlyingIntoMysteryFA
Pearse Stadium, Salthill, Galway, August 26th 2021
City of Chicago
Quinte Brigada
Ride On
Shovel
The Two Conneeleys
Lingo Politico
Voyage
No Time For Love
Missing You
Delirium Tremens
Ordinary man
Spancilhill
Tuam Beat
Go Move Shift
Black is The Colour
Back Home in Derry
Cliffs of Dooneen
Lisdoonvarna
We had a glorious trip to Galway. just to be back out on the road was reward in itself. Michael Devine and I left early. We decided to leave the Motorway and travel West on the old road. That revived many memories from gigs of old. Arriving into Galway we encountered the usual traffic mayhem. Once again, I was shocked at the awfulness of what planners have done to Galway Harbour. Such an appalling act of desecration upon that beautiful City. We made it across The Corrib and into the sun drenched green of Pearse Stadium. Had a walk around the field and enjoyed a few pucks of the sliothar before sound check. For 18 months we have wondered would we ever get to work again. A joyful reunion with the road crew. Up on to the substantial stage erected in front of the main stand where 1200 would later gather, socially distanced. Guitars all checked, monitors in order and David tweaking a top shelf PA system. Back in my dressing room (usually reserved for the Galway Footballers and Hurlers) getting into my pre gig routine I heard Junior Brother warming up next door, so went in and had a chat with him. Hope to hear a lot more of his work in the future. The gig itself was amazing for me – such a welcome, such participation, I just tore into it and loved every minute of it.
The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. September 1st 2021
City of Chicago
Quinte Brigada
GasĂşn (abandoned)
Black is The Colour (to the rescue)
Welcome to the Cabaret
Go Move Shift
The Two Conneeleys
Lingo Politico
Flying into Mystery
Farmer Michael Hayes
Pity The Poor Immigrant
Zozimus & Zimmerman
Lisdoonvarna
North & South of The River
Delirium Tremens
All I Remember
Magdalen Laundry
Lawless
Faithfull Departed
Spancilhill
The Reel in The Flickering Light
Nancy Spain
Ordinary Man
A very different gig to last week. The Dun Laoghaire Folk Festival featured a series of gigs in my local Theatre, curated by Leagues O’Toole of Foggy Notions and Hugh Murray of the Pavilion Theatre. I was delighted to get the call as The Pavilion is only a couple of miles from my hall door. Limited to 50 listeners in a 350 seat auditorium it was a strange setting for both listener and performer but we got there in the end. We can but hope that we are on our way out of this recent debacle and that we have learned to respect the fragility of our existence on this beautiful planet.
Both Galway and Dun Laoghaire gigs were run in conjunction with State bodies. Without state sponsorship and endorsement these gigs would not have happened. Many performers and Production crew members appreciated these opportunities to work again.
Album News.
I have completed an album which will be released in November. “Flying Into Mystery” features 12 tracks produced with Jim Higgins. I’ve never had so much uninterrupted time to devote to a recording. Over 15 months it came together in different locations as lockdown regulations changed from time to time. Most of it was recorded in The Sandymount Hotel. There we had access to a conference room which the crew transformed into an excellent recording facility. Further recordings took place in Derry and in Prosperous, Co Kildare. We are all satisfied with the result of our labours. It remains to be seen what you listeners make of it!!
Gig News.
We may have some gig news to share soon. Fingers crossed as we look forward with hope towards whatever lies ahead.
Christy. 3rd September 2021
June 4th 2021
I got a right buzz when word came through that An Post* had nominated my image to adorn a stamp. My immediate reaction was to think of my grandparents Jack, Ellie and Bridie, how they might be tickled pink at such an outcome. Our old band Planxty were similarly honoured some years back, that too brought on a smile.
“My” stamp is part of a set of four marking 50 years of the World-renowned Glastonbury Festival. The other three performers are Sinéad O’Connor, Hozier and Lisa Hannigan. I’ve had the good fortune to play Glastonbury five times. I have many memories from those gigs, the earlier ones all the fonder.
The whole “stamp” project moved into a different gear for me when I was invited to sing in the G.P.O. (Our General Post Office in the centre of Dublin is the most iconic and historical building in Ireland. It was the hub of the 1916 Rebellion). More than the stamp itself, I perceived this an honour. From the day it was first mentioned it became the main focus of my rehearsing and preparation. I trawled the back repertoire to find two suitable songs. Eventually I settled on “The Foggy Dew” and “Down By The Glenside” neither of which have ever been in my public repertoire.
Our Grandfather, Jack Power came from Hayes, Navan Co Meath. He had one song – “The Foggy Dew”.  Jack would have witnessed volunteers from “The Plains of Royal Meath” hurrying thru to the GPO that Easter tide. Our Grandmother Ellie Sheeran came from The Cotton Mills, Navan Co. Meath. Ellie had one song – “Down By The Glenside”.
Thus I arrived at the G.P.O. on April 23rd 2021 all set with two songs learned from my Grandparents
The place was thronged, an industrious hive of activity. Valerie came with me and was equally excited at the prospect. Michael Devine, my colleague of 30 years was in charge of our visit. We were warmly welcomed and shown to the Boardroom of An Post. There were security personnel, car park personnel, An Post personnel, Producers, Directors, Camera Crew and Assistants, Sound Engineers, a make-up artist, Set staff, Photographers, a cleaning crew to maintain covid cleaning regulations and others – every single one of them performing their tasks to the very best of their ability.
I soon realised that there were two very different gigs going on. The entire production crew were there to make a commercial ad for An Post whilst I was there to sing in memory of those who died fighting for Freedom. I sang The Foggy Dew three times (for Camera purposes) and that went well. Sitting there in the great hall I became very aware of that iconic painting of James Connolly lying mortally wounded on the marble floor. I realised that I was sitting adjacent to that very spot where Connolly lay. Patrick Galvin’s powerful song came to mind and I decided to do an accapella version. The cameras rolled and I sang Paddy Galvin’s iconic verses. If there is one rendition of a song that will remain in my mind after 65 years of singing, it will be this one. At the end there was deadly silence, then the crew began to move around again. The first thing I heard was “we were hoping to hear something festivally, something with a bit of a Glastonbury vibe”. I must admit, this threw me – twas then I realised that I had come ill prepared
I did my best to finish but fell asunder a bit. I’ve no idea what will emerge from the exercise. I tried a few other songs but my focus was gone. I sincerely hope they will use Patrick Galvin’s great song. The Director promised he would furnish me with the footage and I trusted him to do so.
As for the stamp itself – it features a 35-year-old photo taken around the time of my first Glastonbury experience and is due out in July.
Christy
*(Our Irish Postal System pronounced “un pust”)
Greetings all you good listeners and songsters.
Recently I received a gift of songs from a gathering of singers. The original suggestion came from Rory in the Scottish Borders.
The recordings were edited together by Pat who dwells “over the moon” in Germany.
It was precious gift which I will always cherish and came at a time when a wind of uplift was greatly appreciated.
Many different singers from around the world shared versions of songs I have been privileged to sing.
I thank you all, Pat & Rory in particular.
I will share below the link for anyone out there who may be interested in hearing the basket of songs I received.
I am deeply immersed in rehearsals and demos at the moment as I prepare to record an album.
Some fine songs have come my way this past year. Working on them has given me great purpose. I’ve also written some songs that may make the cut. Also, some traditional songs have come back up before me.
Circumstance has meant that I only play Solo here in the work room. The songs are developing very much in that format.
I’ve been absent from the Guestbook on my website for the past two weeks.
Normal service will be resumed when the muse returns.
Everybody needs a break.
For those who did not hear or may have forgotten, we have put 8 lockdown sessions up on my Facebook page & also on YouTube … you can view by clicking HERE or HERE
Thank you for listening, for your messages of good will, for being there…
Christy
Greetings to all you good Listeners.
Today, Universal Music (Ireland) release a collection of recordings entitled “The Early Years” (1969-1980) which is available HERE
I’m enclosing an interview I did with Leagues O’Toole which was published in The Sunday Business Post: Christy Moore Interview
I’m also sharing a video which highlights some of the songs. My Son Andy and I made it in lieu of COVID-19 cancellations. Click HERE for video.
The Show gotta go on!
Soon as we get jabbed up with this hoped-for vaccine, we’ll be appearing at a hall near you…. Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork… anyone for the last few choc ices?
Christy
Dear Listeners
Next month (November 2020) Universal Ireland will release a new Album “The Early Years”. It will include 2 CDs and a DVD and will feature audio and video recording from 1969 to 1978.
Pre-order is available by clicking HERE …
Christy
To all you listeners out there in the beyond,
I’m sending out a reminder for my Solo Gig which will be Streamed Live from The National Concert Hall in Dublin this coming Saturday, 19th September.
Some of you may have enjoyed the 8 Lockdown Sessions and might be interested in joining in.
It will be my first Concert since we shut down last March and  the first time back with the Road crew again. I’m looking forward to that enormously.
I’ve been thinking a lot about my set & about the challenge the gig presents… I’m gonna give it my best shot as we enter the next phase.
Christy
Tickets on sale now @ €16.50 – click HERE for the link …
Any questions about the live stream can be answered here … https://support.dice.fm/article/372-christy-moore-live-stream-faqs
PS …Â Here’s a little taster … https://youtu.be/ZAkO7jN_vOU
Dear Listeners …
I’ll be streaming a live gig from the National Concert Hall on Saturday 19th September. This a Global Livestream Event.
The concert will go out live from NCH Ireland, UK, Europe, 8.00pm BST / 9.00pm CEST
It will also broadcast at the following local times for audiences in these countries :
U.S. East Coast, 8.00pm EDT
U.S. West Coast, 8.00pm PDT
Australia 8.00pm AEST September 20
You can purchase a ticket for any of these four streams that are most convenient to you.
Tickets are €16.50 and are available now – Click HERE for link …
I hope ye can join me …
Christy
Dear Listeners …
Part 2 of Des’s Island Discs on RTE Radio 1 tonight at 6.30 pm featuring yours truly … Hope ye can tune in.
Christy
Click HERE for the link to RTE 1
Dear Listeners,
Here at last is episode 8 …
Track listing is – Ordinary Man, Bright Blue Rose, Joxer, How Long, Sacco & Vanzetti, I Pity the Poor Immigrant.
I hope ye enjoy it – Have a nice weekend.
Christy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QmCd4sVvs
Dear Listeners,
Apologies for the delay with episode 7 … We had a few technical issues. This weeks songs are – So Do I, Gortatagort, Don’t Forget Your Shovel, Black is the Colour, Viva La Quinta Brigada and Sail on Jimmy.
I hope ye will enjoy it.
Christy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqDM2_YURws
Dear Listeners,
Here’s the latest instalment. This week we’ve done Yellow Triangle, I Pity the Poor Immigrant, The Pearly King, One Last Cold Kiss, Go Move Shift & The Time Has Come.
I hope ye enjoy…
All the best,
Christy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oO3ixo8q9o
Dear Listeners …
Here’s Episode 5Â – this week I’ve done Lily, Curragh of Kildare, Beeswing, Rosalita & Jack Campbell, Raggle Taggle Gypsy, Tuam Beat, & John O’Dreams. I hope ye enjoy. Keep the questions and requests coming.
Thanks for Listening,
Christy
https://www.facebook.com/officialchristymoore/videos/705224033368222/
I send best wishes to you all out there. Time to touch base and share what’s going on here in the work room…
It’s the first time I’ve had an empty diary since 1966, everything this year has been cancelled.  Like everyone else, I’ve no idea when venues might re-open and when gigs might re-commence.
It’s a time of uncertainty as the two lobbies struggle. Public Health & Safety versus Forces of Economic Interests with so many varying concerns on the side-lines.
Gigs, Songs and Music have their place in the debate but, understandably, are well down the list of National priorities.
We can but live in hope and do whatever we can on a daily basis to try to live within the guide lines and to support those on the front lines of defence who tirelessly and selflessly strive to keep us safe.
I give Thanks to all who labour ceaselessly to protect us, just as I abhor all selfish transgressions.
As some of you will know, these past 5 weeks I have commenced weekly sessions from the workroom here.
Our Son Andy records some songs here every Monday, our Daughter Juno posts on Facebook and other platforms on Thursdays.
We recorded episode 5 last night. the sessions have been well received the world over…lots of feedback, questions and requests from Cork, New York, Gortahork and Glenamaddy…
I’m hoping to record a new song this week…in so far as I can recall it will be my first solo (studio) recording. I’m apprehensive and excited in equal measure.
Over the years I have relied heavily upon different compañeros when entering recording studios. The studio set-up is outside my comfort zone. let’s see what emerges…
It’s a new song from Paul Doran. I recorded two songs of his previously -“Natives” and “The Gardener”. we also collaborated on “Let’s make it Work” and “Derby Day”
Paul has just released some new work himself   http://pauldoranmusic.com/album/1620837/double-a-side-single
That’s it for Bloomsday
PS – as Joyce might say about lockdown transgressors;
“The curse of a good-for-nothing God Light Sideways on the bloody thick lugged sons of hoors gets” (from Ulysses – Cyclops/Citizen)
Dear Listeners,
Here are a few more songs … I hope that you enjoy. Thanks for listening.
Christy
https://www.facebook.com/officialchristymoore/videos/392516018335369/
Dear Listeners,
Here’s a few more songs for ye. Keep the requests coming and thanks for listening …
Christy
https://www.facebook.com/officialchristymoore/videos/550315788987875/
Dear Listeners – Here’s the second installment. Thanks for listening.
Christy
Dear Listeners,
I’ve posted a few songs on facebook. Thinking of doing this regularly – what would ye think?
Christy
https://www.facebook.com/officialchristymoore/videos/568072940788189/
Dear Friends, Ravers ,Songsters, Listeners, Communicators and others.
Thank you all for making contact on the occasion of my 75th Birthday.
The poor Postman was bent over carrying all the cards you sent.
The Nokia was hopping all day as your texts pinged in.
The in-box on me mac was like Hill 16 on a September Sunday (of yore)
Cakes, writing materials, photos, memorabilia, CDs and Songs.
It would take me a Year to respond to everyone individually, please accept this collective note of gratitude.
We had a grand day here. The Sun shone down and prevailing conditions called for a very low key celebration.
All things considered it is a remarkable age – way beyond what I would have anticipated in earlier times.
Now that I’m here, I value this time with gratitude, excitement, love and determination.
It’s a time that encompasses fear, powerlessness and anger but  also, and more importantly, hope, compassion, care and love.
For every Johnny Ronan we have tens of thousands of good, kind hearted people doing their utmost to help fellow citizens.
Thanks to each and every one of you. Thank You
We have no idea what the future holds – the gig diary is completely empty. I miss the company of good companeros, of Band, Crew and Listeners.
Every day I sing and play here. I need to keep in touch with all the songs, constant revision with occasional alterations. There are a number of new covers on the worktop. They challenge me each day but also keep me occupied and content as I begin to learn and to sing them.
As to whether they make it into a “live” set, that’s an entirely different matter with many hurdles to cross.
Keep Coming Back.
Grá agus gach beannact go dtà an gaggle go léir….
Christy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ysHDmllT_o&feature=youtu.be
To all you 4711ers, songsters, listeners, scallywags and rapscallions.
Thank you for your messages, cards, texts emails, cakes, writing materials, books and good wishes,
See you along the way when the coast is clear.
Christy
PS – Here’s some stuff from the archives ye might be interested in checking out.
https://www.hotpress.com/music/happy-birthday-christy-moore-revisiting-classic-interview-22814589
https://www.rte.ie/archives/2019/1030/1087465-political-christy-moore/Â
Dear Listeners,
Sadly, we have had to cancel all of our shows through July 2020.
The only show rescheduled at this time is Live at the Marquee in Cork, for Saturday June 26, 2021.
Hopefully we will see you all again when things get back to normal. Stay safe everyone. Let the music keep your spirits high.
Christy
Dear Listeners,
We are expanding our list of cancelled shows to include Kilkenny–Lyrath Estate Hotel;  Killarney–INEC; Portlaoise–Midlands Park Hotel; Leitrim-Lough Rynn Castle Hotel; Letterkenny-Clanree Hotel; Westport–Castlecourt Hotel.
At this stage, we are unprepared to reschedule the shows and suggest our Guests seek refunds from point of purchase.
I wish everyone a safe passage through this difficult time.
Christy
Dear Listeners,
It is with regret that I must announce the cancellation of upcoming concerts in Kilkenny, Killarney and Portlaoise. In the absence of official Government guidance, I feel it incumbent on me to make this decision.  Having heard tonight’s bulletin from the W.H.O. I have made this difficult decision.
I regret any inconvenience caused. We will give further information re: rescheduling, refunding etc. and about other future concerts as soon as it is available.
I wish everyone a safe passage through this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Christy Moore
Dear Listeners,
We are pleased to announce that Christy will return to the National Concert Hall in June. Tickets for the Wednesday June 17th show are on sale at 10am Wed March 11th, 2020.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
We are pleased to announce that we have scheduled a second show for Leisureland, Galway on Saturday, August 15th, 2020. Tickets go on sale Fri Feb 14th. Further details  here on the gig page
https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/112803/christy-moore-extra-date-added
Dear Listeners…
We are about to release a new album of songs for your consideration.
It contains 26 new live recordings gathered under the title of “Magic Nights”
The opening track is “Magic Nights in The Lobby Bar”. A version of John Spillane/Ger Wolf’s classic song recorded at The Opera House, Cork in 2014.
We have recorded all our gigs in recent years. Producer Jimmy Higgins and Sound Engineer David Meade selected these takes from hundreds of gigs.
It has been an enjoyable process. Listening back and discovering special moments, riffs that went unnoticed, choruses long forgotten.
Every gig develops its own atmosphere, every audience being a unique gathering of listeners.
In Belfast we dedicated “Burning Times” to Lyra McKee, her Young Life so cruelly ended on The Creggan.
In Glasgow I responded to a call-out for Spancilhiil and what followed was, for me, a very special version of young Michael Considine’s beautiful song.
When we played Dreamland in Athy I sang Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt”. I was 18 when I heard him sing in that very same Dancehall. A night I have never forgotten. (Albert Reynolds was on the door!)
In Vicar St, Dublin a voice called out for “Johnny Jump Up”. The Band had not played it before but I dived in and they followed. I cherish such spontaneous moments.
In recent months I have happened upon Sean Mone’s “Rosalita & Jack Cambell”, Pete St John’s “Inchicore Wake, Rob Corcoran’s “Ringing the Bell” and Albert Niland’s “Irish Pagan Ritual” (aka “Sail on Jimmy”) Each one taking its place in the set and gathering momentum along the way.
Its 50 years this year since I released my first album.
I have deep gratitude for the mystery of it all. At work I’m surrounded by a great team of comrades. Their talents and vital contributions keep the show on the road.
Each night at 8.05 we stand side stage, breathe in the air of expectancy, the intoxicating waft of perfume and after shave. The crew complete their final checks, the lights go down and out we go once more to face the Music.
Thank You for listening,
One and All,
Christy.
October 11th, 2019
Pre-order the Magic Nights album here – https://smi.lnk.to/MagicNights
Dear Listeners,
We have a raft of dates to announce for next spring. Gormanston and Naas are already on sale from hotel reception.
Waterford goes on sale Friday Oct 11th.
Trim, Mullingar, Tullamore, Kilkenny and Portlaoise will all go on sale Saturday Oct 12th.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
We are pleased to announce the following shows:Â Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Thursday March 26th; Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Friday April 3rd; Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell, Friday May 8th; and Radisson Hotel, Sligo, Saturday May 16th.
Tickets on Sale Tuesday Oct 1st.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
Christy makes a welcome return to Glasgow Concert Hall, Edinburgh Usher Hall and Glasgow Barrowland April 15th, 16th and 18th, 2020.
Tickets on Sale Friday September 27th.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
We are pleased to announce Christy’s return to Vicar Street December 9, 10, 16, 17, 2019 and January 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14, 2020. Tickets on sale Thursday September 26th.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
We are pleased to announce two November shows on sale today at the Parkview Hotel and the Amber Springs Hotel.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
After two sell out shows last year, Christy returns to the Charleville Park Hotel on Thursday November 28th. Tickets on sale Friday July 26th.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
Christy will play at the Cappoquin Community Centre on Sept 27th, and Clonmel Park Hotel Sept 28th. Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday June 28th.
Further details  here on the gig page
Dear Listeners,
Christy will play the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on Fri July 26th and Sat July 27th – and the Barbican Theatre, Drogheda on Fri September 20th.
Dun Laoghaire tickets on sale Fri June 21st. Barbican tickets on sale Saturday June 22nd.
October dates in Armagh City Hotel and the Slieve Donard Resort, Newcastle are on sale now.
Further details  here on the gig page