Myself and Don Baker will play a Benefit for the Locked Out Greyhound Workers on Saturday, 16th August in Liberty Hall. Tickets from www.ctb.ie
Myself and Don Baker will play a benefit for the Greyhound Workers on Saturday, 16th August. Tickets fom www.ctb.ie
The Night Before Larry Was Stretched
“The night before Larry was stretched”
INEC Theatre Killarney 24th May.
Itâs 30 minutes before show time in Killarney – In the dressing room my head is full of flashing thoughts; I need to look at Brendan’s Voyage, I haven’t sung it since Dingle last year⊠must run through the Contender with the Trad. Outfit (aka MairtĂn O’Connor Band) before we go on… I remember the lady that took ill at last year’s gig here; I hope she recovered well and I wonder is she here tonight. Thinking back to the 1980’s when I used to do Summer residencies next door in the old Gleneagle Hotel. I’d stay out in Fossa at The Europe Hotel. I remember a strike there once. The staff were picketing the front gate and I wanted to go in and get my guitar before my gig in the town. They agreed to let me through if I’d sing a verse for them (“O Mrs Grojen, youâre only cat melojin”)⊠I sometimes imbibed all nighters after the gigs in The Gleneagles. The late Joe (Drifters) Dolan and I gave the vodka a right lash one night. Michael gives the 15 minute curtain call – time to get the duds on and stretch the keks one more time. At the 5 min call I receive a note from a man who last came to the gig in 1973.He wrote about a Planxty gig at Birmingham University and asked me to play John O’Dreams for a friend sadly missed. Notes like this give the work a great sense of continuity. Momentarily I feel connected to this man whom I have never met; we are two Leaves floating on the Lake of Song. Michael announces that its time to go… time to face the music once again.
Hilton Hotel, Belfast. 29th May.
6 hours to show time next door in The Waterfront Theatre. Iâm staying at The Hilton Hotel. (No sign of Paris) My first gig here on the Bog Meadow was in 1972. It was a Very different time. It was at the other end of this journey. I had different ways of working back then – more distractions, and shorter sets. Drink was a big factor in my life then, hashish too. Now I sing about those days rather then relive them. Sobriety is the real high, all I have to do is gain it, and then hang onto it. Back then I played McMordie Hall at Queen’s University with Planxty. We did a short tour with John Martyn, all of us traveling together in a Ford Transit. Six of us plus all the PA and instruments. We had a few hairy moments, one late night checkpoint sticks in my memory. I had a good rehearsal last night as we prepared for the next leg of our tour (with MairtĂn O’Connor’s Band). I love this time back among Traditional Players. Hearing the reels reverberate and the jigs shimmy⊠listening to these players as they go deep into their treasure trove seeking melodies that will enhance the songs. “Last Nights Fun” “Rodney’s Glory” “Ships in Full Sail” and “The Sailor on The Rock” are all tried and testedâŠ.I sing “The Trip to Jerusalem” and MairtĂn O’Connor segues into “Grogan’s Favourite”. It feels like they were made for each other. Cathal Hayden rips into “Far from Home” after I sing “McIlhatton”. I think of Bobby Sands writing these words over the road in Long Kesh. Sheamie OâDowd is forever picking up different instruments, last week he produced a mandolin, the week before that he blew into a Hohner, Jimmy Higgins sits behind the traps glued to the rhythm, keeping us all locked to the beat.
We played:
How Long
Ordinary Man
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Nancy Spain
Michael Hayes /The Races of Clonmel
Merseyside
Natives / Enniskillen Dragoon
The “Larry” Set.
Yellow Triangle
Missing You
I pity The Poor Immigrant
My Little Honda 50
Tyrone Boys
Brown Eyes
Gortatagort
Matty
McIlhatton / Far From Home
First Time Ever I saw your face
Smoke and Whiskey
Ride On
Joxer
The Time has Come
Biko Drum
Beeswing
DTs
Chicago
Where I Come From
The Humours of Tulla/Last Nights Fun/Cooley’s Reel/The Wise Maid
2 hours and 15 minute
Early morning, Belfast – 30th May
Not enough sleep. Buzzing after last nightâs adrenalin, I did not drop off til almost 3 am. Itâs now 7 am and Belfast is on the move. The trains are stirring nearby. The early birds are moving round the city. Business has commenced. Canât sleep. Then I recall being on the back of a Wimpey lorry at 7 am in Chiswick back in 1966 – That was hardship. Thereâs a building site down on the Riverside beneath the hotel. A dumper has just spluttered to life. There goes a kango hammer kicking off. Steel pipes are being lifted from a truck. Here comes an early plane flying into George Best Airport. There’ll be no more sleep in The Hilton this morning. (Still no sign of Paris – Ronaldo must be in town). Some do wonder why I write these chats. I sometimes wonder myself how many might read them. Truth is – it matters little. It helps me survive idle hours like these – Times when an unoccupied mind might start playing tricks inside this auld alkie head. It gives me focus as I share my rambling thoughts with whoever might peruse these chats. Years back I realized the comfort to be gained from the simple act of sharing. I know little about the results that prayer might yield but I do know that great comfort can be gained from the very act itself.
Show time looms once more. We had a good rehearsal followed by the sound check (attended by some long-haul listeners). The Lads went off for dinner. I cannot eat before a gig. I like to sing on an empty stomach. Itâs very still backstage. In the distance I’m aware of the crowd gathering. The dressing room window looks out over The River Lagan. The Titanic centre looms upon the skyline. People are walking to and fro along the far bank of the River. The crew are down the corridor in the chuck room. I busy myself preparing prompts, doing warm-up stretches, getting dressed, trying to treat a bad throat and blocked nose. Then its time to go and Michael leads me to the side stage area. David lowers the music and makes his pre-gig announcement, Geoff lowers the lights and the show begins…
“When you look into a child’s face, you are seeing all the human race.
The endless possibilities there, where so much can come true
You think of the beautiful things a child can do.
How long can a child survive?”
(Jackson Brown)
Sunday, 1st June, Allenwood GAA Club. Co. Kildare.
“There is a beautiful Bog near Allenwood where Johnny Doyle is King”
We travelled right into the heartlands of Kildare last night where the people of Allenwood were marking the retirement of Johnny Doyle from Inter-County Football. I felt honoured when his family invited me to be part of this celebration. I believe every county in Ireland has its own unique attributes. In my eyes, Johnny Doyle has that unique Kildareness about him. The Hall was thronged as he arrived. I could sense his discomfort at being the centre of all this attention but, as always, Johnny was graceful and humble in acceptance. Later he said “itâs the kind of night I’d love to attend -provided it was for someone else”. All his family and neighbours were gathered round as were players from far and near. We were enthralled to hear the story of Johnny’s life playing Gaelic Football. GAA Players recounted playing with him at Schoolboy level and we followed the story through to the great heights he later attained. Amongst many who shared reflections were Ronan Sweeney, Dermot Early, Kieran McGeeney and Glen Ryan. There were video links to Sydney, Melbourne, Boston, New York and London, far off places where young Allenwood players now seek their livelihood. That said the young lad skyping from Bondi Beach did not appear to be suffering the pain of exile! It was lovely to be part of this event. I sang “Where I Come From” and “Ride On” for Johnny Doyle. We wish him and his family long life, happiness and good health.
Monday, 2nd June – the Curragh of Kildare.
We had a great walk across The Curragh Plains today as part of the annual June Fest. We left Herbert Lodge with about 150 walkers and made our way around the race course, over the gallops, across the motorway, on to the old Internment camp and we learned as we walked. There were 7 stops en route where different aspects of The Curragh were explained. Old Historical sites, Mythical tales, the History of Horse racing, the different Raths we passed, the old Geology of The Plains and The History of The Curragh Camp. We had a little circular Dance along the way to help allay anxieties. Our last stop was The Gibbet Rath, a historical place of Gathering, where in recent times (1798) there was a mass murder of 360** United Irishmen by the forces of occupation. I was invited to sing a song. I thought that “Dunlavin Green” might be appropriate.
In the year of one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight.
A sorrowful tale the truth unto you I’ll relate.
Of 36 heroes to the world they were left to be seen.
By false information, they were shot down on Dunlavin green
Bad luck to you Saunders their lives you sold away.
You said a parade would be held on that very day.
The drums they did rattle and the fifes they did sweetly play.
Surrounded we were and quietly marched us away.
Quite easy they led us as prisoners through the town.
To be shot on The Green we then were force to lie down.
Such grief and such sorrow in one place it was ne’er before seen.
As when the blood ran in streams down the dykes of Dunlavin Green.
There is young Matty Farrell has plenty of cause to complain.
Likewise the two Duffys who were shot down on The Plain.
And young Andy Ryan who’s Mother distracted will run.
For the loss of her own darlin’ boyâŠher Eldest Son
Some of our lads to the Hills they have gone away.
More of them have been shot and some have gone to sea.
Michael Dwyer of the mountains has plenty of cause for the spleen.
For the loss of his own brave comrades, shot down on Dunlavin Green.
I first heard this sung by Andy Rynne of Prosperous back in 1968. I have heard many versions of it since most recently from Gerry O’Reilly at The GoilĂn Club in Dublin. I have heard it said that this song still arouses friction in certain quarters round Dunlavin.
Friday 6th June.
We are back in Newbridge, Co. Kildare again for more of the June Fest. Tonight we attended a gig from The Voice Squad. We love this acapella Group which features Phil Callery, Fran Mc Phail and Gerry Cullen. This genre of music emerged from “The Young Tradition” and “The Watersons”, two English Groups of the 1960s, both of whom created wonderful acapella albums. Itâs a singing style that was initially influenced by The Copper Family. The Voice Squad sing in close (and perfect) three part harmony. Fran occupies the summit, Phil holds the middle ground while Gerry patrols the bass end with his rich and mellow tones. The Concert was held in the Protestant Church on the Moorefield Road of my native town. This church is but 300 yards from the house where I spent my childhood. This was my first time to pass inside the gates. 60 years ago we were forbidden to enter these grounds. Bishops deemed it to be an (almost) unforgivable Mortal Sin. Old neighbours died and we were forbidden to attend their funerals. As young children we were terrified by threats of The Eternal Fires of Hell should we pass inside the gates of this beautiful old church. It was wonderful to sit there in the summer of 2014 and to listen to beautiful songs being sung by good people of unknown persuasion.
Saturday June 7th. Patrician School Hall. Newbridge, Co. Kildare (June-Fest closing concert)
I was joined on stage by Paul Keogh from Hawkfield and Lennie Cahill from Piercetown. They are two of Newbridge’s finest musicians. I first heard them with their Band, King Modo, at The RTE Music Train Gig. I was taken by their harmony singing and the feel of their playing. We hope to do some more gigs along the way. Keep an ear out for The Hometown Boys, also for King Modo who have some tasty cuts on YouTube.
Tuesday, 10th June – John Murray Show Radio 1
Doing live unscripted radio is a challenge that I enjoy. Doing it with John Murray is like sitting down for a chat. I got to know many of John’s family when I was a young lad working in Clonmel. I got up at 6 a.m. and sang for about an hour to try and warm up the vocals. I always have a fierce croak early in the day. It takes time to break down the frogs and get some tone into my singing voice. John and his team decided that we would do the programme “on the wingâ. Listeners phoned in requests and reflections. I had written a guide list of about 20 songs. In the end I only sang one of them. I sang Tony Small’s beautiful song “Mandolin Mountain” for the first time in public – Straight in at the deep end.
Click HERE for a podcast of the show.
Bogie’s Bonnie Belle
Voyage
Encore
Lord Baker
Ruby Walsh
Honda 50
Mandolin Mountain
Curragh of Kildare
Raggle Taggle Gypsy
John O’Dreams
Wednesday, 11th June – Irish Traveller Pride
David Essex and I at the Traveller Pride awards
Each year the Irish Traveller Movement holds an award ceremony. The Traveller Pride Awards Ceremony was held in The Pillar Room of The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin. I was invited this year to present the Music Award. It was a wonderful event sponsored by The Department of Justice. Awards were made in 8 different categories and the atmosphere was one of pride, happiness and positivity. Very different from what is written in the media week in week out. I met David Essex there. He was recently awarded an O.B.E. for his work as Patron of the Gypsy Movement in the UK. His Grandfather was an Irish Traveller and he spoke about the pride he holds for his Traveller Heritage. MichĂ©al Ă Muireacheartaigh presented the award for sport and was his usual eloquent self. He sets a great example to us. Life is always enhanced when meeting him. Three stark facts have stayed with me since this event; That Child Mortality rate among Travellers is much higher than that of Settled People. That the Suicide rate among young Traveller Men is 7 times that of settled young men. Life expectancy within the Traveller Community is 15-20 years shorter then that of settled people. These three awful statistics were burned into my mind. But also I cherish the great welcome Valerie and I received from all the people we met there. Pecker Dunne’s son Stephen provided the opening music. Anne Cassin compered the event with grace and humour and is obviously committed to supporting the movement towards Traveller’s Rights – A Movement which still has a long way to go. It was a privilege to be there.
Click HERE for a clip.
Friday, 13th June, Cavan. Slieve Russell Hotel.
Always a great County for songs, singers and listeners, once again, Cavan did not disappoint. It was great to hook up with Declan Sinnott again after a 3 month break. We both travelled different music roads for the duration. Soon as we began to play everything fell back into place. We had the added attraction of Jimmy Higgins making a trio and nailing down the rhythmâŠ
Saturday, 14th June
We had a grand cross country drive from Ballyconnell to Letterkenny and Arrived at Clanree right into the muddle of a huge wedding party. Dive for cover! Then itâs Sound check, Rehearsal, and Gig. There was a Great Saturday night vibe in the thronged room – Great listening and rapport with the audience. A few wags putting in their oars. To my right there is an ongoing shemozzle that eventually stops the gig momentarily. But this gig is really rockinâ along. When itâs like this songs seem to pick and play themselves. I don’t have to choose what comes next, the gig evolves seamlessly. Declan is putting out all the sweet notes and Jimmy has us locked together. I hear “Faithfull” uttered and the audience buy into it like never before. Then I’m talking about Chevron and the opening notes of “Dark End” are emerging. Marty tells me on the guest page that its Rory G’s 19th anniversary and we mark it⊠word comes of the passing of John Sands and we pay tribute. Guitars are more or less playing themselves, pitch sounds perfect and lyrics bubble up thoughtlessly. For us, this is one of the great nights ⊠thanks Lads and Lassies
How Long
Ordinary Man
Missing You
North and South
Rory is Gone
Chicago
Beeswing
Where I Come From
Broomielaw
Delirium Tremens
Burning Times
Ride On
Mainland ⊠abandoned
Nancy Spain
Duffy’s Cut
Brown Eyes
Mainland ⊠resumed
Derry
Merseyside
Stitch in Time
McIlhatton
Voyage
Faithfull Departed
Dark End of the Street
Shovel
Cliffs
Amsterdam
(Encore)
Hurt
Lisdoonvarna
(2 hours 25 minutes)
Wednesday, 18th June
Last night in Dublin Bob Dylan was a joy to behold. He moved around the deck like a Sea Captain. What a joy it was to watch him as he steered his Ship of Fame towards some distant horizon. It was perhaps our 12th time to see him in almost 40 years. He sent the pair of us home last night feeling real good. His path is well worn now. He ambles around centre stage to and fro from microphone and piano stool. He pauses at a lectern to shuffle the cards, always resuming with another precious gem from the Treasure Trove of Song. His band was real tight. I always need and love to hear lyrics. Sometimes I become traumatised when I cannot hear every word. But this is different. This is Himself – Dylan is the only one (in my book) who can get away with indistinction. Jasus I could barely make out a word. Yet I drank it all in. The pure abstraction of it all, yet I love every picture painted, every line imagined. I am happy to go home after the gig and peruse the lyrics of last night’s setlist. I come to witness the Bard, to pay homage to the Songster, to watch The Master at work. Thanks for a great night Doctor Bob. We wish you a safe and contented voyage, forever onward toward that distant shore. “I Pity the Poor Immigrant who wishes he’d stayed at home”.
His Set;
Things Have Changed
She Belongs to Me
Beyond Here Lies Nothin’
What Good Am I?
Waiting for You
Duquesne Whistle
Pay in Blood
Tangled Up in Blue
Love Sick
High Water (For Charley Patton)
Simple Twist of Fate
Early Roman Kings
Forgetful Heart
Spirit on the Water
Scarlet Town
Soon after Midnight
Long and Wasted Years
Encore
All Along the Watchtower
Blowin’ in the Wind
Sunday, 22nd June. A Night for Tony Small (Galway Town Hall)
A great crowd gathered last night to celebrate the life our brother, friend and songster, the late Tony Small. Tony spent his life gathering, writing, nurturing, re-arranging, sharing, living and singing his songs. Before the gig, dressing rooms resounded with Tony’s verses as we warmed before going out to share songs and memories with those seated out front. Tonyâs siblings Jackie, Loretta, Angela and Rene sat with The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins (himself an auld butty of Tony’s), Sabina (our First Lady), The Lord Mayor of Galway and a galaxy of balladeers, listeners, retired porter sharks and respectable people. Pauline Scanlon, Diva of Dingle hosted the gathering. Pauline spoke about the generosity of Spirit she found in Tony when, at a very young age, he took her on board and mentored her singing career. That was to be the story of the night as we all shared our experiences across the years. I met Tony in 1969 in a small Folk Club in Tooting Bec, London. Later I spent time with him and his family in Finsbury Park.’Twas a time when we were all finding our way in the world. He introduced me to Woody Guthrie’s songs and also played Dylan’s “Tribute to Woody”. Ever since then we have been in touch over the decades. I always loved receiving his recordings as we both travelled on to wherever our songs took us.
For Tony I sang “The Yellow Bittern”, “Hard Cases”, “The 1913 Massacre” and “Mandolin Mountain”.
Thatâs it for now good listeners. The summer is upon us. Catch up with you along the way. Whatâs the story?
Christy.
PS. Some fresh Dates:
September 19th Armagh
September 20th Newcastle
September 24th Newry
September 25th Newry
October 17th Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran
October 18th Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana
New Dates Added …
3 New Dates just inâŠ
July 17th – Castlecourt Hotel – Westport,Co Mayo
July 18th – Park Hotel – Kiltimagh,Co Mayo
July 19th – Lough Rynn Hotel – Mohill Co.Leitrim
Ticket details will be posted on the gig page in the coming daysâŠ
The Nightingale Sings …
May 6th 2014
“As I went a walkinâ one morning in May
I spied a young couple who fondly did stray
One was a young maid so sweet and so fair
And the other was a soldier boy, a bold grenadier”
(From “The Nightingale”)
When I first started singing ballads, this song was all the go. Back then, I got an old guitar for ÂŁ3 at a fleadh in Portarlington. Donal Lunny started me off with the chords C and G7. Later he taught me the F and G chords and my Nightingale began to sing.
(Lest our overseas readers be confused – In Ireland, at the time of the 1960s Folk Revival, Folk Songs were always described as “Ballads”, Folk Singers were known as “Ballad Singers” and venues were described as “Ballad Lounges”)
“And they kissed so sweet and comforting as they clung to each other.
They went arm in arm along the road like sister and brother.
They went arm in along the road til they came to a stream.
Where they both sat down together love to hear the Nightingale sing”
I loved the staccato rhythm of this lyric. The imagery and the story unfolded and the chords felt huge and vital. The great chorus, which everyone seemed to know and love, would raise the rafters. My eyes were closed tight from the very beginning. At first verse, beads of perspiration flowed, by the last chorus beads had turned to rivulets. I recall a Fleadh in Thurles way back (I was 17 or 18) when a man called “lets have another song from the fella who sweats”. I had just learned âMary from Dungloeâ from Colm O’Lochlainn seminal book âIrish Street Balladsâ. I used to do it as an up-tempo song. I’d give it loads, lashing into it as I quaffed the Bulmers. There were not many guitars around in 1963. If memory serves there were 3 guitars in Newbridge. Donal Lunny’s, Tony Murphy’s and my own. I had the fewest chords but my collection of songs was expanding. By now I also had chords D and A. Then, when those precious minor chords came my way, life would never be the same again. “The Rambler from Clare”, “The Enniskillen Dragoon” and âCurragh of Kildareâ were all gleaned from the PW Joyce Collection (a wonderful reference Book) which I borrowed from the Newbridge Library. With my guitar and sleeping bag life seemed to have no problems. With a bunch of songs to sing – âThe Jug of Punchâ, âRosin the Bowâ, âThe Bard of Armaghâ, âBrennan on The Moorâ I always had the entrance fee. Sometimes I’d even gain the doss and the dinner. I heard âSpancilhillâ in John Minogueâs Hotel in Tulla, âScariff Martyrsâ up the hill in Teddy Murphy’s Pub, âGaltee Mountain Boyâ in Hillview Clonmel. Frank Lunny Junior sang me âThe Unquiet Graveâ and from his Father I learned âFather McFaddenâ. I was gaining a repertoire. I practised every spare hour. My life was spent in the pursuit of songs. These days everything seems to be a click away. I had the fun, the camaraderie and all the experiences gained in the chase. Today, I too have succumbed to âthe clickâ but I relish the memories of that youthful chase.
Somehow, along the way, I had mistuned my guitar – 6th string up to F. To this day I still suffer the pain of this faux pas. A few times over the last 50 years I have sought to correct this flawed tuning but impatience always got the better of me and I reverted. Itâs the way it is now; I give thanks and accept it. Anyway, for better or worse, no one else in the world tunes their guitar this way! I was 52 before I got comfortable with what I had been given. I no longer wanted to play like X nor sing like Y. Such peace of mind was hard achieved but I’m grateful to have found it.
May 7th.
Thank You All who sent birthday greetings. I was born on V.E. Day, 7th May 1945. 69 years later I had a lovely day with my family around me. There were candles, cards, pressies, fun, lovely hugs from my grandson and a Toblerone from Wicklow.
What a shame our sister site (4711ers.org) has been locked down. Over recent years it has been a friendly and purposeful visiting place. A quiet corner where questions were answered, help sought and received, friendships made and sustained. All this activity took place beneath the banner of song. Closing it down, on whatever whim, was quite a brutal act. No explanation was offered. Perhaps a new forum may emerge.
I am aware that the world of social media is changing rapidly. Fewer of us engage with websites. I still prefer this old fashioned mode and will carry on thus for the foreseeable. Although I do engage with Twitter and Facebook it is solely for the purpose of getting information out to listeners. I do not engage on an interactive basis. I am comfortable with this forum.
May 8th.
The recent tour of England and Scotland went off very well. Everyone pulled together. Management, Agency and Promoters set the ball rolling, all the venues welcomed us and were thoroughly accommodating, our road crew played a blinder, Declan Jimmy and myself were given the kid glove treatment and we responded accordingly and gave it all we had to give. Thousands of listeners thronged to hear the songs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London. I got to walk by The Clyde, climb up to Arthur’s seat from The Meadows, walk by the River Irwell and then along The Thames. I stayed around London at the end of the tour and visited The Commitments in the West End where we had mighty fun⊠Then Shakespeareâs Globe where we momentarily joined a mile long queue (we had unknowingly chosen The Bard’s 450th Birthday to visit) until the heavens opened. To escape the rains we dived into the Tate Modern where there was a 3 hour delay to see the Matisse paper cuts so we wandered around the permanent collections with the Easter crowd.
This month marks the onset of gigging with the Trad Outfit which features MairtĂn O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Sheamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins. We kicked off in Roscrea last week and we are really enjoying this new noise. Heading for Lisdoonvarna today for further rehearsals and then on to Ennis for 2 Gigs in GlĂłr. Over the coming weeks we will blast out in Galway, Belfast, Killarney, Cork (Marquee) and Dublin (Iveagh Gardens). Subsequent to that normal service will be resumed with Declan Sinnott. I love this new experience. In the past I have played in a number of traditional bands. Itâs enthralling to be back in the mix again.
Here I am back again in The Royal Spa Hotel, Lisdoonvarna to rehearse in advance of upcoming concerts. Arriving here has always had a sense of homecoming. I first came here in 1964. I was a junior bank clerk working in The National Bank, Ennistymon. Once a month a sub-office travelled by hackney car to Lisdoon so there I was, a lowly, lonely, frustrated, miserable bank clerk longing for the open road. It was soon to come. My next visit to âThe Spaâwas in 1979 when Paddy Doherty launched his first Lisdoonvarna Music Festival (I still celebrate it nightly!) I returned there again with Moving Hearts in 1981 when we played âThe Hall”. Since 1981 I have gigged here almost every year. Itâs a lovely room. It holds 150 at a squeeze and there have been some great gigs here. Over the years this legendary room has hosted John Martyn, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Stockton’s Wing, De Danann, Matt Molloy, Mick Hanly, Damo, Natalie Merchant and Planxty. One of my favourite memories was hearing Doug Lang duet on “St. Gabrielâ with Declan Sinnott when we held our gathering there in 2010. The Royal Spa is a small family run hotel with comfortable quiet rooms. Anne Doherty is the âBean an TĂ”. The food is second-to-none Irish cooking with all ingredients produced locally. There is a splendid coffee shop and nearby lies The Burren, The Cliffs of Moher and Fanore Strand. It has an historical aspect too in that Eamon De Valera stayed there when
campaigning for the first Free State election before he was elected as the Member for Clare. Each time I have come here to rehearse, sweet notes seem to flow our way. Tonight we return to the GlĂłr Theatre in Ennis refreshed, well tuned and rehearsed. We are raring to goâŠ
May 9th
Twas a damp and dirty evening as we pulled into GlĂłr for last nights fun. Arriving into Ennis, I’m always mindful that here lies the heart of it. The county town lies right between the East and West of Clare. Those two regions from where two very distinct strands of our tradition have emerged. From the East I have heard the likes of Paddy Canny, Martin Rochford, Vincent Griffin, Martin Hayes, Robbie McMahon and “The Tulla”. Over to the West I have closed my eyes to the sounds of Willy Clancy, Mrs Crotty, Micho Russell, Tony Linnane, Noel Hill and “The Kilfenora” to name but a few. We all had memories to share of “Banner Days” as we prepared for last night’s concert. We rehearsed and warmed up in the dressing room as the listeners came through the evening rain to gather in the warm comfort of GlĂłr. At ten past 8 we hit the boards and away with us into the night. Two hours ten minutes later, sated and content we got back to the dressing room having played;
How Long.
Ordinary Man
The Ballad of Ruby Walsh
City Of Chicago
A Pair of Brown Eyes
Where I Come From
Jigs… Larry the Beer Drinker/Scatter the Mud/ unknown
Faithfull Departed
Gortatagort
Delirium Tremens
Butterfly
Missing You
Merseyside
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Motherland
Beeswing
Tippin it up to Nancy / Ship in Full Sail
Biko Drum
Cliffs of Dooneen
McIlhatton / Far From Home
Shovel
Ride On
Lisdoonvarna
Reels…The Humours of Tulla / Last Nights Fun / Cooley’s Reel / The Wise Maid
Spancilhill
Joxer
Sonny’s Dream
Voyage
Then back out west to Lisdoonvarna where supper laid out and we rawmaished well into the night âŠ
May 10th
I recently read “Singing from The Floor” by JP Bean. It is an account of the Folk Scene in the UK from the late 50s up to the present time. For anyone with an interest in Folk revival, itâs a great read. The book was extracted from interviews with performers, club organisers, producers and fans. If your interest is only slight, this book may not be for you.
I’ve also been reading Frank Connolly’s new book about the life of Tom Gilmartin (Gill MacMillan). Last week I was invited to discuss the book on a Late Late show panel on RTE TV. (Click HERE to watch) The revelations in this book are shocking. If anyone is interested in either book, try your library or support your local bookshop
May 15th.
Just back to my billet in Salthill after the first of two nights in Leisureland, Galway. It was a special night on many fronts. MairtĂn O Connor’s family were in tonight as were Jimmy Higgins Mam and Dad. Des Kelly was also present with members of his family. Des (of The Capitol Showband) was the first manager I ever worked with. He took Planxty under his wing back in 1972. He recorded us on his label, Ruby Records, where we had two hit singles – “The Three Drunken Maidens” and “The Cliffs of Dooneen”. When he secured an international record deal for us we were on our way. More then that he became and remains a dear friend. Itâs always a joy to meet him.
Also in last night were Mike Harding and his wife Pat. Mike gave me my very first Folk Club gig in Crumpsall, Manchester back in 1967. I stayed with Mike and Pat until I established my own accommodation over in Moss Side. Mike went on to become one of the most popular entertainers in Britain. He has been a prolific writer, musician, poet and rapscallion these past 40 years. He is also a very popular broadcaster of Folk Music. He hosted the very popular Folk Music Programme on BBC until he got shafted where upon he commenced his own Independent on-line programme which now attracts over a million listeners. (To listen click HERE) He has always been a great friend to Irish Music. Mike and Pat now spend a lot of time in Cleggan, and it was a great pleasure to have them at last nightâs concert. Kenny O’Connor (of the famous Salthill Singing House) came from Hamburg to be at last nights gig. I sang with his Dad many years ago. I also played rugby for Corinthans with his Dad Christy and his Uncle Benny back circa 1964-65. We used to train on Large Bottles once a week and tog off in The Skeffington. We got to a Connacht Senior Final but lost 3-0 to UCG. The session after match was worth all the training. The Porter flew.
On June 7th I will play a gig in Newbridge with King Modo as part of the Newbridge June Fest. Itâs a community based festival run by friends of mine in my home town. All proceeds from the concert go towards funding the festival. They have a good week of events lined up â click HERE for more details.
On June 26th 2014 there will be a very special Concert in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, celebrating the songs of John (Jacko) Reilly. I look forward to singing some of John’s songs and to hearing the legendary Grehan Sisters who are reforming specially for this concert. Francie, Marie and Helen Grehan blazed a trail across England and Scotland in the mid 60s. They recorded two albums on the Transatlantic Label before returning to Ireland in the 70s. They were the first to sing the praises and songs of John Reilly who was a regular patron of Bridie Grehan’s pub on The Square in Boyle. Proceeds from the concert will be used to erect a commemorative bronze plaque to John in the town. Here are the detailsâŠ
May 19th
We went into Whelan’s of Dublin last Sunday night where my nephew, Conor Byrne, put on a one day Festival of Music. We had a great night and heard an almighty blast of new music from Riona, New Road (with Lisa O’Neill guesting), Moxie, The Whileaways and Aldoc. From start to finish we were engrossed in the sounds and particularly blown away by Moxie and Aldoc who were full-on, no-holds-barred and exciting. It was a revelation to hear Alan Doherty’s Band (Aldoc). I last heard him play over 20 years ago when he was a young boy. He has fulfilled all the promise he showed back then. He is now based in East Germany. Last night he assembled a nine piece band which, on paper, should not work, but on stage they were scintillating. He drives it on flute and low whistle, he raps sings jousts and boogies and his German, Danish, English, Dutch and Waterford comrades follow him gallantly wherever he leads. On Whelan’s small stage last night there was Alan and 3 piece brass, (plus two Apple Macs) Drums, Bass and two Guitars. There was lots of instrument swapping going on. We left Whelanâs dazzled and dazed by Last Nights FunâŠ
Thatâs it for the merry month of May. I wish you all happy days ahead. Maybe see you in some auld kip along the wayâŠUp Down!
Christy
PS. The following is a website post from Petra and Uwe, two listeners who came from Germany and travelled to Roscrea and Ennis to hear the songs. I include it here to pay tribute to our crew
The weather was lousy most of the time, but the music kept our spirits high. After 3 gigs in Roscrea and Ennis and some travelling in Clare and Westmeath in-between Uwe and I are on our way home and we would like to thank the lads on stage and behind for these marvellous concerts.
Last night was definitely the highlight and we appreciated the new appearances on the setlist â well done with the rehearsal! âNorth and Southâ, âBlack Is the Colourâ, âJohnny Connorâ, âWhere I Come Fromâ, âGortatagortâ, and âSmoke and Strong Whiskeyâ were absolute highlights for us. One wouldnât think this can be topped, but exactly this happened with beautiful versions of âFirst Time Ever I Saw Your Faceâ, âHurtâ and âSpancilhillâ. âBeeswingâ got an amazing guitar solo by Seamie, and all songs sparkled like new with all the box and fiddle background. The jigs and reels made the Clare crowd whoop, holler and stamp that the floorboards trembled.
Special thanks to the sound and lighting crew that did a great job as always. These three concerts proved that it doesnât matter whether the gig takes place in a renowned music venue, a hotel ballroom or a community hall â light and sound of your gigs are always flawless. Good luck for the remaining May gigs with MaĂrtĂn, Cathal, Seamie and Jimmy â sweet music roll on! ⊠Petra
My reply âŠ
Thanks Petra for taking the trouble to comment upon and to praise the good work of our crew. This crew has been together now for over 10 years and have developed into a tight unit that run the technical end of our gigs. They are forever seeking to improve production. Our sound, lighting, staging and monitoring are, for me, the best that I have encountered in my working life. Having Davy at the sound desk is akin to having an extra band member. He is also a musician and he plays the sound desk like he was playing an instrument. Geoff runs the lights. He never knows what song is coming next (nor do I). As the next number begins Geoff responds intuitively. Each night he creates fresh lighting plots on the hoof. Dikon provides us with consistently good on-stage sound. He keeps a keen ear to each player. Johnny is our ringmaster – forever diligent to what is taking place. He keeps a keen eye on every aspect of the gig and is out like a shot at the first sign of a problem. In the wings and around the room we have Paddy and Michael who oversee all aspects of our life on the road. they insure that nothing gets in the way of the gig and that everyone and everything is focused towards those two vital hours when we all pull together to make the gig happen. These six colleagues are the inner crew, beyond that there are many others who help create the broad spectrum of gigs we play – Agents and Promoters( and their reps), Venue Staff, Trevor who provides staging, Ciaran who transports lights, security staff, lifting crews who provide help at get-in and get-out time. Itâs a wonderful privilege to work with such a diversity of talented and focused practitioners. Very seldom do we meet âtrickiesâ. The well tuned antennae of our advance party insure that we avoid dodgy venues and troublesome Johnnies. Needless to say, none of this would take place were it not for all those thousands of listeners who gather at our gigs. We appreciate the support and encouragement you provide. Without our listeners, none of this would happen. The late Jim Aiken was Ireland’s foremost music promoter and his mantra was “let us all remember that, without this audience, none of us would be here tonight”âŠ
PPS
Stop press!
3 New Dates just inâŠ
July 17th – Castlecourt Hotel – Westport,Co Mayo
July 18th – Park Hotel – Kiltimagh,Co Mayo
July 19th – Lough Rynn Hotel – Mohill Co.Leitrim
Ticket details will be posted on the gig page in the coming daysâŠ
Extra date added …
Dear Listeners,
We have added an extra show in Leisureland Galway on Thursday May 15th.
My nephew Conor Byrne is running a one day folk music festival in Whelans of Dublin on Sunday 18th May, Click HERE for a  link to the facebook page…
I am also including a link to last Fridays Late Late Show item. I joined Frank Connolly to talk about his new book on the late Tom Gilmartin. Also on the panel was Thomas Gilmartin Junior. He described how his Father and Family suffered from the corrupt practices in Irish Government, practices that eventually brought the country to its knees. Click HERE to watch.
All the best,
Christy
I wonder what the year will bring…
Wednesday February 5th, 2014
“Remembering Anne Lovett” was an event held in Maynooth University to commemorate this young girls passing, 30 years ago. I felt privileged to be part of this memorial. We must never forget Anne Lovett. It happened in the middle of our Island. It could have happened in any town.
Thirty years later it was Savita Halappanavar. How many more suffered and died in the intervening years. Let us remember, let us change, let us be not be browbeaten any longer by those who are righteous and cruel.
You can click HERE to watch a recording of the event.
Â
February 21st Mullingar, County Westmeath
“The Rain was lashin’, The Sun was risin’, The Wind was whippin’ through The Trees, The Madness from the mountains crawling when I saw you first my Aislingâ (Shane McGowan )
Nature is having her say. Itâs payback time. There is a price to pay for the last century of technical and scientific progress, for the enormous increase in consumption of resources, energy and raw materials. Almost every known labour now has an automatic device. We can travel anywhere in an inst. A dinner can consist of ingredients from all 5 continents – in my father’s time all food came from local fields. Today we use devices for almost every activity. Fossil fuels that took millions of years to form will soon be gone. Our precious drinking water is squandered and misused as we go from floods to drought in a matter of months. On and on it goes, rain forests destroyed to grow crops to feed animals that will be butchered and flown around the world for (relatively) small profit. I imagine 747 freight planes passing in the skies both laden with bottled water being transported in opposite directions. Flood waters rise. I am powerless in my addiction to electricity. I’ve got the flat screen, the computer, the phone, the central heating, the gas guzzler outside the door, every gadget around me here sucks constantly from the grid. Electricity is so cheap that we waste it every day and night. The wind howls. Trucks get bigger and bigger to carry âour stuffâ transcontinental. They roll on and off ferries that are as big as small towns, they burn oceans of fuel while sailing endlessly around this poor old lousy old earth. The rain is lashing. I know, I know, yes I know, but I am powerless. As asbestos roofs fly round the marble city, electric cars are being crushed by falling cedars, homes engulfed by rising Shannon waters. Our pathetic collective response will be to consume more, to comfort ourselves with new things, more devices, more meat, more, more, more. Santa Claus, Valentines Day, Fathers day, Mothers Day, Arthurs Day, Foreign Holiday. The sun shimmers through the rain, slates fly and frightened children cry as their cheap portacabin schools are smashed to smithereens. But itâs a beautiful day; itâs a great day to be alive, Thanks Be, long life to all you songsters out there in the four corners. Letâs enjoy ourselves, itâs later then we thinkâŠ
Brian Maguire is an Irish Painter. His recent work, made in Mexico, is powerful. His process was captured on the film, BLOOD RISING, which is about to be shown in Dublin and London. Brian is a unique artist with deep commitment in his work practice. An emotional and moving film it examines Brian’s journey to Mexico and his involvement with bereaved families of the “Disappeared” young women of JuĂĄrez.
For Details of the London Screening on 2nd April click HERE
For Details of the Dublin Screening on 4th April click HERE
You can also find details on FACEBOOK and TWITTER (just click on bold print)
Click HERE to visit the website âŠ
March 22nd Kells, County Meath.
Back here in this Independent Community Arts Centre for the second time in 4 years. I’m flying solo again tonight. I did two solo gigs last year so I am nervous at the prospect. Thinking about it last night I realised that over the last 48 years of gigging, 28 years have been solo and 20 have been spent in a variety of different Bands. I have been trying to do more solo gigs these past few years but, in the end, I tend to reach out for the comfort of playing with others. I need to push myself a bit on this. I deeply love ensemble playing. That said, Solo gigs have a certain quality that cannot be achieved within an ensemble. The reverse also applies. I hope to do at least 6-8 solo gigs this year as well as my work with Declan Sinnott and my May -June gigs with MairtĂn OâConnorâs band. 2 hours later and I am back in the dressing room sated, sung out and satisfied. a hot mug of tea awaits me and a grand supper. I usually don’t eat for 4-6 hours before a gig so invariably I’m leppin’ when the job is done, I find itâs much better to sing on an empty stomach.
Here is the set list just performed
How Long
Missing You
Gortatagort
Delirium Tremens
Yellow Furze Woman
Matty
On The Mainland
Back Home in Derry
Morecambe Bay
Where I Come From
Honda 50
Voyage
Farmer Michael Hayes
City of Chicago
Lawless
Ordinary Man
Well Below Valley
Beeswing
Ruby Walsh
Shovel
Dunnes Stores
Natives
Joxer
Amsterdam
Ride On
McIlhatton
John of Dreams
Lisdoonvarna
Black is The Colour
2 hours and 5 minutes
Last year I did an interview for the Documentary Film âSkin in the Gameâ. It was made by Donald Taylor Black who has sent me details of some upcoming screenings in Ireland and America. It will be shown by Maynooth Film for All in NUI, Maynooth, Co. Kildare on Wednesday, 9th April at 8pm. It will also be screened at the Irish Arts Centre in New York on Tuesday, 6th May. You can click HERE for details of the New York screening.
Frank Connolly has written a book on the late Tom Gilmartin – The man who brought down a Taoiseach and exposed corruption at the heart of Irish Politics. It is being published by Gill Macmillan who have invited me to “cut the ribbon” on Thursday April 3rd. I first met Frank Connolly in 1978 as the Irish Anti-Nuclear movement began to assemble. We worked closely together on the first Carnsore Point Gathering. We were both part of a radical and exciting collective which organised the Anti-Nuclear Road Show and subsequent Carnsore gatherings. In 1982 Frank edited my first song book for Brandon Press. 32 years later that book is still in print. Â Frank’s subsequent work led him to become one of Ireland’s leading investigative journalists. He was foremost amongst those seeking to reveal levels of corruption that eventually brought our economy tumbling down. Elements within Government took it upon themselves to shoot the messenger as they sought to bring Frankâs work in journalism to an end. Some of these elected politicians subsequently left Government in disgrace. Thankfully, Frank continues with his lifelong work.
Gig NewsâŠ
We have added a 2nd show in Galway on May 15th. I’m happy to be returning to Armagh, Newcastle and Newry in September. All these gigs are up on the gig page.
The Box set 1964-2004 has been deleted after 10 years. I am hoping that a scaled down version can be produced that would keep the songs available. The idea would be to have simple packaging with the booklet available for download.
See you along the wayâŠ
Christy
Ralph McTell Irish Tour
My good friend Ralph McTell will be playing some gigs around Ireland  in May – Derry on 7th, Belfast on 8th, Dublin on 9th, Waterford on 10th and Cork on 11th.
You can click HEREÂ to see his webpage for more details …
Catch him if you canâŠChristy
Remembering Bobby Sands
Today marks the 60th birthday of Bobby Sands. His name weâll always remember, his sacrifice weâll never forget. Today, I think of his parents and his siblings, his son Gerard and his grandchildren. I remember too his comrades, all of whom held Bobby in such high esteem. His smiling face is known the world over and his fight for freedom remains an inspiration wherever people rise up to face injustice. His poetry and songs still resound. Let us rememberâŠ
“Two of them where the Angels lie at the Well Below the Valley”
The passing of Pete Seeger made headline news here in Ireland. For many of us he has been present for most of our lives, his work constantly referenced, and his songs reverberating through our soundscape. The Folk Revival, as I know it, emanated from America where the Coffee House Folk Clubs gave a stage to a new genre of music and songs. This gradually spread to London and from there in all directions in Western Europe. Pete Seeger was an important player in the birth of this concept. When this wind wafted back to Ireland it carried The Clancy Brothers whose style and repertoire were honed on these same stages. Back here it melded with our Traditional Music and Song (which had survived historical forces of occupation and subsequent oppression of Church and State.) When it landed here it was soon taken up by an excited youth movement and it blossomed into what was known back in the day as “The Ballad Scene”. Pete Seeger played in Dublin in the early 60s (something I did not realise until yesterday). He had a “soft spot” for Irish Songs and Music and championed The Clancy’s and Joe Heaney back in the early days. In my innocence I sent Pete an early recording of mine back in the mid 70s. (An album called “Whatever Tickles Your Fancy”). He was generous enough to listen to it and send me some encouraging words.
It has been heart-warming here in Ireland these past days to encounter so many people talking about Pete Seeger, his songs, his politics, how he fought oppression all through his long life. His sister, Peggy Seeger sent this to Mike Harding in Lancashire who passed it on to me.
As most of you will know by now, my beloved brother Pete died peacefully, surrounded by close family members, at the Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia), New York City, on January 27th at 9:17 pm. His daughter Tinya, who had been caring for him for some time, was lovingly holding his hand. I was still in mid-air making a frantic attempt to get there from New Zealand. I arrived four hours too late. I take solace from our last phone calls where much was said but unspoken. I know many of you will be saddened by Peteâs death but we must remember that he led a very full and productive life. He leaves a prodigious body of work for us to enjoy, a legacy the enormity of which will continue to grow. He touched so many peopleâs lives, from children to the golden oldies like myself. As for me, I have lost the last person who has known me from birth and who has always been there for me. I cannot express how heavy losing Pete lies with me. My thanks to all for your kind and thoughtful condolences. Peggy.
Jan 30th 2014…
Luke Kelly was well remembered on the 30th Anniversary of his passing. His voice still resounds around us and his legend lives on. I still see his partner Madeline Seiler from time to time. Madeline runs The Headline Agency which represents many Irish musicians (including Declan Sinnott and my brother Luka Bloom) it was always a pleasure to visit Luke and Madeline in the beautiful home they created together. I met Damien Dempsey on the day and we spent an hour talking about Luke, about his singing and his life. It was special to share stories and memories of Luke with Damien who grew up listening to Luke’s recordings. The Dubliners were so good in their heyday. They gave Catholic Conservative Dublin a good kick up in the arse and we loved them for it. They took them Up To Monto Monto Monto, they took them up to Monto Langaroo. They Rattled Rosaries, lit up lounges, had us hitching to Fleadhs, learning 3 chords, binning Gillettes, creating crack, sleeping in hay barns, listening to Seamus Ennis and Joe Heaney, chucking jobs⊠I salute Luke, Ronnie, CiarĂĄn, Barney and I wish long life to you JohnâŠ.
Jan 31st 2014âŠ
On this day it will be 30 years since the awful death of Anne Lovett. Anne died at the Grotto of “The Blessed Virgin Mother” outside a small town in the very heart of Ireland. Alone, Anne Lovett and her baby both perished as we all got on with our daily routine. Kids at school, shops at business, people chatting on the street, farmers at creameries, bishops at breviaries, nuns at their beads. At the centre of all this, in the middle of this island young Anne had nowhere to go except to this cold deserted Grotto. There she lay down and delivered her baby. The death of Anne Lovett was a turning point for many of us on this Island. Today, very few under the age of 40 know her name but there are also many among us who will never forget her name for it is sacred to us.
Nigel Rolfe wrote the lyric of “The Ostrich” which subsequently has been called both “The Middle of The Island” and now “Anne Lovett”. I have been asked to sing it in The University of Maynooth on at an event simply called “Remembering Anne Lovett”. This event takes place in the John Hume Building, Lecture Theatre 4, NUI Maynooth on Wednesday 5th February at 6.30pm.The panel will be Catriona Crowe (Head of Special Projects at The National Archives of Ireland), Ailbhe Smyth (Feminist), Dr. Anne Mullhall (Department of English UCD) and Justine McCarthy (journalist with The Sunday Times).
Watching the film Llewyn Davies was an interesting experience. It brought back so many memories. A lifestyle Iâd forgotten for many years. Trying to get floorspots, doing the odd few songs anywhere I’d be let. Hoping to be offered a support gig at some folk club. Hitching to some distant town, absolutely skint, wondering would I get the doss, would the club still be operating, would the organizers give me a chance to sing? All my early attempts were in and around Manchester, England. There Mike Harding gave me my first proper booking back in late 1966. I began to gain some gigs but still struggled to make ends meet. I remembered auditioning for an agent who booked acts for The Workingmen’s (sic) Club Circuit, an audition that, thankfully, resulted in but one gig. (Where I died the death) The singers club (open mike) was at the MSG every Monday where legendary “Jenks” ruled his Jazz and Folk Empire. I got in there early every Monday and got my name on the list. Gradually my confidence grew and I began to get spots round the suburbs of Manchester that I got to know so well. I got my first van in Bury in 1967. A minivan bought from a plumber called Reggie. It cost me ÂŁ40 and I’ve never been as proud of a vehicle since. I lived and travelled, partied and played in that wee van âtil swopping it for an old ’56 VW Beetle after a gig in Sheffield. With guitar, sleeping bag and tooth brush, me and a bunch of songs, heading on down the roadâŠ
I am enjoying these few weeks at home after the recent Dublin gigs. Itâs a time to rest and to reflect but also to rehearse for the year ahead. See you along the wayâŠ
Christy
A message from Peggy Seeger about the passing of her brother, Pete Seeger
As most of you will know by now, my beloved brother Pete died peacefully, surrounded by close family members, at the Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia), New York City, on January 27th at 9:17 pm. His daughter Tinya, who had been caring for him for some time, was lovingly holding his hand. I was still in mid-air making a frantic attempt to get there from New Zealand. I arrived four hours too late. I take solace from our last phone calls where much was said but unspoken. I know many of you will be saddened by Peteâs death but we must remember that he led a very full and productive life. He leaves a prodigious body of work for us to enjoy, a legacy the enormity of which will continue to grow. He touched so many peopleâs lives, from children to the golden oldies like myself. As for me, I have lost the last person who has known me from birth and who has always been there for me. I cannot express how heavy losing Pete lies with me. My thanks to all for your kind and thoughtful condolences.
Peggy
There’s Gonna Be Good Times When All Our Dreams Come True
We bade Farewell to Nelson Mandela. Last Thursday night, his fine old heart stopped beating. His voice will reverberate and his spirit will be renewed every time his name is remembered. His compassion and forgiveness, his humanity and dedication, his love and human kindness have filled the hearts of countless millions who have looked to him and listened out for him. I am thankful to have lived in his time.
Nelson listen to the people sing, Nelson Mandela, the Peoples King
27 years lying in that Jail
27 years they couldn’t make him say
The renegades sing all the renegade songs
The ones that know hope they’re doin wrong
The Blacks and the Coloureds play The Biko Drum
The Coloureds and The Blacks play The Biko Drum
(From Wally Pageâs âThe Biko Drum” 1986)
“Where I Come From” was finally released on Nov 1st and went out to face the music. Thank you for all your feedback. A few listeners did not notice the booklet in the sleeve – A design flaw which I overlooked before signing off. Itâs not obvious but there is a wee booklet there.
It has been an interesting month with widespread response to the recordings. Â I have been working to help publicize the release. It was very different when “Paddy on The Road (my first recording) “escaped ” in 1969. I still remember the excitement of getting that first LP into my hand. When I began this journey, any thought of recording was so far removed that it did not even seem a possibility. That all changed when I met Dominic Behan in London in 1969. He took me under his wing which led to my first recording experience. 44 years later itâs a different experience.
To promote the album I did a number of print media interviews. These flow easier when the interviewing journalist has had the time to hear the work beforehand.  There have been good reviews too. ( only one bummer, as far as I am aware ) Some performers never read their reviews. I understand this reticence but I must confess, I read every single one. Then I retreat to my eyrie, purring or weeping depending upon the outcome. Needless to say I have never harboured even the slightest resentment!  Some Radio Stations invited me in and allowed me play live. I love the challenge of performing live on radio. Occasionally, magic moments are created that linger on over the years.. I Had a chat  with Marian Finucane on RTE Radio 1 and another with Pat Kenny on Newstalk. I realise what privilege it is to get to talk about the album on such high profile shows. I got to play a couple of TV gigs too – met Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show and performed for Tristan Rosenstock on TG4’s Art Show “IMEALL”.
The gigs are flying past far too quickly. In the blink of an inst gigs come and go as we race towards the end of yet another diary. Flying high across the Foyle to Derry/Derry (always a City of Culture) we met Gerard Sands and his family, bumped into Sam Shepherd with Stephen Rea and the entire ensemble of Sam’s new play. We also met Martha McClelland who was the source of “Burning Times” 3 decades ago. Then we crossed the River Boyne at the Historic town of Trim. There The Knightsbrook Hotel buzzed as ballads filled the air and Meath’s harmonious chanters lustily sang their Royal Hearts out. Back then to my Heartland. 5 miles across the fields from my hometown lies Killashee (Cill na SĂ). An historic house once the home of ascendency until it later became a convent and school. When the Sisters ran out of steam it was developed into a big hotel and leisure centre where concerts are sometimes performed. Right there in the front row sat Johnny Doyle with his wife SiobhĂĄn. Our long standing, top scoring, Kildare wing-forward is also a keen songster. It was a pleasure to sing for them both.
At recent gigs Declan and I have been joined by Jimmy Higgins on percussion. I first encountered Jimmy when he played in Eleanor Shanley’s Band over 20 years ago. Since then he has worked with Riverdance, The Stunning and The Saw Doctors. He is currently in The MĂĄirtĂn O’Connor Band. We are enjoying his company and the rhythms he brings to our sound. This band is by far the longest time I have spent in any band. Declan and I have been a two piece for 12 years now. We were a 3 piece for a while with Donal Lunny.
My first full time band was Planxty. Between 1972-4 we performed for about 2 years. In later years we had some short revivals. Our music can still be heard on 7 albums. Â In the mid 70s I had a band with Kevin Burke, Jimmy Faulkner and Declan McNelis. That also lasted about 2 years and we played together on 2 albums. Next came Moving Hearts where again, my own involvement was for two 2 years and that line up also recorded two albums. After that came a long period of solo performance from 1983 to 1998. During this time I recorded with many musicians. After a 2 year lay off I met up with Declan Sinnott again in the year 2000. Thus began this recent leg of the journey. We were joined by Donal Lunny for a period but these past 8 years we have been a two piece Band and, by far, my longest Band.
(Over the years there were a few combos that came together for short periodsâŠin the early 60s I played with Frank and Donal Lunny in a short-lived trio called “The Rakes of Kildare”. We played 2 gigs as I recall; One was a 50th commemoration of the 1916 Rising. This was held in Hugh Neesonâs Lounge Bar â my favourite watering hole of all time. It was a great day for all porter patriots. The same year, we played a Fianna Fail dinner dance in the Town Hall in Newbridge. Our fee was ÂŁ3 and a crate of stout. Later the 60s there was a brief line up that featured Ralph McTell, Steve Benbow and Denny Wright. We recorded a series of programmes for The Sam Costa show on BBC Radio. In the late 70s there was the “The Early Grave Band” which came together for the Anti Nuclear Roadshow. It featured Donal Lunny, Jimmy Faulkner, Johnny Moynihan, Declan McNelis and myself. In The 80s I toured for a while with Sharon Shannon, Steve Cooney and Eoghan O’Neill. I’m sure there were other “curious combinations” along the way.
This very night I am here upon the broad majestic Shannon in the beautiful town of Athlone. I am rehearsing and gigging here with MairtĂn O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins. We are an occasional 5 piece as we develop what is, for us, a very enjoyable collection of music. We are having mighty crack as we tentatively make our way, (at full speed), towards a tour next year. Itâs great for my head to be in a Trad. ensemble once more. MĂĄirtĂn, Seamie, Cathal and Jimmy have spent their lives immersed in the music and I feel at home in their midst.
Iâve been listening to Andy Irvine’s new album PARACHILNA. It was recorded by Andy’s son Cian during a trip they made across Australia. They travelled hard and slept beneath the stars. It is a lovely recording. Andy’s voice is sounding really good and, as always, his accompaniments are sublime. Itâs great to see my old Planxty colleague still treading the boards.
Home from last night’s gig in Athlone safe and sound. Everyone scattered in different directions. Such a coming together. Glancing around the room in Joxerâs light I spotted listeners from many parts. George from Lumville quoting match results from bygone days, Hilary from Kerry swaying to the rhythms, the Donegal contingent spreading their good vibrations⊠listeners in from Bremen and Brooklyn, Patsy from Moate (keep coming back Mark), Johnny Hoban from Castlebar travelling the Grand Funk Railroad, a cousin I’ve yet to meet properly in from Boyne banksâŠ.our combo clicked in Athlone. This was our 6th outing and we are moving into a second gear. We got in under the music last night and the crowd came right in there with us. Philip Chevron’s “Ballad of The Faithful Departed” is taking new wings. We played it in Whelans at his tribute gigâŠ.he wrote a few days afterwards “heard your Hairy Bowsies version of my songâ. His last note to me days before he moved on was poignant and beautifulâŠ.
An invite came from the South African Embassy asking would I sing Wally Page’s “Biko Drum” at Nelson Mandela’s Memorial Service in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I did not have to think twice. This was an honour I had not anticipated. The Ambassador requested this song having heard it previously at a commemoration for the Dunnes Stores Strikers. The Cathedral was buzzing when I arrived with Valerie and Michael Devine. There were many familiar faces there and many hands to shake. Old friends from different campaigns and new friends all brought together by the passing of Mandela. There was powerful singing from Acoustic Soul and the Dexi Gospel Choir. There were poems from Theo Dorgan, Ruth Rosen and Dolores Walshe. Â Steve Shiang of the ANC spoke as did Joan Burton, OisĂn Quinn, David Begg, Gary Kilgallen and Rafique Mottiar. There were prayers and readings too. Ambassador Jeremiah oversaw the entire proceedings. When he called upon the Dexi Choir to sing the National Anthem great joy and sadness echoed around the old Cathedral.
We’re at the tail end of 2013, year 47 of this great tour. All thatâs left to do now are the annual Dublin Gigs. We kicked off in Vicar St last night with a belter. The audience were well up for it from the first chord (G major). We played non stop for 2 hours 20 minutes and came off stage grinning like 3 Cheshire Cats. We played the following songs:
| Biko Drum | Wally Page |
| How Long | Jackson Browne |
| Dunnes Store | Sandra Kerr |
| City of Chicago | Luka Bloom |
| Arthurs Day | Moore/Page |
| Delirium Tremens | Moore |
| Beeswing | Richard Thompson |
| Johnny Connors | Moore/Page |
| First Time Ever I Saw Your Face | Ewan McColl |
| Fairytale Of New York | S. McGowan/J. Finer |
| Puckane Christmas Morning | Moore |
| 16 Fishermen Raving | Wally Page |
| On The Mainland | Moore |
| Back Home in Derry | Bobby Sands |
| Farmer Michael Hayes | Trad./Arr. Moore |
| Ordinary Man | Peter Hames |
| Blood Through These Veins | Declan Sinnott |
| Nancy Spain | Barney Rush |
| Weekend in Amsterdam | McCormack/Rush/Moore |
| Magdalene Laundries | Joni Mitchell |
| Missing You | Jimmy McCarthy |
| Wicklow Boy | Moore |
| Allende | Don Lange |
| Where I Come From | Bloom/Moore |
| Faithful Departed | Philip Chevron |
| Ride On | Jimmy McCarthy |
| No Time For Love | Jack Warshaw |
| ENCORE | |
| Voyage | Johnny Duhan |
| Joxer Goes to Stuttgart | Moore |
| Cliffs of Dooneen | Trad./Arr. C. Moore |
| Viva La Quinta Brigada | Moore |
Fair play to you, the listeners. Those Vicar Street Chairs can be hard on the arse. (The balcony is a bit easier)  Itâs a challenge to sit there for best part of 3 hours but ye were there till the very end (and brought us back for 4 encores). It is pure privilege to have such listeners. I’ve said it before and Iâll say it again – You create the atmosphere in which these songs come to life. You inspire us to play our hearts out and we are very grateful for your on-going support and feedback.  MĂle Maith agaibh go lĂ©ir ag deireadh an Bhlian 2013.
I hope you have a peaceful and happy time. Let us not forget those less fortunate then ourselves.
Christy
PS
The Commons Team 1957
BACK Â ROW
Left to Right – Tom Breen, Vincent (Giant) Thorpe, Myself, John Hall, Christy Whiteley (RIP) Paddy Geraghty, Michael Cronin, and Shay Cash.
FRONT ROW
Left to Right – Paddy Behan, Niall Roche, (———–), Tom Keogh, Michael Dinneen, Jimmy Burke, Jim Cuddy, Christy Higgins
Thanks to Vinny Brady of Rowan Terrace for the Photo âŠ
A signed album to the first one who can provide the missing name.
We won our “Premiership” in 1957. If memory serves we were all in 5th class of Newbridge Primary School when we won the internal school league. We were called “The Commons” even though very few of us were natives of that Townland. Three or four of the above team went on to play with the 1959 team that won the Kildare Under-14 Championship. Later, two went on the play for Kildare at Senior County level. I have such distinct memories of each of these lads yet find it hard to recall what I was doing yesterday! The only one I’ve seen recently is the man holding the ball. Tom “The Rubber” Keogh was a classy footballer who went on to have a fine football career. Tom has also played music all his life. His son Paul Keogh is the lead singer with King Modo. They are a really good band who work the circuit. I would love to play with them some day. Paul also plays solo around his hometown of Newbridge.
Where I Come From
I started singing songs when I was six years old. As a young lad I sang âKevin Barryâ, âThe Meeting of The Watersâ, âThe Three Flowersâ and âEamon an Chnoicâ. All of these came from my mother Nancy Power. From there I sang in the school choir, in feiseanna and in local concerts, always singing what was put before me. After teenage attempts to play early rock and roll on piano I heard The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. This was to be my turning. Their sound set me off on a journey that continues to this very day. I first heard them on radio and then I got to see them live in The Olympia Theatre, Dublin circa 1961. That was the most exciting concert I have ever attended. I became absorbed in their repertoire and soon after got my first guitar. Clancy songs like âThe Jug of Punchâ, âRosin The Bowâ and âBrennan on The Moorâ were cornerstones of my early repertoire. I began looking further afield and soon gathered âMary from Dungloeâ, âThe Curragh of Kildareâ and âThe Rambler from Clareâ from old books and collections. Travelling to Fleadhs and Ballad Sessions, I began to develop my own repertoire and singing technique. I encountered other singers and began to absorb different singing styles. The likes of Al O’Donnell, Johnny Moynihan, Mick Moloney and Andy Irvine were all part of the folk revival whilst singers like John Reilly, Joe Heaney and Frank Harte were singing from within The Tradition. Looking back now I realise that I was learning all the time.ïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒ
ïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒAll early attempts at writing were adaptations. Songs such as âI wish I was in Englandâ back in 1964, I found in a collection in Tulla, East Clare. It was in Tulla that I gathered âThe Scariff Martyrsâ and âSpancil Hillâ. When I moved to England in 1966 I began to hear contemporary songwriters for the first time. Among others, I encountered Ewan McColl, Dominic Behan and Ralph McTell. It was exciting to hear songwriters performing their own works, and I began trying to write, but never produced anything that survived. In 1968 my singing career began to gather momentum on the English Folk Club circuit. I turned once again to the tradition for repertoire and also began covering the work of other writers with songs like âJohn O’Dreamsâ, âNancy Spainâ and âLetter to Syracuseâ. It was to be another 10 years before I started writing again. In the late Seventies I wrote and recorded â90 Miles to Dublinâ. Since then I have continued writing but I have never been prolific. Whilst I do enjoy the writing process I still listen out for songs to sing and a constant stream flows my way.
In 2012 I began to gather my songs together for this collection. Then I re-recorded them all. Most are contained here. Best do it while I’m still able.
ïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒ
ïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒïżŒ
NEW ALBUM …
Signed copies of new album “Where I Come From” are available from the shop and are priced at âŹ24 including postage and packaging … Christy
âNovember Man sees Fire and Mist, Wind, Rain and Winter Air “. (Dave Goulder)
âNovember Man sees Fire and Mist, Wind, Rain and Winter Air “. (Dave Goulder)
Thank you for the feedback you offered after the last Chat. Many replied by email so I could not respond. Among those were Henriet in Holland, Justin in NZ, Brenda in Dublin, Awyer out there somewhere, Frances in Glasgow (and young Christopher), John Phelan (great memories there, I remember every gig you mentioned) Paul in Brooklyn and Dingle, Tricia in Boston, Robert and Effie in Southsea, Gerry McCarthy in Africa, Craig in Poole, Declan O’Donovan in Poulaphouca, Bridget in Sussex, John Joblin in Northumberland. I have already responded to those of you who contacted the guest page. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was reading my rambles. As I said before, much as I enjoy communicating random thoughts on songs, gigs, travels and whatever else comes up, your replies encourage me to continue the practice. When feedback is posted on the guest page, everyone gets to share which was the intention at the outset of this site
New Release.
“Where I Come From” is the title of the forthcoming 3CD collection. On the Columbia Label (at Sony Music) it will be released on November 1st 2013. Since my first album in 1969 most of my repertoire has been gleaned from the Tradition or from the work of other writers. I have never been a prolific songwriter. My songs (and those co-written) have been thinly spread on albums across many decades. For years I considered gathering them together into a collection. Last year I decided to get singing and to record the songs while I’m still able. 18 months on and it’s ready to go. There are 43 songs recorded at various locations around the Island. Studio recordings from Dalkey, Ballymountain, Monkstown, Blackrock and The Factory plus live recordings from The Waterfront in Belfast, The Hall in Knocknagoshel, The Royal Spa in Lisdoonvarna and Whelan’s of Dublin.
It was an interesting process. I recorded most of the songs solo, stripped back and bare. Most of them flowed, a few struggled and some did not make the cut. Tim Martin engineered the recordings. He has recorded everything I’ve done this past 15 years so we have a good working relationship. Tim is focused and thorough and has a mighty pair of ears on him. That done Declan Sinnott came on board and began to lay his notes across the verses. I always enjoy this part of the job. Sitting back as Declan brings his palette of colour to the songs. Then we invited friends in to finish off the job. Happy hours spent in the company of Neil Martin, Jimmy Higgins, Cathal Hayden, Winifred Horan, Vickie Keating, Pat Crowley, MairtĂn O’Connor and Seamie O’Dowd as they contributed to the songs.
I called upon Gary Farrelly to consider the songs and create art work for the sleeve. I have been a follower and collector of Gary’s work for the past decade. I feel the cover he has created connects with the work. Then there was the tweaking of all the various elements – Sleeve notes, mastering, sleeve design, packaging, promotion. I choose to be part of all these different processes. This makes for a busy time but it is a challenge I enjoy. When the package arrived from Columbia (or perhaps I should say “when the album arrived from Sonyâ) that was the final part of a two year process. When the album is in my hand, the job is done. All that remains is to place it on the shelf beside its predecessors. I always cherish this moment. I pick up the guitar, hit me a Minor Chord and wonderâŠwhatâs next!!
| CD 1 | CD 2 | CD 3 |
| Where I Come From | North & South of the River | Lisdoonvarna |
| Arthurs Day | Welcome to the Cabaret | The Two Conneeleys |
| Veronica Guerin | Giuseppe /Away Broken Heart (Live from Belfast | Tyrone Boys |
| Scallcrows 2 | The Ballad of Ruby Walsh | Strange Ways |
| Derby Day | Easter Snow (for Seamus Ennis) | Yellow Triangle |
| Delirium Tremens | Viva La Quinta Brigada | The Boy from Tamlaghtduff |
| The Stardust Song | Song for Anne Lovett | Haiti |
| Johnny Connors | Riding the High Stool | Yellow Furze Woman |
| The Time Has Come | On the Bridge | Lovely Young One |
| The Birmingham Six | Casey | In Praise of Mullaghmore |
| St. Brendans Voyage | Whacker Humphries | The Wicklow Boy (Live from Lisdoonvarna) |
| On the Mainland | Knock Airport | Joxer goes to Stuttgart |
| Barrowland | Boning Hall | Ballydine |
| Minds Locked Shut | Encore | Me and the Rose |
| Song For Imelda Riney | Arthurs Day (Live from Chevronâs gig, Whelans, Dublin | Where I Come From (Live from Knocknagoshel) |
Signed copies will be available from the shop on my website from 1st November. They will be priced at âŹ24 including postage and packaging. Later I hope to do an online Q&A with anyone interested.  I have not yet figured out how best to do this⊠I’ll keep you posted
Where Iâm heading forâŠ.Some dates to ponder… (All details on the gig page)
November
1st â Late Late Show â RTE1 (Television)
7th â Cork Opera House
15th & 16th – Derry
22nd & 23rd â Trim
29th & 30th – Naas
December
7th â Athlone
15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th â Vicar Street, Dublin
January
24th & 25th â Bord Gais (Grand Canal) Theatre, Dublin
February
21st â Mullingar
28th – Clonmel
March
Drogheda â Date to be confirmed
28th – Kilkenny
April
10th â Edinburgh
11th â Glasgow – Barrowland
13th â Glasgow RCH
15th â Manchester
17th & 18th â London RFH
May
9th & 10th – Ennis
16th – Galway
24th– Killarney
29th & 30th – Belfast
July
5th â Marquee, Cork
We hope to add some more gigs in due course. Keep an eye out and, hopefully, we’ll turn up in a venue near you along the way.
The Meeting Room.
A documentary to which I contributed. Click HERE to watch
Arthurs Day
What a debate. Getting to sing Arthurs Alcoholiday on the Prime Time Television certainly stirred it up! Most respondents were positive, some were incensed and a few were downright hostile.
What a contrast was Arthurs Day to RTE’s Music Train. It arrived into Newbridge, County Kildare on Monday Morning, September 30th. Thousands came out to welcome the arrival of this great initiative. A brilliant parade from the Railway Station down past Rathfield, into Charlotte St. left at The Bank Corner on down Main Street. At the head of the parade were the Army Band and a thousand school children from various schools. All were dancing and singing, laughing and jousting as they crossed The Liffey Bridge to turn in to The Patrician Secondary school where the performance began. Miriam OâCallaghan received a rousing Newbridge welcome as she mounted the rostrum. Introducing each performer she charmed the thronged Assembly. The concert featured Tammy Browne, Celine Byrne, King Modo, the Wednesdays, Luka Bloom, Paul McCormack and Frankie Laine. I sang The Curragh of Kildare accompanied by the entire audience. After that came Tea, Sangwidges and sweet cake before the Music Train puffed off to Carlow to do it all over again. Great praise is due to all those who put this project together. There were months of pre-planning by the RTE team. Local organizers in each town brought their communities together as the train moved on during this 6 day celebration of Irish music and song. I hope that The Music Train will roll again.
I’m here in the Town Hall, Leeds tonight. It is October 16th 2013. I’m thinking of all the Folk Clubs that were here when I first landed in this great City. My first gig in Leeds was back in 1967. John and Rita Wall ran Club Memphis in an R.A.O.B. Hall. They treated me very well, fed me, gave me a bed and paid me ÂŁ6. I started to cross the Pennines frequently to play gigs at The Grove Folk Club (which is still running), at Bob and Hazel Spray’s club at The Adelphi on Leeds Bridge, at John Rennard’s who ran a bluesy/folk club, Bob and Carol Pegg ran an ultra Traditional Club and went on to form a band called Mr. Fox. I recall many great nights with a host of old friends. Singers like Jim Potter, Alma Ford, Roger Sutcliffe, Alan “Spud” Taylor, Geoff Woods and Brian Senior all contributed to what was the unique Leeds Folk Scene. The surrounding areas all had their own local clubs. I puttered around in a 1956 VW Beetle with guitar and sleeping bag in the back. I was happy as the day was long. Places like Pudsey, Headingly, Wakefield, Barnsley, and Bradford were all on my diary back then. If I did not have a gig I would turn up to hear whoever did. In 1968 I played in over 150 Folk Clubs and fondly remember most of them.
Leeds Town was the last of a 4 gig trip to England which also took in Liverpool, Newcastle and Warwick. It went very well. Declan Sinnott and I along with Paddy Doherty, Michael Devine, Dikon Whitehead, David & Johnny Meade played 4 very successful gigs. The local crews at each venue were excellent and the audiences were welcoming and inspirational. Declan and I are both very happy with the way the gigs are going. We seem to be finding the right notes these nights. I am still finding new things to do with my voice, new ways to play this instrument. Some old songs have resurfaced, “First Time Ever” “Dalesman’s Litany” “Van Diemen’s Land” all got a turn. After the Leeds gig Michael and I made a dash for Holyhead and boarded the SS Ulysses arriving home in time for porridge. We hope to return “over” again next April when, if all goes well, we will visit Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London.
Over and out, until the next time
Christy
Arthur’s Day
NEW SINGLE FROM CHRISTY
âARTHURâS DAYâ
(From forthcoming album âWhere I Come Fromâ, due out November 1st 2013)
(1)
Diageo Diageo have mounted a Crusade
Creating Arthur’s Day they’ve suckered us into their charade
Start ’em off on Alco-Pops tastes just like lemonade
Get ’em into the hit while they’re young and none the wiser
(2)
Diageo pump the volume up on Arthur’s Day
With The Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, Tom Jones and David Gray
To flog their alcohol they’re revvin the youngsters up for a mighty spree
Twitter and Facebook tellin them where The Mumfords ‘r gonna be
(Chorus)
Happy Happy Happy Happy Arthur’s Day
Its suchâŠ. a Happy Clappy Advertisin’ Scheme
Drink sensibly they implore us, as their Hosannas sound a never-ending chorus
‘n kids get hooked on the fantasies that flash before us
(3)
Arthurs Alcoholiday is comin’ round again
He’s the patron saint of porter canonized by the Advertisin’ Men
The medics in the ambulance ‘ll be workin overtime,
The A&E ‘ll be like a drunk tank in the firing line
While Diageo goes AWOL at closing time
âARTHURâS DAYâ will be available on iTunes from 26th September
Taken from the forthcoming album
âWHERE I COME FROMâ
Due for release on November 1st 2013
 PSâŠ.The Waterboys release “Song for Arthur’s Day on the same date. It is on an EP with two other tracks.
3 tracks all with an Arthur’s Day theme, released on iTunes and Amazon download on 26th September.
Some extra shows added …
Dear Listeners,
A quick note about some upcoming gigs recently put in place
September 27th – Concert Hall, Limerick
October 4th – Heritage, Portlaoise
October 12th -16th – Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Newcastle. (See gig page)
November 7th – Cork Opera House. (On sale Sept 16th)
November 15 & 16 – Forum, Derry
November 23rd – Knightsbrook, Trim, Co. Meath (first show sold out, 2nd show now on sale)
November 30th – Kilashee, nr Naas, Co. Kildare (first show sold out, 2nd show on sale)
See Gig page at website for further details.
We will shortly announce a number of gigs for Vicar St Dublin, in December.
âWhere I Come From” is the title of the next album. It will be released in Ireland on November 1st and in the U.K. on Nov 4th. It will consist of a 3 CD set and booklet and will be on Columbia at Sony Music. There will be more info closer to the time.
I am currently working on the next chat which hopefully will be finished before November
Shine on
Christy
SKIN IN THE GAME
SKIN IN THE GAME
Last year I took part in this documentary film made by Donald Taylor Black. Perhaps some of you might be interested in seeing it. Donald filmed a number of Irish artists sharing their perceptions of Ireland. I have seen the film once and look forward to seeing it again.
It will be shown in the following venues and there may be further viewing scheduled.
Unfortunately, as of yet, RTE have not shown any interest in transmitting âSkin in The Gameâ
Monday, 23rd September â Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow (Q&A with Donald Taylor Black)
Wednesday, 2nd October â Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laoise.
Wednesday, 9th October â Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire (with discussion panel including Christy)
Tuesday, 29th October â Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth ( Q&A with Donald Taylor Black)
Wednesday, 6th November â Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
âWe then went on to Westport and searched it high and lowââŠ
June 29th 2013 (Before Westport)
Saturday Morning and I still miss John Peel. Nelson is struggling to leave.  The Bees are disappearing and the news is dominated by The Stones at Glastonbury.  Iâm here in  bed  contemplating the Lions running out in Melbourne. I heard from Donnacha O’Callaghan. He reckons that Paul O’Connell should play with only one good arm. I really should get up and do my pre match routine. Stretch the socks pull on the jocks, put on the kettle, boil the tea; find the remote and away we go.
I did my Westport Festival preparations last night. I pulled out last year’s Galway Festival set list to check up on my outdoor festival routine. My last outdoor gig was London Fleadh 2010. Sandwiched between Dylan and Madness, we played merrily in the London rain before heading for the Mailboat. Festivals are mad yokes. All have their own magic, energy, eccentricity. Be it Electric Picnic, Glastonbury, Bealtaine or June Fest, Carnsore, Trip to Tipp, Lisdoonvarna, Ballisodare, Krumlin, Macroom, Millstreet, London Feis, Glasgow Fleadh, Leeds, Cambridge  or Randall’s Island, they are all the same yet totally different. Tomorrow its over to Hill 16 for the Lily Whites and the Boys in Blue. Apologies to all you gentle souls who detest the ball games, who shudder at us muck-savages who get so excited by the spectacle. It began for me many years ago when Daddy took me to Athy in 1953 to see Kildare play Carlow. The “Boiler” White came on at half time and the seeds of hero worship were sown. Later he took me to Lansdowne Road to my first Rugby International where A.J.F. O’Reilly was the hero of the hour. He was magnificent that day as were Noisy Murphy and Gordon Woods. What a right wing bossman Lord Anthony turned out to be. I often saw Jimmy Eddery with the bit between his teeth on the Curragh. I saw Colm McCoy win his European title, Moorefield win their first Senior Championship. I saw Jimmy Conway at Fulham, Jinky Johnstone at Parkheid, George Best at Old Trafford, Giant Haystacks  in Halifax. highlights for me were seeing Mike Gibson like a knife through butter, George Best, Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law in 1967/8, a Tony Hately hat trick at Craven Cottage. I saw Rod Laver at Wimbledon in the early 60s, hard to beat the glory of Mick O’Connell’s high fielding, Jimmy Cummin’s left half back determination, Babs Keating in his bare feet doin’ the double at the railway Cup Finals, Darky Prendergast saddling a double at glorious Goodwood in 1962 and me on both of them. I saw Mousey Connolly box for Ireland, Mary Flood swim to victory and Billy Burke ride Santa Clause home by 20 lengths at 18/1⊠Agh here, donât get me started! Michael Devine has just pulled in for the trip to Westport. I better round up me plectrums and polish me clogs.
We had a grand drive across the country from Dublin to the Atlantic. Every town brings a flashback, harder to retrieve now that most towns have been by-passed⊠the Sun  was wrestling with clouds all the way over, crossing into Mayo She Shines out again and hopes rise for a sun-blessed evening in Lord Altamontâs Garden⊠two big houses in one week. Lord Leitrim’s on Wednesday night in beautiful Lough Rinn and now tonight here in Lord Altamontâs. Iâm feeling a bit like Turlough O’Carolan going around Ireland with his harp on his back to serenade his patrons. Itâs all go here in Westport; Gondolas on the lake, buskers, clowns, exotic food vying with burgers. The Buena Vista are on stage, their tunes are floating on the air. The Water Boys are wetting their whistles down the hall and Steve Wickham has the rosin out⊠Jimmy Higgins pops his head around the door on his way to do a set with The Stunning  after which he is gonna join myself and Declan for a rattle.
On the road home from Westport now, another gig done on the never-ending tour. It was outdoors tonight and it went off grand. The audience were well up for a bit of singing so we kept the chorus coming. I met up with Jack L, Steve Wall, Declan O’Rourke, Mundy, Steve Wickham, Mike Scott, and a Band from Ballinrobe who opened the festival earlier in the day.  I met security guards from Kildare, Garda from all over, spacers from Sligo, hurlers from Horse and Jockey, Lords and Ladies, Barons and Brassers⊠not a FF TD in sight. The washrooms in Westport House were remarkable. First time I ever witnessed baby changing facilities in a men’s washroom, these are more enlightened timesâŠÂ (Perhaps a Padraic Flynn initiative when he was Minister for the Environment) Afterwards we made our way over to Matt Molloy’s which was packed to the gills and a mighty session of reels in the back snug with Matt himself at the heart of it all. This has to be one of the finest music houses in the land. Iâd love to do an auld gig there sometime.
July 6th⊠One week later.
Weâre back in the Rebel County for our 9th Year in The Marquee Theatre at the back of Pairc UĂ Caoimh. They sang their heads off last night. The Girls and Boys, the he-males and she-males came in all shapes and sizes. After a glorious day of summer some of them had sunstroke, some a touch of Bulmers, some were in ecstasy and others in shock. We had pro-lifers, pro-footballers, beauticians, morticians, physicians, musicians, barbers from Kilrush, warblers from Kilkee⊠the Bishop was there in his Burka, Kenny Lee was there on his Honda, some of them were dreamers and some them were fools. My favourite song of the night was “Magic Nights at The Lobby Bar”. Itâs great having Jimmy Higgins with us on stage – he is a prince of rhythm.  He lays it down solid, he plays bass runs on the ancient drum, and he has honed his skills to perfection in a host of bands, trios and orchestras. I first worked with him 25 years ago when he was with Eleanor Shanley’s band alongside Robbie Overson. Since then he has been in The Saw Doctors, The Stunning, The Walls and he has paddled around the world in Riverdance. I encountered him again last year when I did some shows with MairtĂn O’Connor’s Band. When I heard them play I became entranced with the possibility of singing with them. We hope to do a brace of gigs next year, Myself, MairtĂn O’Connor, Shamie O’Dowd, Cathal Hayden and the aforementioned Jimmy Higgins.
The following day we made our way to Ballyvourney. After FĂ©ile na Laoch 2011I wanted to support Peader O’Riada’s next gathering in 2018.Peader and I decided a gig would do the job. The hall was full to the brim as CĂłr CĂșl Aodha opened up and set the ball rolling. SeĂĄn Ă SĂ© greeted Declan and I backstage and gave us a great welcome. It’s many years now since I first heard SeĂĄn Ă SĂ© sing. It was truly memorable to be introduced by this man whom I have so long admired. Click HERE to read more about FĂ©ile na Laoch.
I’m nearly finished the next release. I have a title and the running order is slowly falling into place. Most of the tracks are mixed and the art work for the sleeve is finding its way.  We hope for a November release.  I have increased the number of press-ups, we are interviewing hair stylists, gonna get my teeth dyed, Louis Copeland is knitting me a corset,  Bono is gonna design me a pair of spectacles, this could be the big one, gonna get the finger out big time, gonna be knockin’ on doorsâŠ
Two solo gigs in Knocknagoshel bate all. When I come back in the next life thatâs where I’m gonna recommence. I hope to start off as a messenger boy in Myra McAuliffe’s Family Grocery. I’ll weigh the tea and sugar; I’ll sift the flour, clean the henshite off the eggs, bone the bacon and chaw the fat with all the dacent peopleâŠ
A right good gig on Monday Night in Whelans. A great crowd gathered for our tribute to Philip Chevron. Click HERE for youtube clip …
Thatâs it for the minute. Keep coming back. A bit of feedback would be nice. I gather many listeners now prefer twitter and Facebook. I have certainly have noticed a fall off here but itâs a side issue. This is all about songs at the end of the day⊠songs and singing, listening and sharingâŠ
Christy
PS On Friday 9th August the American Pianist, David Syme, will play in The John Field Room at The National Concert in Dublin. Â Over the past years we have been to hear David play on many occasions. Every summer he hosts wonderful house concerts on The Beara Peninsula, near Adrigole in County Cork. Â Happy to recommend (I hope to attend if at all possible)
PPS Martin Egan, my old companero and author of “Casey” has asked me to draw your attention to his application for the Arthur Guinness Projects funding (click HERE for info) Your vote could help him get funding for his project.
Christy & Co. sing for Phil Chevron, Whelans, Monday 15th July 2013
Christy & Co. sing for Phil Chevron, Whelans, Monday 15th July 2013
Message From Phil Chevron
Message from Phil Chevron … To all those who attended the Christy Sings For Phil show at Whelan’s on Monday, I’d just like to offer a note thanking you for your support and, unless I’m mistaken, your vocal cords too! Sounds like I missed a good show but I had prior arrangements made and was also, if I’m honest, both touched and wary of such a “home crowd” audience. The bones are not currently ideal for the squeeze nor the hug. So thank you. It was a fantastic thing for Christy and his fellow musicians to do and even better that you supported it.
thank you …
Thank you to everybody who supported the Phil Chevron gig on Monday 15th July … See you soon.
Christy
Gig for Philip Chevron
Gig in Whelan’s for Philip Chevron … Monday, 15th July.
Christy Moore first met Philip Chevron when the then 14 year old schoolboy booked Planxty to play an afternoon gig in O’Connell Schools in 1972. 10 years later Christy and Philip shared a stage at The National Stadium when Chevron and Agnes Bernelle played before Moving Hearts. Moving Hearts recorded “Faithful Departed “, Chevron’s classic song, on the first Moving Hearts album. It was always a highlight of live sets in those heady days. Since then their paths have often crossed and they have kept in touch with each other.
When news came of Philip’s recurring illness Christy expressed a wish to sing for Chevron and Philip gave the nod.
The gig will take place at Whelan’s, Dublin on Monday, July 15th at 8 o’clock (Doors 7pm) Tickets: 36.50 euro (incl booking fee) Tickets will go on sale on Friday 24th May at 1.30pm
Available through www.wavtickets.ie or lo call 1890 200 1078.
Standing with Limited unreserved seating | Over 18’s
Protest at Dail Eireann – Our Forests are Not For Sale …
Please try to make it to this protest on Tuesday 21st May at 5.30pm at Dail Eireann against our Governments plans to sell off harvesting rights to our Forests … Hope to to see you there. Also, If you have not had the chance to sign the petition, please do so by clicking HERE …
The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring Tra-La …
May 2013.
In recent weeks I have had enjoyed some special gigs. On April 2nd I visited the Keltoi Centre in The Phoenix Park where I sang with people in recovery from addiction. It was an emotional but fun filled gathering. Some of them came up and sang beautiful songs. Thanks to Kieran and all the staff there for making it happen. Great atmosphere and healing plus strong tea and mighty sandwiches.
On April 18th I travelled to Derry lovely Derry. A great crowd assembled on the Banks of The Foyle River. His Holiness the Dalai Lama crossed the Peace Bridge with Richard Moore and a host of children. They entered a fine tent where thousands had gathered to hear The Dalai Lama speak. The event was to mark the work of Children in Crossfire. His words can be heard by clicking HERE
Richard Moore invited me to sing and I sang this song “How Longâ from Jackson Browne.
When you look into a Childs face
You are seeing all the human race
The endless possibilities there
Where so much can come through
And you think of the beautiful things
A child can do
How long can a child survive
How long if it was up to you
When you think about the money spent
on defence by government
and the weapons of destruction they build
then tell us we need
and you think of the millions and millions
that money could feed
How long can you hear someone crying
How long can you hear someone dying
Before you ask yourself why
How long will we hear people speak
About missiles for peace and let it go by
How long will they tell us these weapons are keeping us free
It’s a lie
If you saw it from a satellite
all the green and with its blue and white
The beauty of the curve of the earth
And the oceans below
You might think it was paradise
If you didn’t know
You might think it was turning
But it’s turning so slow
How long can you hear someone crying?
How long can you hear someone dying?
Before you ask yourself why
How long will it be till we’ve turned
To the tasks and the skills that we’ll have to have learned
If we’re going to find a place in the future
Have something to offer to the children of the world
Leaving Derry afterwards, having spent some hours in the presence of His Holiness and his people, having heard him share his philosophies on forgiveness and compassion, on peace and tolerance, I knew that my own prejudices and resentments had been challenged, that I might never think in the same way again. I am still absorbing it all.
On April 22nd it was into The City Hall, Dublin where The South African Ambassador was launching an event to remember Irelands Anti-Apartheid Movement. He invited me in to sing “The Dunnes Stores Song” (by Sandra Kerr) and The Biko Drum” (by Wally page) There were many dignitaries present. One of our Government Ministers was there plus many trade union officials, journalists, photographers and a good smattering of old (like myself) activists. Surprisingly there was not one woman from the Dunnes Stores Strike. I canât figure out whether that was an oversight, a decision or an impossibility. I’m working on it. I dedicated the following song to The Dunnes Stores Strikers, and to two trade union workers Tommy Davis and Brendan Barron, who were very supportive of the strike.
Mary Manning
Karen Gearon
Catherine O’Reilly
Theresa Mooney
Vonnie Munroe
Sandra Griffin
Alma Russell
Michelle Gavin
Liz Deasy
Dorothy Dooley
The Dunnes Stores Strike (Sandra Kerr)
Close your eyes and come with me back to 1984
Weâll take a walk down Henry St to Dunnes Department store
The supermarket’s busy, the registers make a din
The groceries go rollinâ out and the cash comes rollinâ in
Mary Manning is at the checkout trying to keep warm,
A customer comes up to her a basket on her arm
The contents of that basket Mary’s future was to shape
The label clearly stated, produce of The Cape
Â
I canât check out your oranges Mam, you’ll have to put them back
They come from South Africa where The White oppress The Black
I’d have it on my conscience I couldn’t sleep at night
If I helped support a system that denies Black People’s Rights
CHORUS
The managers descended in an avalanche of suits
Mary was suspended cos she wouldn’t touch the fruits
No one was goin’ to tell Ben Dunne what he bought or sold
These women are only workers they must do as they are told
Isnât that just typical of the way Apartheid works
Itâs not just in South Africa that the Boss man calls the shots
Dunne’s wouldn’t have a boycott, couldnât give a tinkers curse
Donât matter how they filled the shelves so long as they lined his purse
CHORUS
Goodwill and solidarity came from all around the world
Such concern and sacrifice, such courage brave and bold
When 14 months were over 10 women and a man
Had helped to raise black consciousness all around the land
Â
Clerys in O’Connell St stopped sellin’ South African shoes
Best Man sent all their clothes back, Roches stores their booze
Til all South African Goods were taken off the shelves in Dunnes
Mary Manning was down in Henry St and she was sticking to her guns
CHORUS
On Saturday the 27th I had a great gig in Vicar Street with Martin O’Connor, Shamie O’Dowd, Cathal Hayden and Jimmy Higgins. It was our 5th outing. I love playing with these musicians. We hope to continue on this journey.When the stars are in alignment and when we all have corresponding gaps in our work schedules, The music will continue âŠ
Here is the setlist;
SOLO
1. How Long
2. Arthurâs Day
3. Dunnes Stores
4. Ruby Walsh
5. DTs
6. Yellow Furze Woman
7. Magdalene laundry
8. Natives.
9. Quiet desperation
I was joined on stage by Martin, Shamie, Cathal and Jimmy, We did;
10. Chicago
11. Butterfly
12. McIlhatton
13 Finglas Boys
14 Smoke and Whiskey
15 St Brendan’s Voyage
16. Michael Hayes
17. Sullivanâs John
18. Merseyside
19. Blue Rose
20. Missing You
21. Sally gardens
22 On the Mainland
23. The Blackbird.
24. Bogman
25. Back home in Derry
26. Ride On
27. Ord Man
28. Voyage
29. Yellow Triangle
30. Joxer
31. Black is The Colour
You can listen to Sullivan’s John by clicking the link here … Sullivan’s John
The following day we made our way to Avondale where thousands had gathered protest against the proposed sale of our Woods and Forests. As I made my way towards the platform a man pressed a lyric into my hand. Sitting side stage I looked it over and decided to read it out. It was written by Paul whose Facebook moniker is Drum Stig⊠He is involved with Rage Against The Regime, who will be holding a gig on 13th June in the Grand Social ⊠You can check out their webpage by clicking HERE
Also, you can check out their facebook page by clicking HERE
A Tree Falls in The Forest
If a tree falls in the forest â and thereâs no one around to hear it â does it make a sound?
Surely the real question is âWhy is there no one around?â
Where are the ramblers and the hill walkers?
Where are the Sunday strollers?
Where are the horse riders, taking their mounts from the soulless open field theyâve stood in all week up to the majestic, soulful mountain forests?
Where are the mountain bikers, risking life and limb with breakneck descents or straining on all the impossible climbs of their carefully mapped trails?
Where are the young families who bring their children to the wonderland of deer and squirrels and rabbits and foxes?
Where are the kids who donât walk in the woods but actually explore the jungles hunting bear and tiger and wolf?
Where are the cowboys and the Indians, the wizards and the dragon slayers?
Where are the fairy queens and the sleeping beauties and the wood nymphs?
Where are the artists, the writers, the musicians, the poets who come to fill their souls with the spirit of the land and speak to the muse?
Where are the lovers who escape the glare of the city and find the silence to allow their hearts to beat loudly together?
Where are the people who come to speak to their loved ones passed on because the pain is too great in their homes or âlifeâ does not go on without a place to grieve?
Is there no one around because the people entrusted with management of their country have betrayed their people and, for the price of a treasonous signature, have sold the land to faceless, soulless, heartless corporations who erect signs telling you you’re now on private property?
Is there no one around because the government care nothing about the land and less about the people?
Because Taoisigh, Ministers and Public Servants have no hesitation in RAPING their own country, and when they have taken what they can, have no hesitation in PROSTITUTING out the carcass of the ancient land of their fathers to the highest bidder.
Neither will they hesitate to pursue, prosecute, convict and incarcerate any man, woman or child who trespasses on private property which they once owned as citizens of a sovereign nation.
Is there no one around because our Public Servants do not serve the public, but serve themselves in a continuous orgy of money worship and abuse of power?
If we do nothing to stand against this unholy destruction of our beautiful country our children will not be asking âif a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound?â⊠Our children and our grandchildren will be asking us âŠ
âDaddy, what was it like to walk in a forest?â
You can see some footage of the event by clicking HERE
 I sense an awakening around us. People are preparing to stand against oppression, austerity, cut backs, selloffs, awful corruption in high places and robbers walking free. lies are ringing louder these days.
On it goes â the quest for songs and places to sing themâŠ
Just packing the bags for The Black Mountain – Two more nights in The Waterfront. I have not gigged with Declan Sinnott for over a month. Iâm rearing to go, to hear his fender’n fuzz box, his Spanish, his folk jumbo, I’ve a feeling there may be long sets loomingâŠ
Some new gigs up on the Gig page and more to follow⊠next album release planned for November. Bealtaine (May) is upon us once more – whatâs another year…
Shine OnâŠ
Christy
A Walk In The Woods …
Please try and join us on Sunday 28th April at this protest against our governments plan to sell off the harvesting rights to Ireland’s forests under the EU/IMF Troika programme. Meet at 1pm in the carpark of Avondale House & Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. Hope to see you there. You can also sign a petition by clicking HERE
As Down The Glen One Easter Morn
I was invited to take part in President O’Higgins Patrick’s day Glaoch. The President was reaching out to Irish people around the world on March 17th. For me the visit was a great experience. Arriving at Ăras and ĂachtarĂĄĂn, Michael Devine and I were given a great welcome by all The President’s Staff and by men and women of the Army and GardaĂ. This was my 4th visit to “The Park”, having been invited previously by both President Robinson and President McAleese. Encounters with Michael D over many decades have always been memorable. Meeting him again as the elected President of Ireland was a particular pleasure. There was a feeling of having a true “man of the people” in Ăras an ĂachtarĂĄin. Such a change from our last meeting which was at FĂ©ile Na Laoch in Coolea, Co. Cork in the Summer of 2011. Click HERE to see chat archive
On the way in we encountered Seamus Heaney who was leaving having done his “Glaoch” with The President. Later, as I was leaving I met Bono on his way in⊠it struck me that The President had engaged with all three of us, plus whatever else was on his desk that day. The following day he was recalled from Rome to deal with a constitutional crisis and then flew back to Rome having done the necessary… and some of us think we are busy! It takes great discipline, energy, compassion, selflessness and a lot of help for The President, with his wife Sabina, to fulfil this role and to carry out all the duties involved. The last three Presidents have surely opened up Ăras an ĂachtarĂĄin to all the people of IrelandâŠ
What was to have been a brief filmed chat soon became a long conversation, with both of us becoming less aware of the technicians and equipment in the room. Â He read two of his poems to me and I sang Gortatagort and Victor Jara. It truly is way beyond my expectation that these songs would take me to this place. I thought of all the musicians, singers and composers whose works inhabit my repertoire, whose songs give me purpose and pleasure, I felt them with me. These songs have taken me down so many different roads.
I was recently involved in a new film documentary made by Donald Taylor Black called âSkin In The Gameâ. The film examines the current recession/financial crisis through a number of artists (including myself) who are using it as subject matter for their work. Other participants include SeĂĄn Hillen (photographer); Rita Ann Higgins (poet); Brian Maguire (painter); David Quin (animator); Anthony Haughey (photographer); Nicky Gogan (film-maker); David Bolger (choreographer); Gerald Dawe (poet); and David Monahan (photographer) as they look at emigration, ghost estates and the legacy of politicians and bankers. Roddy Doyle has written texts for the film that are voiced by actors including Lorcan Cranitch and Hilda Fay. Showing at Belfast Film Festival on Saturday, April 20th at 5pm (click HERE for tickets) and, hopefully, at a screen near you!
The picture below is Brian Maguire’s painting of Anglo Irish Banks aborted HQ on the banks of The Liffey in Dublin – A true portrait of the times in which we live.
Henry McCullough Tribute Gig
The gig for Henry was a great success. Henry has been seriously ill this past while. Pete Cummins and Frank Murray ran a night which allowed us all to gather and celebrate Henryâs contribution to music. I stood in the wings for most of the gig. It was great to see so many players up close. Henryâs brother Victor played a lovely set with Declan Sinnott. Nollaig Bridgeman set the tone for the night with a loving tribute. Ronan Collins compered and the Vicar Street crew were top notch, keeping the whole show on the road. There were a lot of acts to stage manage but it ran really smoothly. I did not last the whole night as Iâd been out gigging all week but I did hear John Spillane, Johnny Duhan, Sweeneyâs Men and Alan Murray from Glasgow. Thanks to all of you who came along.
I recorded this song for Mike Harding’s new show on Patrick’s Day …Click HERE to listen
You can also listen to Mikeâs shows online by clicking HERE
We had a couple of great nights at The Mount Wolsley in Tullow, County Carlow.  I was playing with Martin O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Shamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins. This was our third outing and the curious combination is beginning to meld mellifluously (I’ve just had strong coffee). Two years ago I sat listening to this Band in Dublin. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of their music. A seed was sown that is now beginning to blossom. I am already looking forward to our next outing. These players are 4 long haul session men whose lives have been steeped in the music and songs of our land. I first played with Martin O’Connor over 30 years ago when we recorded the “Plane Crash at Los Gatos” for an album called The Spirit of Freedom. I met Cathal Hayden in a lay-by in Finland the late 80’s. I was there gigging, as were Four Men and A Dog, with whom he still plays. Shamie O’Dowd is a son of the late (and much loved) Sligo Fiddle player Joe O’Dowd who graced the Sligo music scene for decades with his beautiful playing. I toured with Jimmy Higgins over 20 years ago when he played in Eleanor Shanley’s Band. Since then he has played in the Riverdance ensemble and, these days, can be found with The Stunning, The Saw Doctors and also plays sessions with his wife Breda Smith.
I have been gathering up all my own songs and re-recording them. I hope to present them in a 4 CD release later this year. I have never been prolific but over 40 years have come up with 50 or so pieces of my own, some being collaborations with other writers, mainly Wally Page. I have decided that itâs better to do this while I’m still able rather then someone else trying to do it when I’m gone. The songs are scattered over numerous recordings and labels. I simply want to gather them under one roof, so I have re-recorded all. Iâm enjoying the process, keeps me off the streets…
I have been invited to sing for The Dalai Lama, in Derry next month. The invite was issued by Richard Moore, the founder of Children in Crossfire. Click HERE to see their website.
Some new dates for the Diary – see gig page for details⊠Vicar St Dublin, Ballinasloe, Dundalk, 4 gig tour of Wales, Wexford, Mohill Co Leitrim, Cork, Limerick, Portlaoise, Liverpool, Newcastle, Coventry, Leeds, Derry, Trim Co. Meath⊠In April 2014 we hope to return to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London.
See you along the way,
Christy
P.S…
Save Irelandâs Forests
There will be a walk in Avondale House & Forest Park, Rathdrum on Sunday, 28th April at 1pm to highlight the campaign to stop the governments plan to sell off the harvesting rights to Irelandâs Public forests under the EU/IMF âTroikaâ programme and to maintain them in public ownership. There will be songs, poems and words from artists, musicians and activists.
Click HERE to sign the petition
Sweet Thames Flow Softly
Christy Moore-Sweet Thames Flow Softly
For One Night Only
For one night only …
Christy Moore,
Vicar Street, Dublin.
Saturday, 27th April 2013
Tickets will go on sale at 9am, Thursday, 28th March.
Available from www.ticketmaster.ie
St Patrick’s Day
I had a great experience recently when meeting the president Michael D Higgins. He honoured my work by inviting me to be part of his Patrick’s day “Glaoch”, which will be transmitted on Patrick’s day. All broadcasting details are available from the RTE website which is available by clicking HERE
Luka Bloom Australian Tour
Dear Listeners,
My brother Luka Bloom is currently on tour in Australia. Heâs got some beautiful new songs.
His dates are:
| Wednesday 6th March | Adelaide | The Gov |
| Friday 8th March | Central Coast | Lizotteâs â SOLD OUT |
| Saturday 9th March | Central Coast | Lizotteâs â SOLD OUT |
| Sunday 10th March | Newcastle | Lizotteâs â SOLD OUT |
| Tuesday 12th March | Sydney | Enmore Theatre |
| Wednesday 13th March | Wollongong | City Diggers |
| Saturday 16th March | Katoomba | Blue Mountains Music Festival |
| Monday 18th March | Canberra | Tilleyâs |
| Tuesday 19th March | Canberra | Tilleyâs |
| Wednesday 20th March | Canberra | Tilleyâs |
| Friday 22nd March | Hobart | Wrest Point Showroom |
| Saturday 23rd March | Melbourne | National Theatre |
| Monday 25th March | Brisbane | The Tivoli |
| Thursday 28th March | Noosa | The J |
| Sunday 31st March | Byron Bay | Bluesfest |
| Tuesday 2nd April | Fremantle | Fly by Night Musicians Club |
For more details and tickets you can visit Lukaâs website by clicking HERE
All the best,
Christy
Vicar Street Gig – 3rd March
On March 3rd a benefit concert will take place in Vicar Street in Dublin for guitarist and singer Henry McCullough who suffered a heart attack in November 2012 and has suffered permanent damage.
Henry started his music career with The Skyrockets and later Gene and the Gents in Enniskillen but came to prominence in the 60âs with his band The People later to be named Eire Apparent. They toured the world with The Animals, Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Things went well until, in Vancouver, Canada in mid February 1968 while the band was touring with The Animals, McCullough was busted for possession of marijuana and sent back to Ireland.
Henry returned to Ireland and joined the popular folk group Sweeneyâs Men for a short time. Soon Henry was back in London as a member of The Joe Cocker Grease Band who was hugely successful worldwide, helped by a stunning performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
McCullough played on The Grease Bandâs eponymous album after splitting with Cocker, and during his time with the Band he also appeared as lead guitarist on the original 1970 recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Riceâs rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 1971 Paul McCartney asked Henry to join his post Beatles band Wings and his ad lib solo on the song My Love is considered one of the great guitar solos.
Henry spent 2 years in the band but quit Wings in 1973 and went on to play in The Frankie Miller Band before recording his first solo album for George Harrisonâs Dark Horse label.
Sessions with Marianne Faithfull, Donovan, Spooky Tooth, Eric Burdon and Dr. Feelgood, among many others, followed.
In the mid 80âs Henry returned to Dublin and joined The Fleadh Cowboys before resuming his solo career and writing and recording a number of records. His song Failed Christian was covered by Nick Lowe.
Up until his heart attack Henry was gigging regularly with his band from Northern Ireland and The Ed Deane Band in the South.
Sweeneyâs Men are coming together for only the second time in decades to perform on this show.
The Fleadh Cowboys are playing together for the first time since 2011
SALUTE TO HENRY
Featuring
CHRISTY MOORE & DECLAN SINNOTT
SWEENEYâS MEN
MICK FLANNERY
THE FLEADH COWBOYS
JOHN SPILLANE
HONOR HEFFERNAN
JOHNNY DUHAN
ALAN MURPHY (SCOTLAND)
ED DEANE BAND
VICTOR McCULLOUGH
JIMMY SMITH
KEVIN DOHERTY
PHILIP DONNELLY
SARA PETITE (USA)
BP FALLON
RONAN COLLINS
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM TICKETMASTER Â – CLICK HERE
The January Man comes round again in coat and boots of leather.
January âFebruary 2013.
The January Man comes round again in coat and boots of leather.
I just heard the sad news that Peter Cadle, poet, singer and songwriter has passed. We seldom met, but occasionally we did have dialogue about songs. When I recorded his song “Unfinished Revolution” in 1987 Peter generously allowed me to rewrite the 3rd verse. Later, for the book “One Voice”, he allowed me to include his song “Bless This Guitar”. I had attempted to record the song on a number of occasions but never succeeded. May he rest in peace.
Thanks to all of you who sent good wishes. The virus, which left me voiceless, seems to be receding. Having to cancel 2 concerts in the Bord Gais Theatre made for very difficult days. As my voice got weaker over the preceding days, I was left in a state of indecision and turmoil. I tried every cure suggested and I was also taking a course of anti-biotics. I subsequently learned that this had been a pointless exercise. Eventually on gig day I found myself unable to sing a note and had to throw in the towel. The most difficult aspect was knowing that a number of people were flying into Dublin to hear the songs. I was very aware of their dilemma yet helpless to do anything. The concerts were re-scheduled for February 1st and 2nd.
My colleague Paddy Doherty stayed at the venue both evenings. We expected huge numbers of people to arrive but the word went out very quickly. Thanks to Ticketmaster, Aiken Promotions, Ăine Carmody, RTE and all who spread news of the cancellations. Four days on and the multitude of remedies and good wishes are taking effect. The old vocals are returning.
It is such a relief to be able to sing again. As I get older I realise more each day just how much singing means to me. I watched a brilliant programme on BBC4 during the week about Choristers in England’s Salisbury Cathedral. The choirmaster reflected upon the power of singing and what it meant to both listener and practitioner. It brought me back to my own early days singing in choirs in both primary and secondary school. The feeling that came from being part of a 4 part harmony ensemble is still with me. Brother Michael was choirmaster in the Patrician Brothers National School Newbridge back in 1957. I can recall the discipline but not the music. In Secondary School I met with Fr. Henry Flanagan and thatâs when the passion for singing began to kick in. My voice broke in 1959 when I was 14. By September 1960 my bass baritone began to emerge and I was soon singing again. By the following year I was back in the choir singing the Tantum and Kyrie in the Latin mass⊠I was singing the part of Koko in The Mikado⊠I was at the Piano singing Heartbreak Hotel⊠The Clancy brothers were about to resound across the Atlantic and change the direction of many’s the young life.
53 years later I give thanks for everything that singing has brought to my life. Last week I also watched a programme from Alan Yentob’s wonderful series “Imagine”. He chronicled the life of Dame Shirley Bassey, “The Girl from Tiger Bay”. What a wonderful Diva she remains. Again, I marvelled at the insight into another singers life experience in their world of song. Be it Bess Cronin or Shirley Bassey, John Reilly or Bono, the human voice is an amazing instrument. I am always intrigued to hear singers share their experiences, their inside story. All singers have a unique relationship with their instrument, repertoire and performance. I know that in my own life these 3 relationships have changed radically over a 50 year period and continue to change even still.
A good number of songs in the workroom these days. I’ve been working with Luka on a song. It is based on a piece of his from 10 years ago. I have also been working with Wally Page on two pieces. “The Pearly King” has been on the screen for a few years and may blossom. A second piece is finished and ready to roll. It celebrates a recent cultural development here in Arthurland. I Have been working on and off for months on a piece by Mick Blake from Leitrim. He is a really good writer and musician highly respected on the Leitrim circuit. Declan and I have been wrestling on and off with Noel Brazil’s “Suffocate”. I recorded it back in 1987 but find myself back playing it again.
The “One Night Only” film with Gay Byrne got another whirl on RTE recently and was well received. The Barrowland gig received yet another outing on TG4. Recently happened upon it by chance one night and got sucked in again. What a great job done by Don Coutes and his team. Considering he had no rehearsals, Don got great shots of Declanâs breaks and licks, great audience shots too. He and his crew captured the Barrowland experience perfectly. I hope to work with them again.
I first met Tony Small at a Folk Club in London back in 1969. Later we swapped songs and I got to know all his family over the years. He gave me “Tribute to Woody”, the first Dylan song I learned to sing. Another night, decades later, he sang me the beautiful “Grey Lake of Loughrea”. Tony released a number of albums over his working life as a singer. Most recent was “Mandolin Mountain” which I spoke of here in a recent post. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death late last night. My sympathies to his family. They will be lonely without their singing boy.
This morning my thoughts are with two women. I watched Fiona Doyle being interviewed on TV. I am still reflecting upon her loss, her courage and that of her husband and children. I feel that this State of ours has failed Fiona Doyle. My mind turns to the recent death of Savita Halappanavar. We got to know Savita through hearing of how she was allowed to die whilst in the “care” of an Irish Hospital. We will never know the names of those who allowed her premature death. Itâs almost as if they are cloaked by protective layers of secrecy behind which so much horror, abuse and cruel behaviour has taken place, much of it within the secret societies of the Catholic Church. I saw their cohorts protesting and railing against those of us who chose to walk silently through the streets in Savita’s memory.
In recent years we have learned of the cruel horror of symphysiotomy, that horrific and unnecessary procedure that left so many women disabled for life. We learned about the tragedy of countless, unnecessary hysterectomies carried out in Drogheda by Dr. Michael Neary and his staff. Let us not forget the Blood Transfusion/Hep C scandal where hundreds of victims were dismissed and treated with incredible callousness by this State when our Minister for Health was Mr Michael Noonan. Over the past 3 decades we have gradually become aware of the criminal behaviour in Magdalene Laundries, where State agencies colluded with Religious Orders to lock up and exploit innocent young women, sometimes for life. Similar attitudes within Church and State Agencies led to the forced adoption of countless infants from all parts of Ireland. Despite all these tragedies and injustices we still live in a country that refuses to grant equal rights to women, that gives bail and short sentences to rapists, that allows a young woman to die in Galway rather then permit a life saving procedure because “this is a catholic country”.
What a contrasting picture was there to be witnessed in RuĂĄn Magan’s riveting documentary âLIFERSâ which was screened recently on RTE TV. A beautifully made film it followed the life’s work of three Irish Missionaries who have devoted their lives to the communities with whom they live. John Glynn from Clare has been 40 years in Papua New Guinea, Father Pat Brennan from Roscommon lives with the indigenous people of the Amazon Rain Forest in Brazil. Sister Patricia Murray lives amongst the poorest of people in South Sudan (the world’s youngest State). RuĂĄn Magan, with great skill care and sensitivity, gave us an insight into their lives. We saw the horrendous difficulties under which their communities struggle. We were also shown the love and affection these oppressed communities hold for John Glynn, Pat Brennan and Patricia Murray. All three, despite living in different continents, have much in common. All three live in constant and extreme danger. Each have witnessed terrible violence and have seen colleagues cut down. No one of them is seeking to conquer or convert, to break or to brainwash. Their mission seems to be to Love, to Share and to Learn. I felt at one with John when he stated that the Hierarchy of his church appears to live on a different planet.
As children, we were forced to learn the catechism “parrot fashion” off by heart. I still recall how the liturgy fashioned itself as âone, holy, catholic and apostolic.”
Weeks passed and the vocals healed, thanks be. The re-scheduled gigs went off very well. Declan and I both enjoyed the performances. I went to hear Declan gig his new album at The Button Factory where he performed with Vicky Keating. Having sat beside Declan for a thousand gigs it was very interesting to sit out front watching and listening to him perform.
Work is progressing on the next album. I am going back into the studio next week to continue the process. Iâm looking forward to hearing what the musicians will play.
There was a query on the sister site 4711ers.org enquiring about the set lists for the recent rescheduled gigs. Here they areâŠ..
| Â 1/2/2013 | 2/2/2013 |
| 1.How Long | After The Deluge |
| 2.Missing You | Gortatagort |
| 3.Gortatagort | Missing You |
| 4.16 Jolly Ravers | Quiet Desperation |
| 5.January Man | Lawless |
| 6.Lawless | Quinte Brigada |
| 7.Tyrone Boys | Ruby Walsh |
| 8.Biko Drum | Barrowland |
| 9.Quinte Brigada | Black Colour |
| 10.Merseyside | Joxer |
| 11.Black Colour | Beeswing |
| 12.Amsterdam | Biko Drum |
| 13.Ordinary Man | Arthur’s Day |
| 14.Quiet Desperation | Delirium Tremens |
| 15.Chicago | Veronica |
| 16.Sunshine In | Chicago |
| 17.Motherland | Sunshine In |
| 18.Yellow Furze | Motherland |
| 19.Beeswing | Ordinary Man |
| 20.Smoke & Whiskey | Hattie Carroll |
| 21.Morecambe Bay | Natives |
| 22.North & South | Where I come from |
| 23.John O’ Dreams | Nancy Spain |
| 24.Where I Come From | Yellow Furze Woman |
| 25.Spancilhill | Ride On |
| 26.Lisdoonvarna | Lisdoonvarna |
| 27.Arthur’s Day | Irish Ways & Irish Laws |
| 28.Ride On | Honda 50 |
This arrived this morning from Maryline in Chile who translated the words of Joan Jara.
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Interview Joan Jara, Santiago, Chile, January 2013
âI am 85 years and a half. I have four grandsons. No girl, no great-grandsons⊠well, the grandsons are a bit slowâŠ
I live on my own in the same house I lived with Victor. I never got married again; I never had a fling since he died. To be a widow was terrible at first, I was like a zombie. Especially because I had to flee from Chile. Therefore, it was not only the loneliness; it was also missing Victor and missing everything around him.
I have been Victorâs representative for 40 years. It has not been a heavy backpack; on the contrary, it has defined my life before and after the Coup. I am grateful I had to carry this legacy, because it pushed me to overcome my grief and carry on.
Today I feel tired but I cannot let myself be tired while I receive so much support and solidarity from the people, more than I deserve. They show me their love for Victor, they kiss me, they hug me. So I cannot allow tiredness and I try to go ahead.
My favorite songs by Victor are Paloma quiero contarte (Dove I want to tell you) and Deja la vida volar (Let the life fly), they are the ones I feel the closest to. But I donât listen to his songs at home: one of the reasons is that it makes me sad to listen to him on my own and the other is that I am a bit deaf now.
His hand. This is my most repetitive memory of Victor. I will never forget the first time he took my hand tentatively, very slowly as he did not know if I was going to respond well. And of course I did. Since that moment we never left each other.
The last time I saw him was on the morning of the 11th of September. He said âIâll be back as soon as I canâ. Before that we had listened to Allendeâs speech on Radio Magallanes. He had called the University and decided to go, in spite of the threats that he had received. He was wearing a very nice black alpaca jumper that he had brought from Peru, and his black trousers. I looked at him through the window; he grabbed the petrol can and poured the few drops left onto the Renault 4 and left. When I went to identify him at the morgue a few days later he did not have the same clothes.
For a long time I had nightmares thinking they could steal Victorâs body. Today, I donât have bad dreams anymore but I confess I donât sleep well. I stay awake thinking of all the pending tasks to do in the Foundation, so many things to solve. I fear I will not be able to accomplish all that has to be done. Also, I donât know how to make speeches and now with the 40th anniversary of his death I get nervous as I have to make them.
I have not had much faith in the legal results of Victorâs case. In spite of the professional and persisting work of the Human Rights Brigade of the PDI (Police of Investigation) and of the Forensic Office, I still donât get how the Legal System really works. The latest events have opened a little door, I would not say hopes. A few weeks ago, the judge prosecuted 8 ex-Army officers, two presumed authors and six accomplices of his death. Weâll see what happens. I take it with calm. I am not celebrating.
I donât expect the responsible will ask for my forgiveness. Also, I donât think it would make any difference for them if I forgave them. I would not like to have any contact with them. I feel a bit of repulsion.
While Victor was alive I was cheerful. In this second life that I have lived I have become more introverted, sadder. I am not very funny, I am rather gloomy. If someone were to invite me for tea and to watch the soap on TV I would likely say no.
I donât have many friends. I donât teach dancing anymore and I have been narrowing my doors. My personal friends are related to what I do and represent. I donât have friends who distract me of it all because they are all connected to Victorâs world.
I donât mind being physically alone. All my life I feel I have been in the company of Victor. Also, he lives in the Foundation, which is full of posters, exhibitions. So much that I could say âAh⊠I cannot escape from Victorâ. I donât know how his presence can be captured but I have always felt his love and affection. This has given me the strength to carry on.â
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See you along the road if all goes wellâŠ
Christy
PS ⊠Doing a bit of work in The Factory Recording Studio at the moment. It is located in a funky building on Barrow St. Lots of film and drama activity happens there and there is a creative buzz in the air. I was standing in the jax yesterday, minding my own business, when a poster caught my eye. It was from 1976 and was announcing an outdoor gig in Dalymount Park featuring Status Quo, Judas Priest and ⊠Suddenly it dawned on me that I played that gig. Between Priest and Quo I played a set with Jimmy Faulkner, Declan McNelis and Philip Donnelly. Kevin Burke may have been there too. If memory serves no one paid the slightest bit of attention to our set. To say we died the death would be gilding the lily. The Festival was promoted by Pat Egan. We adjourned to the Artists Bar for soothing lotions and we were settling in nicely when all hell broke loose. Seemingly there existed bad blood between two of the Heavy Metal Crews and suddenly it all kicked off into the most amazing melee. We became extremely anxious as we had a table full of drink that needed protecting. When The Garda arrived we realised twas time to get out of Dalymount Park. We loaded up the Renault 4L and drove a half mile down to The Meeting Place where Red Peter’s Band were getting ready to blast off in the upstairs Lounge of those most agreeable premises. That day we played;
One Last Cold Kiss
Tim Evans
Go Move Shift
Van Diemenâs Land
Home by Barna
January Man
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Here is a night to which we are looking forward âŠ
On March 3rd a benefit concert will take place in Vicar Street in Dublin for guitarist and singer Henry McCullough who suffered a heart attack in November 2012 and has suffered permanent damage.
Henry started his music career with The Skyrockets and later Gene and the Gents in Enniskillen but came to prominence in the 60âs with his band The People later to be named Eire Apparent. They toured the world with The Animals, Pink Floyd and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Things went well until, in Vancouver, Canada in mid February 1968 while the band was touring with The Animals, McCullough was busted for possession of marijuana and sent back to Ireland.
Henry returned to Ireland and joined the popular folk group Sweeneyâs Men for a short time. Soon Henry was back in London as a member of The Joe Cocker Grease Band who was hugely successful worldwide, helped by a stunning performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
McCullough played on The Grease Bandâs eponymous album after splitting with Cocker, and during his time with the Band he also appeared as lead guitarist on the original 1970 recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Riceâs rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 1971 Paul McCartney asked Henry to join his post Beatles band Wings and his ad lib solo on the song My Love is considered one of the great guitar solos.
Henry spent 2 years in the band but quit Wings in 1973 and went on to play in The Frankie Miller Band before recording his first solo album for George Harrisonâs Dark Horse label. Sessions with Marianne Faithfull, Donovan, Spooky Tooth, Eric Burdon and Dr. Feelgood, among many others, followed.
In the mid 80âs Henry returned to Dublin and joined The Fleadh Cowboys before resuming his solo career and writing and recording a number of records. His song Failed Christian was covered by Nick Lowe.
Up until his heart attack Henry was gigging regularly with his band from Northern Ireland and The Ed Deane Band in the South.
Sweeneyâs Men are coming together for only the second time in decades to perform on this show. The Fleadh Cowboys are playing together for the first time since 2011
SALUTE TO HENRY
Featuring
CHRISTY MOORE & DECLAN SINNOTT
SWEENEYâS MEN
MICK FLANNERY
THE FLEADH COWBOYS
JOHN SPILLANE
HONOR HEFFERNAN
JOHNNY DUHAN
ALAN MURPHY (SCOTLAND)
ED DEANE BAND
VICTOR McCULLOUGH
JIMMY SMITH
KEVIN DOHERTY
PHILIP DONNELLY
SARA PETITE (USA)
BP FALLON
RONAN COLLINS
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM TICKETMASTER – CLICK HERE
Vocals back on track…
Dear Listeners, Vocals are back on track … hope you see you along the road.
Christy
bord gais theatre shows
Dear Listeners,
Having to cancel these two concerts leaves me feeling dreadful⊠I realise that as I write these words some people are still making their way towards the venue and that some have travelled long distances by air, road & railâŠ
Yesterday I woke with a sore throat; I went to my doctor as my voice was weak and croaky. This afternoon I tried singing at public performance level and nothing came out at all. It was with a heavy heart that I contacted all concerned to tell them I could not sing tonight or tomorrow.
It is many years since I have had to cancel a performance. It is a low point in my working life.
I wish you wall and hope that we can meet again. The shows have been re-scheduled to the 1st & 2nd of February. Tonightâs tickets will be valid for the show on Friday 1st February and tickets for tomorrows show will be valid for the show on Saturday 2nd February.
Best wishes,
Christy
Grand Canal Theatre shows Cancelled
SHOWS IN BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE CANCELLED
It is with regret we announce that We have had to cancel tonight and tomorrow nights shows in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre due to illness. Apologies for the inconveniece.Tonights show is rescheduled to Friday 1st February and tomorrows show is rescheduled to Saturday 2nd February. Existing tickets will be valid for those dates.