Reviewed by Michael Ranze
Hamburger Abendblatt, 27.10.2005
Christy Moore tempestuously acclaimed
While the sound of exultation about the 1:0 resounded from the Millerntor ( St. Pauli’s Soccer stadium, Aissata ), the audience in the almost sold out Laeizhalle prepared themselves for a different but equally fulfilling event. Christy Moore ( 60 ), the most important icon of Irish folk was back in Hamburg – for the first time after nine years. Barely did he and his long time friend and counterpart Declan Sinnott- folk fans know him as guitar player of the Horslips and Moving Hearts – step on stage, when thunderous applause broke out.
A good old friend was welcomed and in his luggage he had more than twenty songs: “Natives”, “Don’t forget your shovel”, “Missing you”, “The reel in the flickering light”, “Back home in Derry.” Songs about love and break up, about everyday life in Ireland, the social and political nuisances there and elsewhere, most of these solemn and melancholic.
Just a few times did the audience get the opportunity to clap along.
From time to time, Moore spread some mean barbs which show off his engagement: “America I love you but please stay where you live”, is one line of a song. Fans of Planxty,
Moore has put together in 1969 and left in 1974, might have been a little disappointed because he only sang 2 songs of the group. Nevertheless, Moore reimbursed the audience with sweeping versions of “Lisdoonvarna” or “Black is the colour.”
Declan Sinnott supported the songs sometimes with understatement, sometimes he started to rock like a dervish. He drew Hawaiian like blues-licks off his slide guitar that would have honoured Ry Cooder. In between, Moore still had time to tell some witty anecdotes or to fulfil some song wishes. The audience was exalted, with standing ovations they brought Christy Moore four times back on stage.