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Christy Moore




Christy Moore (born on May 7 , 1945 , in Newbridge, County Kildare ) is a popular
, Andy Irvine , and Dónal Lunny . For a time they called themselves "CLAD", an acronym of their names, but soon decided on Planxty.

After leaving Planxty in 1975, Moore continued on his solo career (reforming his old band on occasion) which he has been doing ever since. He also formed the band Moving Hearts with Lunny and five other musicians in 1980. In 2000 he published his autobiography, ''One Voice''.

Moore's affinity for controversial topics has cost him a lot on occasion, but it is this fearless, unapologetic, and honest approach to music that has ensured the respect and loyalty of his fan base over the years. His choice of topics has included Republican hunger strikers, Apartheid , Alcoholism , Unemployment , and injustices towards Irish Travellers and other disadvantaged minorities. He was an outspoken critic of Ronald Reagan 's visit to Ireland, about whom he sang songs including "Hey Ronnie Reagan", whose chorus ran "Hey Ronnie Reagan, I'm black and I'm pagan, I'm gay and I'm left and I'm free. I'm a non-fundamentalist environmentalist, Please don't bother me".

As well as penning some of Ireland's well-known contempory ballads, Moore is well known as a collector of ballads. His interpretations of the work of other songwriters has provided a platform for many fine ballads that otherwise may have faded into obscurity. His recordings include the works of Woody Guthrie , Bob Dylan , and Ewan MacColl and a wide range of traditional ballads. He has also recorded many songs from comtemporary Irish singer-songwriters such as Wally Page, Jimmy MacCarthy and the late Noel Brazil. One ballad written by Wally Page that Moore sang was "Biko Drum", which was about the famous South African Activist Steven Biko and the call to follow his non-violent ways.

In 2005, his "Don't Forget Your Shovel" was referenced in a number 1 UK single "The JCB Song" by Nizlopi:
"And the engine rattles my bum like berserk
While we're singin, 'Don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work!'"

His solo style includes driving rhythms on Guitar and Bodhran as well as slower ballads.

Moore's brother Barry, whose stagename is Luka Bloom , is also a successful singer-songwriter.


DISCOGRAPHY


Solo



With Planxty




  • '' Christy (1995) 54 mins - Christy reflects on life and career. Very rare and difficult to get hold of video.



DVDS

  • '' Christy Moore Uncovered (2001) 104 mins - features collaborations with Jimmy McCarthy, Wally Page, Shane McGowan, Sinead O'Connor and John Spillane.

  • '' Planxty Live 2004 The reunion of the hugely popular and influencial group after a 20 year hiatus.

  • '' Christy Moore Live In Dublin 2006 (2006) 143 mins - First time a live solo concert has been recorded and released outside CD format. Filmed over 4 nights in December 2005.



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