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Planxty Regroup for some shows at home
PlanxtyThe biggest news out of Ireland in the last few weeks has been plans by legendary traditional band Planxty to do some gigs. Not only that but this is the original lineup that were brought together as a backing band for Christy Moore's Prosperous album. Back when I was in my early teens and hacking away at the strings of my first guitar I got the chance to see Planxty live. It was one of those moments in time that stays with you always. I was lucky enough to see them 3 or 4 more times over the years with various lineup changes which included people like Paul Brady but that original band is the one that left an impression on me.

Some 30 years after the band formed they are getting together for some dates in Dublin and Ennis and already tickets have sold out for all the shows. The shows take place at the end of January into February. Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine and Liam O'Flynn are the unassuming gang who are suddenly the hottest tickets in Ireland outselling boy bands like Westlife in the first hour of ticket sales. U2 reportedly bought up 50 of the tickets to bring their families to the Vicar Street shows. This not only shows the importance of this band in the history of Irish music but also that U2 seem to be bringing their kids up properly. In Clare there were long lines from the early morning and fans were treated to Coffee and doughnuts courtesy of the band.

PlanxtyThe excitement for these shows is well founded. The effect and influence that these musicians have had on the evolution and spread of Irish music cannot be measured. Each of them has brought something to the traditional music world and then to the wider globe.

Christy Moore has taken the art of simple heartfelt storytelling in song from the pub to the stadium and back again.

Andy Irvine has used his love of eastern European music to add his own unique sound to the genre and has made those sounds part of our own heritage.

Liam O'Flynn makes the pipes sing and has done so on his solo albums and soundtracks that have melted into our musical subconscious.

Donal Lunny has become the man everyone in music wants to work with and has put together some of the finest groups of musicians for wonderful projects over the years. His program Sult can still be seen here in the US on the Ovation Channel for anyone who wants to see how he brings the best traditional and contemporary musicians in the world together.

If ticket sales and the thirst to hear this band on stage again hold any sway with the musicians they will hopefully add dates and locations to this batch of gigs and do a full nationwide tour. Then maybe a few international outings if we are very lucky. Already four more dates were added to Vicar Street due to demand. So cross your fingers and toes and whatever else it takes. Planxty are back and we shouldn't let them go again so easily.

When we hear of more show announcements we will have them right here on JigTime.

 

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