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On this week’s episode we are joined by Shobsy, the Dublin singer, songwriter and performer who first came to prominence as frontman of Irish rock band State Lights. Shobsy takes us through his musical journey, from discovering Michael Flatley and Riverdance as a child to the influence of David Bowie, Queen, U2 and Elvis. He also reflects on the time spent developing his sound with State Lights before embarking on a solo career. We talk about Shobsy’s distinctive voice, his love of big choruses and theatrical performances, and how he approaches songwriting. He also tells us the stories behind songs like “Champagne” and the personal experiences that have shaped his music. We also discuss the performance that brought Shobsy to a much wider audience, his stunning acoustic version of Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” on The Late Late Show, a song that took on an even deeper meaning following the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Sligo. From his work with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra to performing sold-out shows around Ireland, Shobsy talks about his ambitions, his influences, the music industry and what he wants audiences to feel when they see him perform live. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Shobsy. If you enjoy our show, please like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode we are joined by Cormac Battle, guitarist and songwriter with legendary Kilkenny rock band Kerbdog. Cormac takes us back to the early days of the band, their influences, recording their self titled debut album with Nirvana producer Jack Endino, and the making of their second album, On The Turn, in Los Angeles. We talk about the frustrations surrounding the delayed release of On The Turn, the album’s growing reputation, Kerbdog’s reunion and the experience of playing those songs live again. From being one of Ireland’s most exciting young rock bands in the 90s to becoming a hugely influential cult favourite, Kerbdog’s music has continued to find new audiences long after the band originally split. Now, as they mark 30 years of On The Turn, they’re returning to the stage to perform the album in full at Dublin’s 3Olympia. Cormac also talks about the songs, the studios, the bands that influenced Kerbdog and what it feels like to revisit an album that has taken on a life of its own. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Cormac Battle. If you enjoy our show, please like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Huge thanks to Henna Redmond for helping make this interview possible. Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Peggy Seeger, one of the most influential figures in folk music on both sides of the Atlantic, a singer, songwriter, musician, feminist and activist whose extraordinary life has been intertwined with some of the biggest names in folk music. Born into a remarkable musical family, Peggy grew up surrounded by music. Her mother was the pioneering composer Ruth Crawford Seeger, her brother was Pete Seeger, and the family home was visited by legendary figures including Alan Lomax, Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie. Peggy talks about her childhood, learning music from her mother, Pete’s influence and her journey to Britain in 1956, where she met Ewan MacColl. She tells the brilliant story of their first meeting, when she sang The House Carpenter and discusses their relationship, musical partnership and enormous influence on the British folk revival. We talk about folk music, singing songs from your own culture, feminism and the story behind Gonna Be an Engineer, which became an anthem of the women’s movement. Peggy also reflects on traditional ballads, activism, songwriting and the importance of truth and character in performance. She shares memories of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, the song Ewan wrote for her, as well as the hilarious story of forgetting a line while performing it on The Late Late Show after 70 years of singing the song. We also discuss her final album, her farewell tour and what she hopes to pass on to the next generation of musicians. Insightful, funny and completely unforgettable, this is a conversation with one of folk music’s great characters. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Peggy Seeger. If you enjoy our show please Like and Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Gavin Murphy, guitarist and manager of These Charming Men, one of Ireland’s best known Smiths tribute bands, and a man whose love of The Smiths has taken him from Dublin’s northside to stages around the world. Gavin takes us back to growing up in Donaghmede, his early love of Horslips and Thin Lizzy, and the moment hearing “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” changed everything. He tells us how These Charming Men came together in 1995, the story behind their incredible trip to the Smiths and Morrissey Convention in Los Angeles, and how they ended up playing the main stage at Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival in front of 35,000 people. We talk Johnny Marr, the painstaking process of recreating his distinctive guitar playing, the enduring appeal of The Smiths, and why the band’s fans are among the most passionate you will find. Gavin also gives his thoughts on Morrissey and Marr, the possibility of a Smiths reunion, and reveals the story behind a personal letter he received from Morrissey. There’s also Gavin’s own music, including his 2020 album 45RPM, his work teaching guitar and ukulele to children in Sligo, These Charming Men’s sold out Olympia shows, Forest Fest, Electric Picnic and what keeps the band going after more than 30 years. Passionate, fascinating and packed with stories about one of the most influential bands in British music history, it’s a brilliant conversation with the man behind one of Ireland’s most enduring tribute acts. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Gavin Murphy If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Arthur Mathews, one of Ireland’s most celebrated comedy writers and the co-creator of Father Ted, a man who somehow turned priests, crazy golf and Craggy Island into television history. Arthur’s route into comedy was anything but straightforward. From growing up on a farm in County Meath and working at Hot Press, to playing drums, creating the legendary Joshua Trio and even applying for the Manchester United manager’s job, comedy was never exactly the plan. As Arthur puts it himself, he simply “drifted into it.” In this fascinating and very funny conversation, Arthur takes us behind the scenes of Father Ted, revealing how his priest uncles helped inspire the show, how Dermot Morgan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Frank Kelly and Pauline McLynn came to be part of it, and why Father Stone is his favourite episode. We talk about his time writing for British comedy shows, and his later collaboration with Matt Berry on Toast of London. Arthur explains the strange world of Steven Toast, the origins of Clem Fandango, his love of surreal and visual comedy, and even hints that there might be more Toast to come. There’s also I Keano, Arthur’s love of football and Drogheda United, a comedy western, a possible musical or two and Arthur’s adventures with petrol and matches. Funny, fascinating and full of stories, it’s a brilliant conversation with one of the great Irish comedy minds.  We’d like to offer a special word of thanks to Drogheda United’s number one fan, Johnny McEvoy, and Eamonn Murtagh for helping make this interview with Arthur possible. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Arthur Mathews. If you enjoy our show, please like and subscribe whenever you listen to your podcasts Photograph Credit Dara Mac Dónail Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at ⁠https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Lloyd Cole, one of Britain’s most respected singer-songwriters. As the frontman of Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, he helped shape alternative music in the 80s with classic albums like Rattlesnakes, before going on to build a critically acclaimed solo career spanning more than four decades. In this fascinating conversation, Lloyd looks back on the formation of the Commotions, the stories behind songs like Perfect Skin and Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken and the literary influences that have always been at the heart of his songwriting. He also opens up about the pressures of success, the creative tensions that eventually led to the band’s breakup, and why moving to New York gave him the freedom to reinvent himself as a solo artist. We also discuss his love of music, from David Bowie and Bob Dylan to Steely Dan and disco, his ever evolving approach to songwriting, and why he believes the key to a lasting career is trusting your own artistic instincts rather than following trends. Insightful, honest and full of humour, it’s a conversation with an artist who continues to challenge himself creatively while remaining true to his own unique vision.   Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Lloyd Cole.   If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.   Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie   Photo Credit: Doug Seymour

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Don McLean, legendary singer songwriter, master storyteller, and the voice behind some of the most enduring songs ever written. Growing up in New York listening to old 78 RPM records, Don developed a love of music that would shape his life. After teaching himself guitar and finding his place in the folk scene, he followed his creative instincts with determination and conviction. Inspired by artists like Buddy Holly and mentored by folk icon Pete Seeger, he built a remarkable career spanning more than six decades. We explore the making of American Pie, the cultural phenomenon that introduced the immortal phrase “the day the music died.” More than fifty years later, the song remains one of popular music’s most celebrated works and has been recognised by the Library of Congress, which selected it for preservation in the National Recording Registry for its lasting cultural and historical significance. Don also reflects on protecting his artistic vision, the inspiration behind classics such as “Vincent,” and why he has always prioritised authenticity over commercial success. Along the way, we discuss his admiration for Buddy Holly, the story behind “Killing Me Softly,” his perspective on the changing music industry, and the passion that still draws him back to the stage. The result is an honest and insightful conversation with a songwriter whose music has become part of the soundtrack of generations. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Don McLean. If you like our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Photo Credit: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Thomas Dolby, musician, producer, inventor, storyteller, and one of the most inventive minds to emerge from the golden age of synth-pop. Best known for classics like “She Blinded Me With Science” and the groundbreaking album The Golden Age of Wireless, Dolby’s career has taken him far beyond the world of 80s pop stardom. From building homemade synthesizers out of discarded circuit boards in South London, to performing with David Bowie at Live Aid, producing landmark records for Prefab Sprout, and later becoming a pioneer in music technology and Silicon Valley innovation, his story is one of constant reinvention. In this conversation, Thomas reflects on the grey, chaotic energy of 1970s London, the explosion of punk and electronic music, and how he carved out a sound that brought warmth and humanity to synthesisers at a time when electronic music often felt cold and mechanical. He shares hilarious stories including working with eccentric British scientist Magnus Pyke and explains how a global novelty hit unexpectedly opened the door to a deeper, more personal body of work. We also talk about busking in the Paris Metro, touring with bands like The Fall and Gang of Four, the pressure and excitement of performing at Live Aid with Bowie, and his belief that the best music comes from emotional honesty rather than chasing trends. Later in the episode, Thomas opens up about life beyond pop fame from launching tech companies during the dot-com boom, helping pioneer early mobile ringtone technology with Nokia and developing ambitious new live shows that blend music, storytelling, and orchestral performance. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Thomas Dolby. If you enjoy our show please like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.   Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Scott Gorham, legendary guitarist and a defining force behind Thin Lizzy. From leaving California for London in the mid ’70s to landing one of the most life changing auditions in rock history, Scott’s journey into Thin Lizzy is as surreal as it is iconic. He takes us back to the day he met Phil Lynott, the instant chemistry within the band, and how he found his place in a sound rooted in Irish identity, melody, and power. We get into the golden years, the writing and recording of classics like “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Bad Reputation,” the pressure surrounding Jailbreak, and the making of the legendary Live and Dangerous. Scott shares stories from the road, the studio nerves, and the moments that could have gone either way but somehow turned into rock history. There’s also a real sense of Dublin running through it all, a city Scott still holds close and a heartfelt reflection on Phil Lynott: his generosity, his creativity, and the struggles that came with it. Beyond Thin Lizzy, we talk about Scott’s decision not to carry the band’s name forward without Lynott, leading instead to new chapters with Black Star Riders, as well as his personal battles with health, recovery, and finding creative outlets beyond music through art and drawing. It’s a conversation full of stories, honesty, and perspective, about legacy, resilience, and what it really means to be part of something timeless. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Scott Gorham. If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Photo Credit: Denis O’Regan - https://denis.uk/artworks/categories/10-thin-lizzy/ Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Junior Brother, songwriter, musician, and one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music today. From a quiet upbringing in rural Kerry, where music wasn’t always front and centre, to carving out a singular path through Ireland’s alternative folk scene, Ronan Keeley’s journey is one shaped by curiosity, instinct, and a deep connection to place. What began with a “crappy little guitar” and a lot of imagination has grown into a body of work that’s both rooted in tradition and boldly experimental. His debut album earned a Choice Music Prize nomination and marked him out as an artist doing things very much on his own terms, uncompromising, expressive, and unafraid to follow his instincts. But it was in leaving home, and looking back from a distance, that his songwriting really began to take shape, drawing on rural landscapes, memory, and a sense of belonging. We talk about finding your own voice, literally and figuratively, the influence of artists like Damien Dempsey, and why singing in your own accent became such a defining part of his sound. There’s also plenty on his latest album The End, a record shaped by isolation, folklore, and the strange, beautiful idea of being led astray only to find your way home again. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about creativity, identity, and staying true to your path, even when it takes you somewhere unexpected.   Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Junior Brother.   If you enjoy our show please like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.   Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Joe Philpott, songwriter, musician, author, and founder of both Rubyhorse and the White Horse Guitar Club, a Cork artist whose story spans ambition, burnout, reinvention, and rediscovery. From forming Rubyhorse as teenagers in Bishopstown, Co. Cork to chasing the dream across America, Joe’s journey took him from local gigs to major label deals, billboard success, and appearances on US late night television. Along the way life on the road brought its own challenges. After years of touring coast to coast, navigating the collapse of the music industry, and living what Joe describes as an “outlaw existence”, the cracks began to show and he eventually stepped away. What followed was not an exit from music, but a transformation. Joe immersed himself in music and healthcare across Europe, working in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, palliative care, and community programmes, rediscovering music not as business, but as a service. That philosophy now runs through everything he does, including the White Horse Guitar Club, a collective built less on ambition and more on connection, presence, and shared experience. We also talk about his memoir, All Roads Lead to Where You’re From: Bishopstown to the Beatles, written after a doctor’s warning forced him to slow down and reassess. Whether discussing the influence of John Prine, or reflecting on advice he’d give his younger self, Joe speaks with the hard earned clarity of someone who’s lived the highs and survived the troughs. Join us as we talk about American dreams, Cork roots, George Harrison’s generosity, walking away at the right time, falling back in love with music, and why sometimes the most extraordinary things grow from the most ordinary beginnings. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Joe Philpott If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Ron Sexsmith, Canadian singer, songwriter, master melodist, and one of the most quietly revered writers of his generation. From discovering a dusty box of records under his family stereo as a child, from doo-wop, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, and Buddy Holly’s It Doesn’t Matter Anymore. Ron’s lifelong relationship with song began early. That Buddy Holly record, in particular, ignited something profound: melody, mortality, and the magic of songwriting all colliding at once. From there came The Beatles, The Kinks, Elton John, country music, Leonard Cohen and, ultimately, Gordon Lightfoot, the songwriter who showed him that you didn’t have to be a rock star to move people.  You could just stand still and sing the truth. We talk about the moment everything changed at 21, when becoming a father sparked a songwriting frenzy that led to Speak with the Angel and set his career in motion. Ron reflects on finding his own voice over time, a voice fully realised by the time of Retriever, and the craft behind his songs: the structural worries, the demoing process, knowing when a lyric has said enough, and why he still believes in the album as a complete, living statement. We also dive into his fiercely independent “no co-writing” rule for his own records, his deep admiration for writers like Ray Davies and Gilbert O’Sullivan. From touring relentlessly to curating deeply personal tribute shows to Gordon Lightfoot and Warren Zevon, Ron remains as devoted to the song as ever, whether it’s his own or one he carries entirely from memory, lyric for lyric, as part of what he jokingly calls his “savant” superpower. Join us as we talk to Ron about melody, memory, songwriting discipline, album-making, missed label opportunities, and the thread that runs through a body of work spanning decades, a songwriter growing older, wiser, and still chasing the perfect song. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Ron Sexsmith. If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.   Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie Photo Credit: Kerry Vergeer

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Marky Ramone, drummer, songwriter, and former member of one of the most influential bands in music history, the Ramones. Emerging from the gritty punk scene of 1970s New York, the Ramones helped redefine rock music with their fast, loud, and unapologetically direct sound. As a key member of the band during both their classic and later years, Marky was behind the kit on some of their most celebrated recordings and relentless world tours, helping to cement the Ramones reputation as one of the greatest live bands of all time. Their legacy was later recognised with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, acknowledging their lasting impact on generations of artists and fans. Beyond the Ramones, Marky’s musical journey has included time with bands such as Dust and Richard Hell and the Voidoids, as well as a lifelong dedication to drumming, touring, and keeping punk rock’s spirit alive. He’s also the author of the memoir Punk Rock Blitzkrieg, where he tells the story of his life in music. Join us as we talk to Marky about the raw early days at CBGB’s, meeting Jimi Hendrix as a teenager, life on the road with the Ramones, the challenges and triumphs of staying sober in the middle of chaos, and the deep friendships that shaped the band, as well as his ongoing mission to keep the Ramones music alive for future generations, including his upcoming Dublin show where fans can expect a full throttle, 35-song Ramones set, played exactly as it was meant to be heard.   Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Marky Ramone   If you enjoy our show please like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.   Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Craig Finn, American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman of the acclaimed indie rock band The Hold Steady. Raised in Minnesota and now based in New York City, Craig first made his mark leading the ’90s Minneapolis indie outfit Lifter Puller, before forming The Hold Steady in 2003. With his band’s rich blend of rock driven guitar work and vivid, character centric storytelling, they quickly earned critical acclaim and a loyal global fanbase across nine studio albums. Craig’s lyrical style, dense, evocative, and deeply human has made him one of rock’s most compelling voices of his generation. Beyond his work with The Hold Steady, Craig has built a strong solo career, releasing a run of acclaimed albums, most recently Always Been, where his narrative songwriting is brought to the forefront through carefully crafted songs. This January, Craig performs at Whelan’s in Dublin on the 27th, offering audiences a chance to experience his storytelling and songs up close in a venue that has long been at the heart of Dublin city’s live music scene. Join us as we talk to Craig about his journey from Minneapolis to New York, the evolution of his songwriting, his life in music with The Hold Steady and as a solo artist, and what keeps him inspired on the road and in the studio. Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you, Craig Finn. If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mark Shaw, vocalist, songwriter, and frontman of the acclaimed British band Then Jerico. Formed in London in the mid 80s, Then Jerico became known for their emotive rock sound, soaring melodies, and electrifying live performances. With Mark’s distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting at the centre of it all, the band delivered iconic tracks such as “Big Area,” “The Motive,” and “Sugar Box,” earning both chart success and a devoted fanbase across the UK and beyond. Following the band’s original run, Mark has continued to write and perform, both with Then Jerico in various incarnations and as a solo artist. His ongoing work reflects a deep commitment to honest, passionate music making, connecting with fans old and new while carrying forward the spirit that made the band a defining voice of their era. Join us as we talk to Mark about the early days of Then Jerico, the making of those unforgettable songs, his evolution as an artist, and the creative journey that continues to drive him today.  Let Christy Take It are proud to bring you Mark Shaw. If you enjoy our show please Like and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.     Thanks to our sponsor Irish Woodcraft, please check them out at https://irishwoodcraft.ie