Let Christy Take It

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 determin...

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...

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...

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...

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 suc...

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...

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...

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, chara...

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 Ar...

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mark Kermode. Film critic, broadcaster, author, and lifelong musician. Widely regarded as one of the most respected and passionate voices in contemporary cinema, Mark has spent decades shaping how audiences engage with film through his broadcasting, writing, and criticism. Known for his honesty, insight, wit, and infectious enthusiasm, he has championed cine...

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Paul Cleary, vocalist, songwriter, and frontman of the legendary Dublin City band The Blades. Formed in the late 1970s, The Blades became one of the most beloved bands to emerge from Ireland’s post-punk and new wave era. Known for their sharp songwriting, Dublin storytelling, and undeniable energy, the band earned a devoted following with classic tracks such...

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Eddie Lundon, guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the legendary Liverpool band China Crisis. Formed in the early 1980s, China Crisis quickly became known for their sophisticated blend of new wave, pop, and atmospheric soundscapes. With Eddie’s distinctive guitar work and melodic sensibility at the heart of the band, China Crisis achieved both critical a...

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Paul Page, guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of one of Ireland’s most influential bands, Whipping Boy. Formed in Dublin in the late ’80s, Whipping Boy were known for their raw intensity, emotional honesty, and unforgettable live shows. Paul’s distinctive guitar sound helped define the band’s landmark 1995 album Heartworm, a record that’s become a co...

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Hugh O’Conor. Hugh is an accomplished Irish actor, writer, photographer and director from Dublin. Hugh began his career at a young age, first capturing audiences’ attention in "Lamb" alongside the great Liam Neeson. He went on to deliver a remarkable performance as the young Christy Brown in "My Left Foot", starring Oscar winners Daniel D...

On this week’s episode we are joined by Jeffrey Voorhees. Jeffrey Voorhees may not be a household name, but his role in one of the most iconic movies of all time has made him part of film history forever. As the young Alex Kintner in Jaws, Jeffrey became central to one of cinema’s most memorable moments the shocking beach scene that set the tone for the rest of the film and cemented JAWS as a clas...

This week on the Let Christy Take It podcast, we’re joined by Brian Brannigan and Joe Chester, founding members of the critically acclaimed Irish band, A Lazarus Soul. Known for their atmospheric soundscapes and deeply poignant lyrics, A Lazarus Soul have been capturing hearts and minds for over two decades. Their music carries a strong social conscience, painting vivid portraits of modern Irish l...

On this week’s episode we are joined by Paul Linehan of The Frank and Walters. The Frank and Walters have established themselves as one of Ireland’s and more importantly, Cork’s most beloved and enduring bands. From their early ‘90s heyday with hits like Fashion Crisis Hits New York and After All, to their continued success through numerous album releases. Their story is one of resilience, creativ...

On this week’s episode, we are joined by the legendary Robbie Dupree. An American singer-songwriter, Robbie shot to fame in the early 1980s with the smooth, soulful sounds of “Steal Away”, which soared to number 6 on the US charts, followed by the equally infectious “Hot Rod Hearts”. With his blend of rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul, Dupree became a staple of the yacht rock era, a sound that still s...

On this week’s episode we are joined by the brilliant Steve Wickham. Steve Wickham’s career has been defined by his unique fusion of traditional Irish music with rock and folk. He first made his mark as a founding member of the band In Tua Nua, before joining The Waterboys in 1985. His iconic violin sound became a signature part of the band’s style, featuring on landmark albums like This Is the Se...

On this week’s episode, we are joined by the brilliant Mundy. Mundy is one of Ireland’s most beloved singer-songwriters, known for his infectious melodies, poetic lyrics, and unmistakable voice. Since bursting onto the scene with his debut album Jelly Legs in 1996, which featured the hit To You I Bestow, Mundy has carved out a lasting legacy in Irish music. His career has seen him tour the world,...

On this week’s episode we are joined by Jeff Wayne. Jeff Wayne is a renowned composer, conductor, and music producer best known for his groundbreaking musical adaptation of H.G. Wells' science fiction classic, "The War of the Worlds." Released in 1978, Wayne's album uniquely blends rock music with orchestral elements, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Richard Burton as the narrator and r...

For this week’s episode we dive into the life and music of Ireland's own Jack Lukeman, often known by fans as "Jack L." A pure talent with a voice that defies simple categorization, Jack Lukeman brings a blend of theatre, folk, and rock that captivates audiences worldwide. In this episode, we explore Lukeman's career, from his roots in Athy, Ireland, to his rise on the international stage. Known f...

On this week’s episode we are joined by Wally Badarou, the legendary composer and musician who has left an indelible mark on the world of music with his unique blend of jazz, funk, and electronic sounds. Born in Paris to Nigerian parents, Badarou's diverse heritage significantly influenced his eclectic style. He gained international fame through his collaboration with iconic artists like Grace Jon...

On this week’s episode we are joined by Brian Keville. There are not many people who can sing or have a stage presence like the late great Freddie Mercury. Brian Keville is Ireland's great pretender to the legends crown. Along with his band Qween he performs to thousands as the iconic Queen thrilling audiences with a set list that is uncannily familiar. We discuss Brian's  development into one of...

On this week’s episode we are joined by Jack Hues. Jack Hues is a British musician, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the new wave band Wang Chung. Born on June 1, 1961, in Eastbourne, England, he gained prominence in the 1980s with hits like "Dance Hall Days" and "Everybody Have Fun Tonight." Hues is recognized for his distinctive voice and catchy songwriting, which blends rock, po...