Let Christy Take It

On this week’s episode we are joined by David Geraghty, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Bell X1. Dave takes us back to his early musical influences, his years with Juniper and the journey that followed with Bell X1. He reflects on the band’s evolution, their success and the songs that have stayed with him along the way. We also explore his work as a solo artist, from Kill...

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 be...

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 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 C...

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” ch...

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 Josh...

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 o...

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...