Let Christy Take It

Derek and Kieran are joined by Dublin actor and musician Phelim Drew. We discuss his career in film, tv, the theatre and of course music. Phelim is touring his new show, The Drew House Band Remembering Ronnie, which features songs and stories about his Father, the late great Ronnie Drew. It’s a must see for fans of The Dubliners. Let Christy Take It present Phelim Drew. Special thanks to Cliodhna...

Kieran and Derek are discussing the 1970’s classic Enter The Dragon. Bruce Lee sadly never got to see the finished movie but it set a high bar for martial arts films and is still regarded as the ultimate Kung Fu movie. So with a deep bow to Mark for his black belt level editing skills we bring you, Enter The Dragon. No boards were harmed in the recording of this podcast. This episode was recorded...

Kieran and Derek are joined by the legendary singer, songwriter and musician, Evie Sands. A career that spans over 50 years we discuss the early years as a teenage singer, the classic performances, albums, Northern Soul and “Get Out Of Your Own Way” Evie’s latest release. Let Christy Take It bring you Evie Sands. Thanks to Mark Cullen for editing, he is all heart.

Derek and Kieran are joined on this weeks episode by actor Ewen MacIntosh. Ewen is best known for his role as Keith Bishop in The Office. We discuss the process of getting cast in the part, the behind the scenes story of the TV classic and would Ewen have taken a role in the US version? Ewen also has a large body of work including appearances in Little Britain and Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant's...

Kieran and Derek are joined by Carol Decker from the band T'Pau. Carol discusses her career as front woman for the British pop rock group who had a string of Top 40 hits in the UK in the late 1980's. The band formed in 1986 in Shropshire, taking their name from a Vulcan elder of the same name in the sci-fi series Star Trek. We discuss all the hits including Heart and Soul, China In Your Hand and t...

Derek and Kieran are thrilled to be joined by Gerry Leonard. Gerry is a musician and producer who hails from Dublin. We discuss the music scene of the 80's in the fair city, moving to New York and ultimately recording and touring with David Bowie. Gerry’s partnership with Bowie produced three studio albums (Next Day, Heathen and Reality). Gerry is an in-demand musician who's credits now also inclu...

Derek and Kieran are delighted to be joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Bev Bevan. Bev has been a member of some of the most iconic bands in music history, from The Move to Electric Light Orchestra. We discuss the formation of The Move, one of the most influential bands of the 1960's and how the band morphed into the magnificent, Electric Light Orchestra, Touring with Black Sabbath and...

Derek and Kieran are joined by Darryl Vidal. The Karate Kid (1984) is one of the most iconic movies of the 80's and we are delighted to be joined by Darryl who was pipped to a place in the All Valley Championships final by Johnny Lawrence from the Cobra Kai Dojo (BOO). We talk all things Karate Kid and get the stories behind the filming and that famous crane kick scene in which Darryl was the stun...

Kieran and Derek are feeling like a pair of Super Trooper's as they are joined by Janne Schaffer to celebrate the release of the new studio album Voyage by ABBA. Janne is a Swedish songwriter and guitarist who has had huge solo success in his native Sweden but is better known as a session musician with the Swedish icons. Janne was invited by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to play on sessions in...

Derek and Kieran are joined by actor Betsy Baker. The Evil Dead (1981) is an iconic horror movie and launched the careers of director Sam Raimi and actor Bruce Campbell. Betsy played Linda the girlfriend of Ash who meets a grizzly demise in the cult classic. We discuss the making of the movie and reveal a few stories from behind the scenes. Thanks to Mark for his groovy editing skills. 

Derek and Kieran are delighted to be joined by actor Lance Kerwin. The golden boy of 1970's American TV Lance was a staple in many hit shows including, Little House on the Prairie, James at 15 along with movies such as The Loneliest Runner and The Boy Who Drank Too Much. However it would be the 1979 mini series Salem's Lot that would become his most iconic role to date. Lance gives us the inside s...

Kieran and Derek are joined by music producer and songwriter John Williams. John has worked with a stellar line up of music acts across all genres. It was great to hear the stories behind many of the most popular chart toppers we all know and love. John regaled us with tales from the music industry and his own personal journey through music. Huge thanks to our editor Mark Cullen.

For this week's episode Derek and Kieran are Joined by Will Sergeant founder and guitarist for Echo and the Bunnymen. Will has recently released his memoir, "Bunnyman". The book is a no holds barred look at life in a working class area on the suburbs of Liverpool. We discuss the influences and music Will was listening to that would lead him to forming the band and playing the legendary Eric's and...

Kieran and Derek are joined by David Paton who cut his musical teeth as a member of a young Bay City Rollers. David decided to part ways with the group and formed Pilot. This would lead to huge success with hits such as "Magic, January, Call Me Round and Just a Smile". However success also brought management issues, which led to the band’s early demise. For Pilot’s main singer-songwriter and bassi...

Derek and Kieran are joined by Dave Hemingway. Dave became a member of The Housemartins after replacing Hugh Whitaker on drums, we discuss the genius behind the video "Five Get Over Excited" which introduced Dave to the public as a member of the band. We also talk about the formation and outstanding back catalogue of music from The Beautiful South. Dave has released his new album "Cool To Be Kind"...

Kieran and Derek are joined this week by James Warren and Al Steele from the brilliant Korgis. A band with its roots in prog rock with Stackridge, they played the first ever Glastonbury, James would eventually form The Korgis with Andy Davis in 1978. Bursting into the mainstream with their highly melodic tunes, thoughtful lyrics, strong vocal harmonies and uber-catchy hooks eventually resulted in...

Derek and Kieran are joined by the brilliant Thomas Walsh. Thomas is a singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist who has an outstanding catalogue of music with his band Pugwash. Thomas also formed the Duckwoth Lewis Method with Neil Hannon to critical acclaim. Great stories of growing up in Dublin and meeting the icons of the music industry and of course playing and recording with the multi tal...

Derek and Kieran are joined by singer and songwriter, Mark Reilly from the band "Matt Bianco" Matt Bianco is a UK group formed in 1982 by Mark Reilly (vocals),Danny White (keyboards) and the late Kito Poncioni (bass) , all originally members of the band Blue Rondo A La Turk. For their first album "Whose Side Are You On ?" they hired unknown polish vocalist Basia Trzetrzelewska. Her vocal arrangeme...

Kieran and Derek are joined by musician Gary Clark.   In 1984 Gary, his brother Kit and best friend Ged formed the band Spencer Tracy who would become Danny Wilson. Spotted busking around Dundee they were quickly signed, and released the album, Meet Danny Wilson, which contained the hit single, Mary's Prayer, which propelled them to mega-stardom. The song has been used in numerous films and t...

Derek and Kieran are joined by Dean Friedman. Dean is a singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist who resides in New York. Dean first marked his entry into pop consciousness with the Top 20 chart success of his infectious hit single, Ariel, a quirky irresistible pop song about a free spirited, pot-smoking, vegetarian Jewish girl in a peasant blouse who lived, as the lyric goes, "...way on the o...

Kieran and Derek are joined by Chesney Hawkes. Chesney is a singer, songwriter and occasional actor who was propelled to great heights with his hit single, "The One and Only" which was one of the most successful releases of the entire 1990's and the song continues to top ‘Best pop song of the nineties’ polls. Chesney discusses the highs and the lows in a frank and funny interview. Details of Chesn...

Derek and Kieran are joined by Derek William Dick, better known as FISH who is a Scottish singer-songwriter and actor. He achieved prominence as the lead singer and lyricist of the neo-progressive rock band Marillion from 1981 until 1988. In his solo career he has explored contemporary pop and traditional folk and rock. Let Christy Take It proudly present Fish. Thanks to Mark Cullen for editing

Derek and Kieran are delighted to be joined by singer and songwriter Peter Cunnah. Performing is intertwined into the DNA of Peter Cunnah. The Derry native always had a strong draw to all things music. In this weeks episode we delve into the roots of this passion for songwriting and what inspires him. With the troubles in Northern Ireland as a backdrop music was the way out and would lead Peter to...

Kieran and Derek are joined by the pop culture icon Pat Sharp. Pat is known for his DJ work on BBC Radio 1 and Capital FM. Pat also has a host of TV work including being the face of SKY when it launched in the 1980's with Sky Trax and the classic, The Great Video Race (Run Ronnie Run) the Iconic ITV show Funhouse, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and many many more! Not content with playing reco...

Derek and Kieran are delighted to be joined by Eddi Reader. Eddi grew up on the tenement streets in Glasgow where music played a huge part in daily life. From busking, touring Europe and then playing the Old Grey Whistle Test with Gang Of Four, Eddi was building her reputation as a talented and unique vocalist who was sought after by many top acts including The Eurythmics, Alison Moyet and The Wat...