Let Christy Take It

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

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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 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