Christy Moore is in every sense Ireland's folk hero. Mentor to a whole generation of Irish musicians, he holds a unique place in musical history. In l992 he broke all attendance records during 12 packed nights at the Point in Dublin. In the UK he fills concert halls around the country. In l997 he announced that he was taking an extended break from touring and recording. It was headline news in Ireland. So was his comeback which began in l999. Set to be an enormous best-seller, his autobiography marries both songs and memories. Around 250 of his favourite lyrics are accompanied by his memories around the song itself and his life. Each entry is fresh, direct, honest and spontaneous - like the most intimate diary. Through it he charts his life from drunk to sober, bar-room guitar player to international singer-songwriter.
Hard to believe that a book in which Mr Moore's songs throughout his impressive career describe his life and ideology could disappoint to anyone who owns any of his records or has enjoyed the celtic folk scene since its origins . Christy's comments and unpublished shots are worth the price of the book. Extraordinary reading. And Christy still alive and kicking.