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In August 1978 French filmmaker Claude Lelouch persuaded a Formula One racing driver to mount a stabilized camera to the front of a Ferrari 275 GTB and drive at breakneck speed through the streets of Paris. Reaching almost 140 miles per hour the driver mounted pavements, drove the wrong way up one-way streets, ran through red lights and narrowly missed knocking down many Paris citizens. And all of this in aid of a nine minute movie which, when screened for the first time, saw the immediate arrest of the fanatical French director. The movie, of course, was a hit. It became a cult classic in France and eventually all over the world. And while the establishment tut-tutted at the antics of Lelouch the public were overwhelmed with the audacity, the grit and the pure fortitude and spirit of the man who turned heads. And if you ever get to experience the white knuckle ride you’ll understand why we look at these eccentric pioneers, the daredevils of this world, and imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes. But it’s not just about fast cars. In all arts and parts of society there are the golden ones. The adventurous, the brave, the risk-takers and the fearless. And music is no exception. There have been many past heroes who have pushed the boundaries and redrawn the map, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. One such hero, who still to this day continues to fight the good fight, is favourite son of Tipperary and evergreen entertainer Liam Clancy. And just like Lelouch’s Paris escapade the Carrick-on-Suir man has himself journeyed at break-neck speed through a lifetime of experiences, turning heads on the way and earning his own status as a cult figure.
In 1956 Clancy’s new home was Greenwich Village in the heart of New York City. Having already experienced an active role in music, art and acting in Ireland, including a successful stint at the renowned Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, he was naturally drawn to the Theatre and Television from the moment he arrived in the States. Although successful with both mediums Clancy’s fate lay in the music. And it was the family connection that would eventually help him become established as one of Ireland’s greatest exports with The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, who began recording on Paddy Clancy's "Tradition" label in the late 50's. A record breaking 16 minute long performance on the Ed Sullivan Show launched the group into stardom. The quartet recorded numerous albums for Columbia Records and enjoyed great success during the 60's folk revival, which proved to be a secure grounding for the Tip’ man’s next five decades of success. “It was an extraordinary time” says Liam, “The streets of Greenwich Village were alive with singers, musicians, actors and poets. Luckily we fitted right in and eventually made our mark. We would play shows in pubs and theatres where all and sundry would attend.” And one such attendee was an American singer-song writer looking for inspiration from the Irish performers. “Bob Dylan would come to the shows” continues Clancy, “He used to watch intently and approached us for advice on the ethics and craft of Irish music. We didn’t know at the time that he would become what he is today, but it’s good to know that we may have been an influence of some description.” Absolutely. In fact Dylan once said of Clancy that he was the best ballad singer he’d ever heard. True sentiment indeed. And after the heady days in New York Liam continued to carve his way through the media maze when he opted to move to Calgary in Canada to host a television show and begin life as a solo performer. “It was certainly a new challenge” says Clancy, “And in the early seventies everything was changing. As a band we had toured the world several times over and I suppose we all needed a fresh change. In Canada I was humbled by receiving an Emmy Award, so I must have been doing something right.” And having secured his status as Mr. Ireland in North America Clancy eventually teamed up again with old pal Tommy Makem. As Makem & Clancy the two managed to record several hits including "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" and "The Dutchman". The quintessential pair continued a successful partnership until the late eighties.
But it’s not all about the past for Clancy. Nowadays he can be found at his home in Ring, County Waterford running a successful recording studio, where artists such as Martin Murray and Danú have recorded. “The studio gives me a chance to give something back in the form of guidance and advice for up and coming bands” declares Liam, “An opportunity they thankfully grasp with both hands.” And the location on Dungarvan Bay also serves as a base while Clancy continues to tour the country and further a field. His current project, an Autumn tour across Ireland ending with a music cruise leaving from Hawaii, is proof that the man of many tales isn’t ready to hang up his guitar strap just yet. Performances in Armagh, Cork, Dublin, Ennis, Thurles, Dundalk, New Ross, Portlaoise, Tallagh and Bray have given the performer a chance to share not only his music but also his stories with the audience of long-time admirers. “I try to open my mind and my heart to anyone who’ll listen” says Liam. “The shows allow me to digress and I enjoy telling anecdotes and accounts of my experiences. Bob Dylan, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton and even Woody Allen. They’re all in there.”
And for those of you who can’t make it to the concerts there’s always The Legend of Liam Clancy, a 2006 television profile which includes past footage of Clancy and interviews with Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie, Bob Dylan, Oscar Brand, Odetta, Josh White Jr. and many others. The TV biography is an account of the extraordinary musician and his five decades of dedication to the music and media industries. Failing that you can always check out Liam’s appearance in Martin Scorsese's Award-winning film No Direction Home, an account of the life and times of Bob Dylan. Clancy received an important role in the movie which is widely reported to be his greatest musical contribution since the dissolution of the original Clancy Brothers. Then there’s the book. The Mountain of the Women was published in 2002 to favourable reviews. Sub-titled the Memoirs of an Irish Troubadour it’s exactly what you’d expect from a man who has been there, done it and bought the t-shirt factory. The fascinating chronicle is much more than just a historical account, but more an in-depth raid in to the coffers of Clancy’s psyche. “The book was always something that was going to happen” says Liam. “It took a tremendous effort to recount everything given all the occurrences and experiences. But we got there.” And a follow up publication? Well, maybe says Clancy.
2006 marks a milestone for the musician. Five decades of success. Dozens of albums. TV shows, Radio and Theatre. And still the Clancy army marches on. Trudging through the battlefields of musicianship and making many allies on the way. Congratulations Liam. Credit where it’s due. A true artist and a truer gentleman. And I’m sure that when the all-time list of Irish legends is created you’ll be sitting proudly at the top, and deservedly so. Lelouch may have been the pride of Paris with his daring car ride, but it’s the evergreen chanter who gets my vote as the favourite son of Ireland. News, tickets and everything Clancy at www.liamclancy.com.
Eddie Creaney
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