The Humours of Planxty

When Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, Andy Irvine and Liam O'Flynn took to the stage in Vicar Street, Dublin, in January 2004, Ireland was once again treated to a live performance from one of its greatest musical collaborations. Founded in 1972 out of a meeting of minds during the recording of Christy Moore's album Prosperus, Planxty brought the instruments and harmonies of traditional Irish music to audiences all over the world, popularising and revitalising a musical tradition that was in decline. In this first official account of the group, Leagues O'Toole talks to the band's members and charts the history of Planxty, relating the highs and lows of the band's glory days through to their reformation in 2003. For over a decade, Planxty supplied the soundtrack to a constantly evolving Ireland, revitalising the relationship between traditional culture and youth culture. Today the music of Planxty is reaching new audiences and the rebellious inspiration of Ireland's first supergroup remains.