Aonghus to bring the Christie Hennessey songbook to Macroom
WHEN singer Christie Hennessey tragically passed away in 2007 at the young the age of 62, the Irish music world lost one of its most enigmatic and best-loved artists.
However, he left behind a legacy of albums and songs that remain as popular today with his fans as when they first graced the Irish airwaves and were performed by the great man as he delighted audiences at venues across the country and abroad.
That legacy is thriving thanks to his close friend, broadcaster and entertainer Aonghus McAnally, who will bring his ‘Celebrating Christie Hennessey’ show to the stage of the Riverside Park Hotel in Macroom this coming Saturday night.
Inhabiting the role of Christie is particularly poignant for McAnally, as the two were such close friends, with Aonghus even delivering the eulogy at Christie’s funeral.
“It’s a genuine privilege to share Christie’s incredible music with audiences around the country, and an honour to be part of keeping his spirit alive. Music fans want one more Christie gig, and to be able to recreate that magic for them is one of the most special feelings I’ve ever had on stage,” he said.
“Maybe the greatest compliment I’ve ever received as a performer was when Christie’s wife Gill came to me after the show in tears, saying it’s like having Christie back again,” added McAnally.
In the show, which is currently touring the country, he brings the Hennessey songbook to life with his uncanny recreation of his friend’s voice and guitar playing and songs including ‘Messenger Boy’, ‘Jealous Heart’ and ‘Roll Back the Clouds’.
Profits from the concert will be used by the Lee Valley Enterprise Board for locals projects including the restoration of the Church of Ireland in Macroom to create a cultural & tourism amenity centre.
Tickets, priced at €22.50, available from the box office at the Square in Macroom or online at www.macroom.ie.