Christy Moore at All Together Now: A rousing Auld Triangle is dedicated to the late Glen Hansard

At the All Together Now festival in Waterford, veteran Irish singer-songwriter Christy Moore, aged 81, captivated a packed audience with a dynamic and emotionally charged performance. Taking place on a Saturday evening in the Something Kind of Wonderful tent, Moore condensed decades of musical activism and storytelling into a powerful hour-long set.

Moore’s performance included a heartfelt dedication of "The Auld Triangle" to the late Glen Hansard, a close friend and collaborator. This tribute underscored the deep personal and artistic connections that have shaped Moore’s career and enduring influence on Irish music.

The set was marked by an energetic and sometimes provocative approach, reflecting Moore’s long-standing commitment to social and political commentary. During "Delirium Tremens," he referenced contemporary figures such as Leo Varadkar, Kylie Minogue, and Conor McGregor, eliciting a mixed response from the crowd, including audible boos. This moment highlighted Moore’s willingness to challenge his audience and address current cultural topics through his lyrics.

Despite his modesty about his own status, Moore’s influence on Irish music culture is undeniable. His songs resonate deeply within the national psyche, with the crowd enthusiastically joining in on classics like "Joxer Goes to Stuttgart," a surreal narrative about following the Irish soccer team in 1988. The firebrand protest song "Ordinary Man" evoked intense emotional reactions, comparable to the fervor seen at major rock concerts.

However, not all aspects of the performance were equally embraced. The audience’s preference for Moore’s well-known hits meant that quieter, more introspective ballads were often lost amid the surrounding noise and conversation. This dynamic raised questions about whether attendees were primarily there for the music or to witness Moore’s legendary presence.

All Together Now has increasingly become a favored venue for seasoned artists aiming to engage with a younger, enthusiastic demographic. Last year’s edition saw Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats deliver notable performances on the same stage. Moore’s appearance this year continued the trend, demonstrating the festival’s appeal as a platform for bridging generational gaps in Irish music.

The climax of Moore’s set came with an encore performance of "Lisdoonvarna," a spirited folk epic that ignited the crowd's enthusiasm to the point that the confines of the tent seemed insufficient to contain the energy. This finale encapsulated the communal and celebratory atmosphere that Moore is known to foster through his music.

While details about the full setlist and audience demographics remain limited, the available accounts from irishtimes.com depict a performance that combined nostalgia, political edge, and communal songcraft. Moore’s presence at All Together Now not only reaffirmed his status as a key figure in Irish music but also demonstrated the continuing relevance of his work in contemporary cultural conversations.

Overall, Christy Moore’s engagement at Waterford’s festival was a reminder of his ability to command attention through a blend of storytelling, activism, and traditional folk music, even as he navigates the challenges of connecting with a diverse and evolving audience.