A Collection of 19 complete performances from the legendary Luke Kelly. (to my knowledge previously unreleased). Available here, here and here…

DVD Special features:

Includes contributions from Mary Black, Paul Brady, Phil Coulter, Donovan, Ralph McTell, Damien Dempsey, George Murphy, Paddy Reilly and The Dubliners.

Photo Gallery

Bonus Interviews: The Dubliners Remember

Poetry & Luke:
Damien Dempsey reads 'Dublin' by Louis MacNiece
Donovan reads 'For What Died The Sons of Roisin' by Luke Kelly
John Sheahan reads 'Lukes 21st Anniversary' by John Sheahan

LUKE

An Ancient Voice…that Speaks to Tomorrow

      When they started in 1962, they were the Ronnie Drew Ballad Group (or "Ballet Group" as some deaf misprinter had it). Barney McKenna, admittedly jealous, would have preferred the Barney McKenna Group. Finally, in a quiet Dublin pub on a wet afternoon, the debate was settled. Luke was reading - as ever - and threw his book down. It was James Joyce's Dubliners … and the legend was born. You only have to ask to hear a story of Luke's sharpness. Heckled on stage as "ould Woolly Head", he shouted back, "At least mine's only woolly on the outside!" He was as witty and literate as he was compassionate and inquisitive. But he was also unique. "The Dubliners were unusual," says Barney, "because they all, individually, contributed different types of music to the blend.” Luke's was the music of the street, first learned in the congested alleys of Dublin's inner city, then honed in the companionship of Ewan McColl, and the socialist activists of the fluxing sixties. "Listening to the songs Luke brought home awakened our sensitivity to social issues," says Ronnie today. And there was more than just the power of content. There was the power of interpretation. "He was like a jazz singer," says John Sheahan. "He never sang a song the same way twice. It was always new.”

      It remains "new". Donovan, whose music heightened the spiritual sensitivities of the sixties' popism, rates Luke and the Dubliners as major contributors to the yet-to-be-fully harvested Celtic revival. "He is more than a folk singer or a pop icon. He is an Ancient Voice mixing love ballads with social reportage to speak to Tomorrow.”

      All who worked on this film are aware of our debt to the magic of the camera. Part poet, part reporter, part militant, part romancer, Luke was above everything a performer and what remains in the filmed archive of his work represents the closest we can get to the full-force power of his art.

      This project started a number of years ago through the enthusiasm of three fans: Jimmy Whelan, Per Jappée and Dr Gerhard Braas. Between them they systematically searched the television archives throughout the world to find these treasures. Without their dedication, the joyous physical essence of Luke might never have seen the light of day again. A special thanks to them. We would also like to thank Luke's family for their support during research and development of this unique production. Particular thanks to The Dubliners, Paddy Reilly, Paul Brady, Damien Dempsey, Ralph McTell, Jim McCann, Ronnie Drew, Donovan, Mary Black and Phil Coulter who gladly gave their time to share their experiences of Luke Kelly - The Performer.

Whiskey in The jar—The David Frost Show, 1968, USA

Muirsheen Durkin—The Ed Sullivan Show, 1968, USA

The Black Velvet Band—The Talk Show, 1970, UK

Monto—The Talk Show, 1970, UK

Hand Me Down Me Bible—Whittaker's World Of Music, 1971, UK

Kelly The Boy From Killane—Musikladen, 1973, Germany

Maids When You're Young Never Wed An Old Man—Snus Extra, 1973, Sweden

Scorn Not His Simplicity—The McCann Man With friends, 1974

The Town I Loved So Well—The Dubliners In Concert, 1974, Belgium

Dirty Old Town—Tavastia Club, 1976, Finland

The Rocky Road To Dublin—Tavastia Club, 1976, Finland

Farewell To Carlingford—Liedercircus, 1976, Germany

Raglan Road—The Humours OF Donnybrook, 1978, Ireland

Paddy On The Railway—The Dubliners At The Gaiety, 1979

The Auld Triangle—Liedercircus, 1976, Germany

The Hot Asphalt—Pop '79, 1979, Germany

Come To The Bower—Vienna Folk Festival, 1980, Austria

The Night Visiting Song—The Music Show, 1983, Ireland

The Wild Rover—Don Lane Show, 1983, Australia