Celtic music you know I'm really beginning to detest that expression. When people talk about celtic music 9 times out of 10 they're talking about Irish music. When you go to a "celtic" club how much Welsh, Manx, Cornish or Brittany music do you hear. If you took all the Irish stuff out of your "celtic" set I don't think you'd be on stage for too long. So lets give credit or disdain where credit or disdain is deserved. I grew up with Irish music I've played it all my life, I love it. For me there is none better.

I get a little upset too with the elitests. I get pissed off with the guys who say, "oh I don't play the wild rover thats crap." Well maybe for you it is. I don't do it that much anymore myself but if someone were to sincerely request it I'd do it for them but then I never considered myself to be an educator or showman I consider myself to be an entertainer and I feel that when people make the effort to come and see you play then you should do your best to send them away happy on some level. When I first came to Canada I put food on my table by doing a lot of those songs and you know people liked to hear them. A lot of the guys that I've met who complain about the Wild Rover etc. seem to have short memories in that it was'nt too long ago that they were playing them themslves.I can't help it that Irish music seems to be the flavour of the month, infact for me thats just fine. The chieftains 20 years ago didn't have Matt Molloy and for my money they are a much better group now with his inclusion. So anyway if you don't like Irish music don't play it, don't listen to it but don't complain about those who do especially if they do it well. Den