The band and its members influenced modern Irish tradition
Planxty trademarks: new instruments and styles
Moore, Lunny, Irvine and O'Flynn regrouped in 1979, and changes in the lineup included the addition of Matt Molloy from the Bothy Band who later worked with The Chieftains. In 1983, the band members split to pursue separate projects.
Fans of Irish music will no doubt recognize all of the original Planxty members and be aware of their influence on the Irish traditional music scene in the '70s and early '80s. Johnny Moynihan was the one who introduced the bouzouki to Irish music when he was with Sweeney's Men. The instrument was further popularized by both Lunny and Irvine while they were with Planxty (see the video below, where two bouzoukis are used). Irvine went on to influence Bill Whelan who later wrote "Riverdance," first as an eight-minute piece and later as the hugely successful stage show that introduced many people to Irish music and dance.
The group came back together for several concerts in Lisdoonvarna, Dublin and County Clare in 2004. A CD and DVD was released as a result of these concerts. (The DVD is available on amazon.co.uk in Region 2 format, which is not playable on most players sold in the US and Canada.)
Planxty on Amazon
If you wish to order from Amazon.co.uk, please click on the appropriate text link in each CD's description. Clicking on the graphic or title of the CD links you to Amazon's US site.
The Well Below the Valley
Released in 1973. CD released in 1990.
MP3: The Well Below The Valley
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: The Well Below the Valley
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/12/2009) 
Cold Blow and the Rainy Night
Released in 1974. CD released in 1989.
MP3: Cold Blow And The Rainy Night
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: Cold Blow and the Rainy Night
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Planxty Collection
Released in 1976. CD released in 1989.
MP3: The Planxty Collection
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: The Planxty Collection
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/12/2009)
After the Break
Released in 1979.
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: After the Break
Amazon Price: $42.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
More Planxty on Amazon
Four albums and a book
The Woman I Loved So Well
Released in 1980.
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: The Woman I Loved So Well
Amazon Price: $20.98 (as of 07/12/2009)
Words & Music
Released in 1983. CD released in 1992.
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: Words and Music
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 07/12/2009)
Prosperous
This is the 1972 album, Christy Moore's second, that gave rise to Planxty.
Order CD from Amazon.co.uk: Prosperous
Amazon Price: $32.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Humours of Planxty
Writer Leagues O'Toole is an unabashed fan of Planxty. He writes of the coming together of the musicians to record Moore's Prosperous, an album one Amazon reviewer claims is "the watershed album that gave Irish music its legs." The reviewer also credits O'Toole with getting the group back together for the shows in 2004.
Order the book from Amazon.co.uk: The Humours of "Planxty"
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
Planxty on YouTube
Links for Celtic Music: Planxty
- Planxty 2004 website
- This site also contains links to sites for the individual members. There's a good, concise press biography available as well.
- Other Celtic music lenses by MobyD
- A lens to help you find similar lenses I've made.
- Planxty at HavePun-WillTravel.com
- This lens recreated as a page on my website, with MP3 widgets to sample tunes from the page.
- Planxty video showcase
- The video showcase for Planxty features a six-part documentary, a three-part concert, and various other videos including some from their 2004 reunion.
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susannaduffy wrote...
They certainly influenced the modern 'revival' of traditional Irish music. When I say 'revival'. I mean more along the lines of 'fashion'. The music has never gone away.
Posted February 09, 2009
susannaduffy wrote...
They certainly influenced the modern 'revival' of traditional Irish music. When I say 'revival'. I mean more along the lines of 'fashion'. The music has never gone away.
Posted February 09, 2009
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