Moving Hearts: The Irish Band That Shook Up Traditional Music
Moving Hearts weren't your typical Irish traditional band. Formed in Dublin in 1981, they took Irish folk music, threw in a healthy dose of rock, jazz and funk, and came up with something pretty special. With Christy Moore out front and some seriously talented musicians behind him, they weren't afraid to make a bit of noise.
Formation
Moving Hearts came together in 1981 when former Planxty members Christy Moore and Dónal Lunny decided to try something different. They teamed up with guitarist Declan Sinnott, bassist Eoghan O'Neill, drummer Brian Calnan, saxophonist Keith Donald and uilleann piper Davy Spillane. It was quite a line-up, bringing together some of Ireland's finest musicians.
The Early Years
The band quickly made a name for themselves with a regular residency at Dublin's Baggot Inn, where packed crowds got a taste of their explosive live sound. Their music mixed traditional Irish tunes with electric guitars, saxophones and driving rhythms. They also had plenty to say about politics, social injustice and life in Ireland.
Breakthrough
Their big breakthrough came with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1981, which captured the raw energy of their live performances. Moving Hearts were suddenly one of the most talked-about bands on the Irish music scene. They went on to play major festivals and international venues, proving traditional music could have a serious rock edge.
The Singles
Moving Hearts weren't really a chart singles band, but they certainly had their share of memorable tracks. Hiroshima Nagasaki Russian Roulette, Irish Ways and Irish Laws and No Time for Love became firm favourites. Their version of Before the Deluge was another standout, while instrumentals like The Lark showed just how good these musicians were.
The Albums
Their debut album, Moving Hearts (1981), was followed by Dark End of the Street (1982), another powerful mix of music and political commentary. Live Hearts arrived in 1983, while The Storm (1985) saw them move towards a completely instrumental sound. They later returned with Live in Dublin (2008), alongside several compilation releases.
Final Verdict
Moving Hearts were one of those rare Irish bands who genuinely did something different. They took traditional music out of its comfort zone and gave it a powerful, modern sound without losing its roots. Their original run was fairly short, but their influence lasted much longer. A cracking band with a musical legacy that's well worth revisiting.
