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The name Planxty comes from a word used by the classic harpist Turlough O'Carolan in many of his works, and is thought to mean a tribute to a particular person ("Planxty Irwin", for example, being a tribute to Colonel John Irwin of Sligo). "Planxty" is believed to be a corruption of the Irish word and popular toast "slainte", meaning "good health".
In 1972 Christy Moore released his second album Prosperous, which he recorded with his old schoolmates, Lunny, Irvine, and O'Flynn. After recording Prosperous, they formed Planxty. The group's first major performance, opening for Donovan in Galway, was a major success. Neither the audience nor the band knowing what to expect, both were pleasantly surprised. Irvine, unable to see the audience through the lighting, was worried that the crowd was on the verge of rioting. It took him several minutes to realize what he was hearing was enthusiasm.
Planxty released the highly acclaimed single, The Cliffs of Doneen, after which, they were promptly signed to an exclusive contract in conjunction with Polydor Records. The bandmembers, inexperienced in the world of business, signed a contract for £ 30,000, but for six albums, and with a low royalty percentage. They were never to make much money from album sales, and were substantially in debt by the time the group dissolved.
The group became very popular in the next few years in Ireland, BritainThe word Britain is used to refer to the United Kingdom (UK): i. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (from 1927), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland ( 1801- 1927) or the United Kingdom of Great Britain ( 1707- 1801). and EuropeFor the band of the same name, see Europe (band . Europe is a continent forming the westermost part of the Eurasian supercontinent. Europe is bounded to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the Mediterranean Se, and they recorded two more albums in the following two years. After that they split up, and a compilation called The Planxty Collection was released. As time passed, the personnel changed - Johnny Moynihan replaced Donal Lunny in JulyJuly is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 31 days. July was renamed for Julius Caesar; previously, it was called Quintilis in Latin, since it was the fifth month in the Roman calendar which started in March. Because of its orig of 1973Events January events January 1 United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark enter the European Economic Community now known as the European Union January 3 Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) sells the New York Yankees for $10 million to a 12-person syndicate led, and Paul BradyBorn May 19, 1947 in Strabane, Northern Ireland, on the border with the Irish Republic, Paul Brady was into a wide variety of music from an early age. The talented and prolific singer/songwriter has enjoyed a career that has seen him pass through several stepped in for Christy Moore in 19741974 is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). Events January-February January 5 Dungeons & Dragons officially released. February 4 Patricia Hearst, the 19 year old granddaughter of publisher William Randolph Hearst, is kidnapped.
Christy, Andy, Donal and Liam, the original lineup, reformed Planxty in 1979Events January-February January 1 Sino-American relations: United States and the People's Republic of China establish diplomatic relations January 4 State of Ohio agrees to pay $675,000 to families of dead and injured in Kent State University shootings.. They recorded three albums, and made several changes and additions to their lineup, most notably the joining of Matt Molloy , flautist from the Bothy Band , later with The Chieftains.
In 1983, Donal Lunny and Christy Moore left to concentrate on Moving Hearts, and Andy and Liam started pursuing solo careers (the former in the band Partrick Street ). The band broke up for the final time.... or so it seemed. A low-key gig in Lisdoonvarna led to gigs in Dublin and County Clare in 2004, and the release of "Live 2004" on DVD and CD. It remains to be seen if this is a new lease of life.