Fans ask - Chris de Burgh answers!
Something that you always wanted to know?
Here is your chance to get a reply!
January 8, 2006
Jane Norris (37) from Glasgow, Scotland:
I've been a fan of yours for many years and I've just come across one of your older songs, "I'm going home". It really is very uplifting, but I'm wondering who is Jilly? Thanks, Jane
Chris de Burgh:
“I’m Going Home” is fun. It’s about a boy who goes to the city and decides that the city isn’t for him, the country life is really much better suited, from the “Spanish Train And Other Stories” album. That’s the feeling that I had, a joyous feeling of returning home from the city life that I was involved with at the time. And Jilly? Yes, well, Jilly was a girlfriend of that era. And I just thought it would be nice to reflect on how I felt about her, and the joyful feelings that I had about going to her place in the countryside, as well as going back to my own home in Ireland.
Editor's note:
The Man On (the) Line section is now taking a little break again - we'll return hopefully soon! Please keep the questions coming.
Jane Norris (37) from Glasgow, Scotland:
I've been a fan of yours for many years and I've just come across one of your older songs, "I'm going home". It really is very uplifting, but I'm wondering who is Jilly? Thanks, Jane
Chris de Burgh:
“I’m Going Home” is fun. It’s about a boy who goes to the city and decides that the city isn’t for him, the country life is really much better suited, from the “Spanish Train And Other Stories” album. That’s the feeling that I had, a joyous feeling of returning home from the city life that I was involved with at the time. And Jilly? Yes, well, Jilly was a girlfriend of that era. And I just thought it would be nice to reflect on how I felt about her, and the joyful feelings that I had about going to her place in the countryside, as well as going back to my own home in Ireland.
Editor's note:
The Man On (the) Line section is now taking a little break again - we'll return hopefully soon! Please keep the questions coming.
January 7, 2006
Daniel Joubert (43) from Cape Town, South Africa:
Your songs are deeply emotional and bring many people to the point of tears (myself included...) Do you ever feel so emotional after singing a song that you have to take a break to compose yourself? Your poetry is so meaningful and deep, and the musical score so haunting, that I cannot imagine the emotions running through yourself when singing!
Chris de Burgh:
Well, the answer is, Daniel, yes. I have this facility, when I am describing a situation or singing about a situation, to feel it very keenly, to feel it deeply. And I think that if you do not feel the emotion, you haven’t got any chance of transferring that emotion to other people, to make them feel what you are feeling. And it sounds strange, but I quite often get so deep into a song that I am singing, or a story that I am singing about, that I begin to get that prickle behind the eyes. And very rarely, I have to say, in concert, it does happen. For example the song “Here For You” about people saying goodbye to their children who are flying away to the other side of the world for a couple of years, that for me always provokes the same feeling of sadness mixed with joy and melancholy. And so many people have written to me about this song. The impact, not only the people who are leaving but also the parents left behind. So yes, I do respond very strongly and very emotionally to the emotional songs that I have written.
Daniel Joubert (43) from Cape Town, South Africa:
Your songs are deeply emotional and bring many people to the point of tears (myself included...) Do you ever feel so emotional after singing a song that you have to take a break to compose yourself? Your poetry is so meaningful and deep, and the musical score so haunting, that I cannot imagine the emotions running through yourself when singing!
Chris de Burgh:
Well, the answer is, Daniel, yes. I have this facility, when I am describing a situation or singing about a situation, to feel it very keenly, to feel it deeply. And I think that if you do not feel the emotion, you haven’t got any chance of transferring that emotion to other people, to make them feel what you are feeling. And it sounds strange, but I quite often get so deep into a song that I am singing, or a story that I am singing about, that I begin to get that prickle behind the eyes. And very rarely, I have to say, in concert, it does happen. For example the song “Here For You” about people saying goodbye to their children who are flying away to the other side of the world for a couple of years, that for me always provokes the same feeling of sadness mixed with joy and melancholy. And so many people have written to me about this song. The impact, not only the people who are leaving but also the parents left behind. So yes, I do respond very strongly and very emotionally to the emotional songs that I have written.
January 6, 2006
Chris de Burgh:
As we enter 2006, I would like to wish you all a happy and successful New Year, and hope that it is a healthy one for all - without our health, we have nothing! Also, in the interests of historical accuracy, Heather from the USA has pointed out in the guestbook that Saint Paul preached in Ephesus (and many other places) AFTER the life of Jesus, and not before, and of course she is right. I mixed up the before and after inadvertently! Saint Paul's fervour and dedication to the new faith lit flames in the hearts and minds of thousands all over the Mediterranean, and his passion and belief still resounds today. Best wishes, Chris de Burgh.
Chris de Burgh:
As we enter 2006, I would like to wish you all a happy and successful New Year, and hope that it is a healthy one for all - without our health, we have nothing! Also, in the interests of historical accuracy, Heather from the USA has pointed out in the guestbook that Saint Paul preached in Ephesus (and many other places) AFTER the life of Jesus, and not before, and of course she is right. I mixed up the before and after inadvertently! Saint Paul's fervour and dedication to the new faith lit flames in the hearts and minds of thousands all over the Mediterranean, and his passion and belief still resounds today. Best wishes, Chris de Burgh.
January 5, 2006
Chris Williams (53) from Basildon, Essex, UK:
Hiya Chris, recently I was watching some old CdeB programmes that I have on video and noticed that in 1992 and 1994 you played an orangy/red electric guitar, sometimes with a wide bright red guitar strap. What became of this guitar and strap and do you still have it? Hugs, Chris (W) xx
Chris de Burgh:
I still have that guitar, and it’s sleeping at the moment. It’s on a long vacation, because I acquired other guitars, the black and the grey ones which are absolutely stunning for a live performance.
Chris Williams (53) from Basildon, Essex, UK:
Hiya Chris, recently I was watching some old CdeB programmes that I have on video and noticed that in 1992 and 1994 you played an orangy/red electric guitar, sometimes with a wide bright red guitar strap. What became of this guitar and strap and do you still have it? Hugs, Chris (W) xx
Chris de Burgh:
I still have that guitar, and it’s sleeping at the moment. It’s on a long vacation, because I acquired other guitars, the black and the grey ones which are absolutely stunning for a live performance.
January 4, 2006
Kambiz Shahkavosi (32) from Iran, now in Canada:
Dear Chris, I love your music. Everyday I must listen your music. I'm Persian but now I came to Canada for heart operation. I have one question, when I sleep I am thinking about death and I'm very scared about that. What can I do? What's your advice to me about death? Thank you so much. I'm waiting for your new album.
Chris de Burgh:
I think everybody thinks about death. We have to prepare for death. This is the inevitable part of life on earth. It’s like going to stay in a hotel or whatever, knowing that sooner or later your holiday must come to an end. The only difference is most of us don’t know when it’s going to happen. I think those people ironically who do know they are going to die, if they can prepare themselves, they are the ones who have come to terms with it. Of course I think about dying and of course I am scared. Perhaps more so I am scared of how I am going to die, rather than what happens afterwards, because it’ll either be complete nothingness or perhaps the spirit lives on in a different form. But to constantly think about it is not a great idea. I think, if you could come to terms with it and understand this is an inevitable part of the joy of being alive, perhaps that makes it slightly easier to come to terms with death itself.
Kambiz Shahkavosi (32) from Iran, now in Canada:
Dear Chris, I love your music. Everyday I must listen your music. I'm Persian but now I came to Canada for heart operation. I have one question, when I sleep I am thinking about death and I'm very scared about that. What can I do? What's your advice to me about death? Thank you so much. I'm waiting for your new album.
Chris de Burgh:
I think everybody thinks about death. We have to prepare for death. This is the inevitable part of life on earth. It’s like going to stay in a hotel or whatever, knowing that sooner or later your holiday must come to an end. The only difference is most of us don’t know when it’s going to happen. I think those people ironically who do know they are going to die, if they can prepare themselves, they are the ones who have come to terms with it. Of course I think about dying and of course I am scared. Perhaps more so I am scared of how I am going to die, rather than what happens afterwards, because it’ll either be complete nothingness or perhaps the spirit lives on in a different form. But to constantly think about it is not a great idea. I think, if you could come to terms with it and understand this is an inevitable part of the joy of being alive, perhaps that makes it slightly easier to come to terms with death itself.
January 3, 2006
Samantha Turner (14) from England:
If you could relive one performance you have given, where would it be and why?
Chris de Burgh:
Well, you know what, Samantha, I am delighted that a young girl like you likes my music and has asked this question. It’s very hard for me to remember of the thousands of concerts I have given, any one in particular. But there is a memory which is round the back of my head, when I played a concert in Turkey, in Ephesus. A very ancient town! And the place I stood was the same place that I believe prior to Jesus Christ, BC that is, Saint Paul of Tarsus preached to the Ephesian people. And the place itself is just haunted with history. And I got a real shiver, not only being there, but performing there to 20,000 people under a starlit sky. And it was one of the most extraordinary memories of my life, and certainly as a performer, that I would love to repeat.
Samantha Turner (14) from England:
If you could relive one performance you have given, where would it be and why?
Chris de Burgh:
Well, you know what, Samantha, I am delighted that a young girl like you likes my music and has asked this question. It’s very hard for me to remember of the thousands of concerts I have given, any one in particular. But there is a memory which is round the back of my head, when I played a concert in Turkey, in Ephesus. A very ancient town! And the place I stood was the same place that I believe prior to Jesus Christ, BC that is, Saint Paul of Tarsus preached to the Ephesian people. And the place itself is just haunted with history. And I got a real shiver, not only being there, but performing there to 20,000 people under a starlit sky. And it was one of the most extraordinary memories of my life, and certainly as a performer, that I would love to repeat.
January 2, 2006
Gillianne (31) from Normandy, France:
I've just heard on TV a song from the rap group "l'algerino" "les derniers seront les premiers". They have taken some music from your song "shadows and lights". Their song is just horrible. Did you know that? Did you allow them to take some of your music to do rap?
Chris de Burgh:
I haven’t heard this music, but I heard that it actually took place. The song is just horrible? I am sorry about that! These things happen. You see, once a song is published and put out into the public arena, you can actually record it as long as you don’t make a satire of it, and as long as you notify the publisher that you are using it and therefore, if the thing is very successful and sells a lot of records, you are then obliged to pay the money to the publisher and then back to the composer. But sometimes these things do happen, you get a very unpleasant version of a song.
Gillianne (31) from Normandy, France:
I've just heard on TV a song from the rap group "l'algerino" "les derniers seront les premiers". They have taken some music from your song "shadows and lights". Their song is just horrible. Did you know that? Did you allow them to take some of your music to do rap?
Chris de Burgh:
I haven’t heard this music, but I heard that it actually took place. The song is just horrible? I am sorry about that! These things happen. You see, once a song is published and put out into the public arena, you can actually record it as long as you don’t make a satire of it, and as long as you notify the publisher that you are using it and therefore, if the thing is very successful and sells a lot of records, you are then obliged to pay the money to the publisher and then back to the composer. But sometimes these things do happen, you get a very unpleasant version of a song.
January 1, 2006
Hannelore Müller (53) from Lohmar/Cologne, Germany:
Hi Chris! Thanks to a friend in the UK I was able to watch the interview "My favourite Hymns" (March 2005). I am still very impressed by what I heard and saw. Your lyrics and what you say in interviews often makes me thoughtful. I try to understand what you express, and surely I learn from your words, they make me somehow richer, experiences get another sense - shortly: I enjoy listening to you. What struck me in that interview are your words "I live without any regrets". I can’t understand that, because if you have done something you feel sorry for, and you ask for forgiveness, then you regret it, don’t you? Can you please explain "I live without any regrets"? Thanks!
Chris de Burgh:
I am glad that you saw “My Favourite Hymns”, because that was a very nice program. And I am glad you also enjoyed what I said, because it was always from the heart. To say that I live without regrets means that I have come to believe that to constantly look back and say “I wish”, or “I should”, or “I wish I could have”, I think these things just stop you on your tracks and they hold you down. It’s like carrying heavy baggage along with you, carrying guilt which is a terrible thing to have. I am not saying that I haven’t done things that I have regretted. Of course I have, but I have come to terms with them and I have moved on. I have understood that in life everybody makes mistakes. There is nobody, absolutely nobody who has the right to point a finger at another person to say they shouldn’t have done that and judge. God will be the judge at the end of it all. And human beings should really not judge each other. I find it very hard for me, when people suggest, you know, if people are having difficulties for example in relationships, do I not take a point of view or take a stand for one side or the other. And I always say it’s absolutely none of my business what people get up to in their private lives. Similarly I like the person that I am now. I like the colours that I have created in the past that create the person I am. And that’s why I say I have no regrets. This is who I am. And don’t forget Edith Piaf said the same thing: “Je ne regrette rien.” It doesn’t mean that you’ve enjoyed stamping on other people’s toes on the way up the ladder. On the contrary, you’ve understood your failings and your shortcomings and this is the person you are today. And you should like the person you are! Because if you don’t like yourself, nobody else is going to, in my opinion.
Hannelore Müller (53) from Lohmar/Cologne, Germany:
Hi Chris! Thanks to a friend in the UK I was able to watch the interview "My favourite Hymns" (March 2005). I am still very impressed by what I heard and saw. Your lyrics and what you say in interviews often makes me thoughtful. I try to understand what you express, and surely I learn from your words, they make me somehow richer, experiences get another sense - shortly: I enjoy listening to you. What struck me in that interview are your words "I live without any regrets". I can’t understand that, because if you have done something you feel sorry for, and you ask for forgiveness, then you regret it, don’t you? Can you please explain "I live without any regrets"? Thanks!
Chris de Burgh:
I am glad that you saw “My Favourite Hymns”, because that was a very nice program. And I am glad you also enjoyed what I said, because it was always from the heart. To say that I live without regrets means that I have come to believe that to constantly look back and say “I wish”, or “I should”, or “I wish I could have”, I think these things just stop you on your tracks and they hold you down. It’s like carrying heavy baggage along with you, carrying guilt which is a terrible thing to have. I am not saying that I haven’t done things that I have regretted. Of course I have, but I have come to terms with them and I have moved on. I have understood that in life everybody makes mistakes. There is nobody, absolutely nobody who has the right to point a finger at another person to say they shouldn’t have done that and judge. God will be the judge at the end of it all. And human beings should really not judge each other. I find it very hard for me, when people suggest, you know, if people are having difficulties for example in relationships, do I not take a point of view or take a stand for one side or the other. And I always say it’s absolutely none of my business what people get up to in their private lives. Similarly I like the person that I am now. I like the colours that I have created in the past that create the person I am. And that’s why I say I have no regrets. This is who I am. And don’t forget Edith Piaf said the same thing: “Je ne regrette rien.” It doesn’t mean that you’ve enjoyed stamping on other people’s toes on the way up the ladder. On the contrary, you’ve understood your failings and your shortcomings and this is the person you are today. And you should like the person you are! Because if you don’t like yourself, nobody else is going to, in my opinion.
December 31, 2005
Andy Sands (37) from London, England:
Chris, without your music my life would be pretty empty. What one thing could you not do without?
Chris de Burgh:
That’s a tough question! Music is important to me, but I think at the end of the day, the one thing that would keep my heart beating would be surrounded by my family. Music is a beautiful extra, but I think if I was for any reasons separated from my family, this would cause me direct and constant pain.
Andy Sands (37) from London, England:
Chris, without your music my life would be pretty empty. What one thing could you not do without?
Chris de Burgh:
That’s a tough question! Music is important to me, but I think at the end of the day, the one thing that would keep my heart beating would be surrounded by my family. Music is a beautiful extra, but I think if I was for any reasons separated from my family, this would cause me direct and constant pain.
December 30, 2005
Gaynor Lightfoot (49) from Bromley, Kent, UK:
Dear Chris, I have recently been on a special weekend at a Warner hotel where there was a guest entertainer appearing on the Saturday night. I was there when Jools Holland was playing.It was a brilliant evening which was very intimate as there were only about 200 people there. Have you ever considered appearing at this sort of venue? I'm sure that many fans would love the chance to see you, and have a weekend together too.It would suit your solo style, but there would be ample room for your band. I love your music and have been glad to listen to you on so many occasions, especially as I have M.E. which means I have a good reason to rest and listen to you. Thank you for all you do. With Love, Gaynor
Chris de Burgh:
I think I may have adressed this kind of question before, and perhaps even from Gaynor about this kind of weekend. Well, I love this idea, and in fact we have talked about it many times, my office and I, my manager and I. About finding the right sort of place to have an intimate weekend with a small number of fans, where I would do a performance. People would either stay locally, or would stay in the house itself. And I would talk about the songs I have written, how I wrote them, 200 or 300 people, maybe 500 people. I think it’s a fantastic idea. I have a strong feeling this will happen sooner or later.
Gaynor Lightfoot (49) from Bromley, Kent, UK:
Dear Chris, I have recently been on a special weekend at a Warner hotel where there was a guest entertainer appearing on the Saturday night. I was there when Jools Holland was playing.It was a brilliant evening which was very intimate as there were only about 200 people there. Have you ever considered appearing at this sort of venue? I'm sure that many fans would love the chance to see you, and have a weekend together too.It would suit your solo style, but there would be ample room for your band. I love your music and have been glad to listen to you on so many occasions, especially as I have M.E. which means I have a good reason to rest and listen to you. Thank you for all you do. With Love, Gaynor
Chris de Burgh:
I think I may have adressed this kind of question before, and perhaps even from Gaynor about this kind of weekend. Well, I love this idea, and in fact we have talked about it many times, my office and I, my manager and I. About finding the right sort of place to have an intimate weekend with a small number of fans, where I would do a performance. People would either stay locally, or would stay in the house itself. And I would talk about the songs I have written, how I wrote them, 200 or 300 people, maybe 500 people. I think it’s a fantastic idea. I have a strong feeling this will happen sooner or later.
December 29, 2005
Mert Ener (23) from Istanbul, Turkey:
Hi Chris! In the video clip of the song Ship to Shore there are two guys playing cards. One of them is never seen all along the video. But the other guy really looks like the famous French actor Vincent Perez. Is he? Thanks a lot!
Chris de Burgh:
You know, the trouble is, I haven’t seen the video clip of “Ship To Shore” for years. And I think the other person in the clip was an actor. I don’t even remember who he was, but he certainly wasn’t this famous French actor Vincent Perez, whoever he is. I am sure he is very famous. But no, that was just me and somebody else. For the life of me, I cannot remember who.
Mert Ener (23) from Istanbul, Turkey:
Hi Chris! In the video clip of the song Ship to Shore there are two guys playing cards. One of them is never seen all along the video. But the other guy really looks like the famous French actor Vincent Perez. Is he? Thanks a lot!
Chris de Burgh:
You know, the trouble is, I haven’t seen the video clip of “Ship To Shore” for years. And I think the other person in the clip was an actor. I don’t even remember who he was, but he certainly wasn’t this famous French actor Vincent Perez, whoever he is. I am sure he is very famous. But no, that was just me and somebody else. For the life of me, I cannot remember who.
December 28, 2005
Melanie Edwards (43) from Liverpool, England:
Hello Chris, I am going to a school reunion this summer (all girls Convent!!!!), 25 years after leaving. Although I am really looking forward to going, unfortunately, I have not kept in touch with anybody and only see two of the girls now and again as they still live locally. Have you ever been to a school reunion and do you still keep in touch with any school/university friends? If not, and you would like to go to one, you are welcome to come with me to mine!! Looking forward to your next concerts and I think another visit to Liverpool is due very soon. With Lots of Love, and all the yellow roses in the world, Melanie x
Chris de Burgh:
Thank you very much, Melanie, for all the wonderful yellow roses you’ve sent me. Whenever I receive a single one or a bunch of yellow roses, I know exactly who they’ve come from. And thank you for that! Your question about school reunions? Well, the answer is no, I haven’t really attended many of them if any, apart from fairly soon after I left school, which of course was back in the dark ages. But I have still a lot of friends from University days, which is great. We keep in touch. They are the solid friends in my life and I really enjoy their company. We have still a lot in common. I have been to Liverpool recently, but only for a football match. But I look forward to returning there some time in the future to sing as I did in the Anglican cathedral last year, which was a huge success and a great memory for me.
Melanie Edwards (43) from Liverpool, England:
Hello Chris, I am going to a school reunion this summer (all girls Convent!!!!), 25 years after leaving. Although I am really looking forward to going, unfortunately, I have not kept in touch with anybody and only see two of the girls now and again as they still live locally. Have you ever been to a school reunion and do you still keep in touch with any school/university friends? If not, and you would like to go to one, you are welcome to come with me to mine!! Looking forward to your next concerts and I think another visit to Liverpool is due very soon. With Lots of Love, and all the yellow roses in the world, Melanie x
Chris de Burgh:
Thank you very much, Melanie, for all the wonderful yellow roses you’ve sent me. Whenever I receive a single one or a bunch of yellow roses, I know exactly who they’ve come from. And thank you for that! Your question about school reunions? Well, the answer is no, I haven’t really attended many of them if any, apart from fairly soon after I left school, which of course was back in the dark ages. But I have still a lot of friends from University days, which is great. We keep in touch. They are the solid friends in my life and I really enjoy their company. We have still a lot in common. I have been to Liverpool recently, but only for a football match. But I look forward to returning there some time in the future to sing as I did in the Anglican cathedral last year, which was a huge success and a great memory for me.
December 27, 2005
Stephanie Grabowski (36) from Dormagen, near Cologne, Germany:
Hi Chris, first of all, thank you for your music. I love your music for more than 25 years and you are like wine (your favourite drink), each year you become better. Last year I visited the concert in Cologne and, of course, Dortmund. It was fantastic. We saw you at the meet and greet and after this the concert was the best I ever saw. I hope there will be a few more, because my son (he is now 8 years) still asking, when he can visit your concert in the future. But now my question: When you heard the pope has died, did you have some special feelings about it? Like the thousands of people, who came to Rome? I was very surprised that so many people wanted the pope say good-bye. I never could imagine that he had such an influence on the people, because the set of belief isn't really "up-to-date" I believe. Thanks for answering my question and I hope, I will see you next time together with my son Dominik. Best wishes Steffi
Chris de Burgh:
I am delighted that your 8 year old son enjoys my concerts, and of course there will be chances during 2006 for you and your little boy to come to one of my shows in November. Your question is about the pope. In a sort of way of answering this, I would point at the death of Princess Diana. And that had a massive impact all over the world. People genuinely believed she was a friend of theirs. They felt they knew her. They felt that this was a tragedy, the way her life was unfolding. And it shouldn’t have happened to such a beautiful, talented and inspirational woman. To not only have the difficulties that she went through with her marriage, with the media particularly in England, and with the way she died. To this day people are still talking conspiracy theories. I think it was just quite simple that the car went out of control and it was a tragic accident. But going to the pope, no I personally didn’t feel any particular grief or sadness. I have immense admiration for the man as a human being and great respect for him as a human being. But the fact that he was a pope, in my opinion, didn’t make him any more divine than any single other human being on the planet. Any starving child in Africa is as divine as the pope was. And certainly this applies to my feelings of the current pope. We mustn’t forget how Pope John Paul became pope. It was because the power vested in the cardinals and the authority of the church created one man to be their figurehead. But he, in my opinion, although he did wonderful things, he also did as a lot of critics have said, some things which put back the progress of for example understanding and having compassion towards homosexuality, and also towards clerical celibacy. There are a number of things which he could have done, which in my opinion would have made him an even greater man. For example to have allowed contraception. When you think about all the millions and millions of AIDS sufferers. And if there was a comprehensive program of education, investment and understanding of the AIDS difficulties in very poor countries that was inspired by the Catholic Church, then I would have probably felt a lot more strongly about his passing than I did at the time.
Stephanie Grabowski (36) from Dormagen, near Cologne, Germany:
Hi Chris, first of all, thank you for your music. I love your music for more than 25 years and you are like wine (your favourite drink), each year you become better. Last year I visited the concert in Cologne and, of course, Dortmund. It was fantastic. We saw you at the meet and greet and after this the concert was the best I ever saw. I hope there will be a few more, because my son (he is now 8 years) still asking, when he can visit your concert in the future. But now my question: When you heard the pope has died, did you have some special feelings about it? Like the thousands of people, who came to Rome? I was very surprised that so many people wanted the pope say good-bye. I never could imagine that he had such an influence on the people, because the set of belief isn't really "up-to-date" I believe. Thanks for answering my question and I hope, I will see you next time together with my son Dominik. Best wishes Steffi
Chris de Burgh:
I am delighted that your 8 year old son enjoys my concerts, and of course there will be chances during 2006 for you and your little boy to come to one of my shows in November. Your question is about the pope. In a sort of way of answering this, I would point at the death of Princess Diana. And that had a massive impact all over the world. People genuinely believed she was a friend of theirs. They felt they knew her. They felt that this was a tragedy, the way her life was unfolding. And it shouldn’t have happened to such a beautiful, talented and inspirational woman. To not only have the difficulties that she went through with her marriage, with the media particularly in England, and with the way she died. To this day people are still talking conspiracy theories. I think it was just quite simple that the car went out of control and it was a tragic accident. But going to the pope, no I personally didn’t feel any particular grief or sadness. I have immense admiration for the man as a human being and great respect for him as a human being. But the fact that he was a pope, in my opinion, didn’t make him any more divine than any single other human being on the planet. Any starving child in Africa is as divine as the pope was. And certainly this applies to my feelings of the current pope. We mustn’t forget how Pope John Paul became pope. It was because the power vested in the cardinals and the authority of the church created one man to be their figurehead. But he, in my opinion, although he did wonderful things, he also did as a lot of critics have said, some things which put back the progress of for example understanding and having compassion towards homosexuality, and also towards clerical celibacy. There are a number of things which he could have done, which in my opinion would have made him an even greater man. For example to have allowed contraception. When you think about all the millions and millions of AIDS sufferers. And if there was a comprehensive program of education, investment and understanding of the AIDS difficulties in very poor countries that was inspired by the Catholic Church, then I would have probably felt a lot more strongly about his passing than I did at the time.
December 26, 2005
Yvette (34) from Rüsselsheim, Germany:
I have recently gotten into the musical style of Gregorian Chant, both the historical renditions and today's pop music arrangements. I actually found a CD of a group that calls itself 'Faith & Harmony' that did a Gregorian style mix of the song 'Lady in Red'. I wasn't sure if that was in the strict confines of Gregorian music or not, but overall it was pretty good arrangement of the song. I was wondering what your thoughts about this genre of music were, if any. Have you ever listened to it, and if so, what were your impressions of it? Finally, which of your songs, if any, do you think might actually fit into this particular music style?
Chris de Burgh:
I wasn’t aware there’s a Gregorian style mix of the song “Lady In Red” by Faith & Harmony. But thank you for telling me, because I will look it up. Strange to say, I actually adore this kind of music. I love Gregorian chant. In my studio I have a number of CDs from Russia, from Greece, of orthodox singing and chanting. I have records from the 15th and 16th century of the similar kind of music. It seems to awaken echoes in me that I don’t really quite understand, but I certainly love that kind of music. Just coming back to some of my songs. Well, things like “Where Peaceful Waters Flow” is an immediate one where I would say that might work to a chanting kind of thing. I think what you have to have is a fairly constant drone, a musical note that goes through a lot of the song. And it makes it a lot easier then to create a chant through that. But interesting question! I’ll certainly look at that sort of thing again.
Yvette (34) from Rüsselsheim, Germany:
I have recently gotten into the musical style of Gregorian Chant, both the historical renditions and today's pop music arrangements. I actually found a CD of a group that calls itself 'Faith & Harmony' that did a Gregorian style mix of the song 'Lady in Red'. I wasn't sure if that was in the strict confines of Gregorian music or not, but overall it was pretty good arrangement of the song. I was wondering what your thoughts about this genre of music were, if any. Have you ever listened to it, and if so, what were your impressions of it? Finally, which of your songs, if any, do you think might actually fit into this particular music style?
Chris de Burgh:
I wasn’t aware there’s a Gregorian style mix of the song “Lady In Red” by Faith & Harmony. But thank you for telling me, because I will look it up. Strange to say, I actually adore this kind of music. I love Gregorian chant. In my studio I have a number of CDs from Russia, from Greece, of orthodox singing and chanting. I have records from the 15th and 16th century of the similar kind of music. It seems to awaken echoes in me that I don’t really quite understand, but I certainly love that kind of music. Just coming back to some of my songs. Well, things like “Where Peaceful Waters Flow” is an immediate one where I would say that might work to a chanting kind of thing. I think what you have to have is a fairly constant drone, a musical note that goes through a lot of the song. And it makes it a lot easier then to create a chant through that. But interesting question! I’ll certainly look at that sort of thing again.
December 25, 2005
Chris de Burgh:
I would like to wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas, and a fruitful, healthy and fulfilling New Year. Thanks to all those thousands of you all over the world who attended my concerts during the year, all those who enjoy this site, and those who enjoy my TV shows, DVDs, and music - there is much more on the way in 2006, including the Storyman Project! I am so grateful for your enduring support, with love, Chris de Burgh.
Chris de Burgh:
I would like to wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas, and a fruitful, healthy and fulfilling New Year. Thanks to all those thousands of you all over the world who attended my concerts during the year, all those who enjoy this site, and those who enjoy my TV shows, DVDs, and music - there is much more on the way in 2006, including the Storyman Project! I am so grateful for your enduring support, with love, Chris de Burgh.
December 24, 2005
Martin Travers (36) from Farnborough, Hampshire, England:
Hi Chris. You've written many songs that either portray a father's love for his children or a man's love for a partner. It is my mother's 60th birthday this year and I was looking back through your recordings to find a song that I could play (or sing if brave enough!) for her on her special day as a way of showing my appreciation to her as her son, but it struck me that, as far as I can tell, you've never written a song with a 'son to mother' theme? Is this a conscious decision? Regards, Martin
Chris de Burgh:
I hope that in my answer to your question you haven’t missed your mother’s birthday, because I would recommend playing my song “Here Is Your Paradise”. Because that suggests the conjoining of people’s affection with each other, and a life together, and indeed a book of life in which obviously your mother’s book of life is full of you and your upbringing and obviously she is in your book of life. The fact that I haven’t written a son-to-a-mother-song, there’s nothing sinister in this. I am absolutely crazy about my Mum. I guess I have never got round to it. Some people have done it in the past, and those kinds of songs are often quite mawkish and sentimental. But perhaps I will come round to it. And you are quite right, I have written quite a few songs between sons and fathers, because quite often they are areas of conflict. Of course I don’t like conflicts, as nobody else does, but I like to try and understand and iron out the difficulties that do occur sometimes between fathers and sons.
Martin Travers (36) from Farnborough, Hampshire, England:
Hi Chris. You've written many songs that either portray a father's love for his children or a man's love for a partner. It is my mother's 60th birthday this year and I was looking back through your recordings to find a song that I could play (or sing if brave enough!) for her on her special day as a way of showing my appreciation to her as her son, but it struck me that, as far as I can tell, you've never written a song with a 'son to mother' theme? Is this a conscious decision? Regards, Martin
Chris de Burgh:
I hope that in my answer to your question you haven’t missed your mother’s birthday, because I would recommend playing my song “Here Is Your Paradise”. Because that suggests the conjoining of people’s affection with each other, and a life together, and indeed a book of life in which obviously your mother’s book of life is full of you and your upbringing and obviously she is in your book of life. The fact that I haven’t written a son-to-a-mother-song, there’s nothing sinister in this. I am absolutely crazy about my Mum. I guess I have never got round to it. Some people have done it in the past, and those kinds of songs are often quite mawkish and sentimental. But perhaps I will come round to it. And you are quite right, I have written quite a few songs between sons and fathers, because quite often they are areas of conflict. Of course I don’t like conflicts, as nobody else does, but I like to try and understand and iron out the difficulties that do occur sometimes between fathers and sons.
December 23, 2005
Matt (23) from Sheffield, UK:
Hey Chris. I play in a folk-rock band from Sheffield. One of my first proper memories is seeing you in concert at the Sheffield Arena. I went with my mum and dad when I was about 6 (I think) and my particular memory is of you playing the Revolution. I know this sounds strange, but this first experience of live, loud music was really the 'spark to a flame' for me, and lead me to form a band many years later. My band Dead Like Harry is doing really well, we have played to audiences up to 1000 people, and I put this down to this early memory. My question is, what is the earliest memory you have of wanting to be a singer/songwriter? What was your earliest musical inspiration? And finally, I love Snows of New York... please keep playing this live. Matt
Chris de Burgh:
Great question! It is wonderful to hear that your experience at the Sheffield arena, when you were about 6, inspired you, particularly the song “Revolution”. Because it is a very dramatic song, it’s exciting, it’s got some kind of story behind it, some depth. And it has plenty of energy. And that experience for you of live, loud music obviously brought you to the realization that it’s what you wanted to do, even if it’s just for fun and for a hobby and you started your band. Funnily enough I have heard of your band “Dead Like Harry” and I hope you carry on doing well. It is a very tough business, as I am sure you know. My earliest memory of wanting to be a singer/songwriter would have started in my parents’ hotel in the South of Ireland, the old castle. And I am sure fans of my music know full well how I started singing to the guests from all over the world, who unfortunate people had nowhere else to go at night, and so this young fellow of 14 or 15 would pull out his guitar and say “hey, I can sing you a few folk songs”. Of course this was a great way to learn. And it wasn’t really until I got to University that I realized in my naivety, that you could actually make a living at this. But even then it took me years to really understand fully the impact of music and the music business, because all the time I was just feeling grateful that I had a chance to try to do something I really loved doing.
Matt (23) from Sheffield, UK:
Hey Chris. I play in a folk-rock band from Sheffield. One of my first proper memories is seeing you in concert at the Sheffield Arena. I went with my mum and dad when I was about 6 (I think) and my particular memory is of you playing the Revolution. I know this sounds strange, but this first experience of live, loud music was really the 'spark to a flame' for me, and lead me to form a band many years later. My band Dead Like Harry is doing really well, we have played to audiences up to 1000 people, and I put this down to this early memory. My question is, what is the earliest memory you have of wanting to be a singer/songwriter? What was your earliest musical inspiration? And finally, I love Snows of New York... please keep playing this live. Matt
Chris de Burgh:
Great question! It is wonderful to hear that your experience at the Sheffield arena, when you were about 6, inspired you, particularly the song “Revolution”. Because it is a very dramatic song, it’s exciting, it’s got some kind of story behind it, some depth. And it has plenty of energy. And that experience for you of live, loud music obviously brought you to the realization that it’s what you wanted to do, even if it’s just for fun and for a hobby and you started your band. Funnily enough I have heard of your band “Dead Like Harry” and I hope you carry on doing well. It is a very tough business, as I am sure you know. My earliest memory of wanting to be a singer/songwriter would have started in my parents’ hotel in the South of Ireland, the old castle. And I am sure fans of my music know full well how I started singing to the guests from all over the world, who unfortunate people had nowhere else to go at night, and so this young fellow of 14 or 15 would pull out his guitar and say “hey, I can sing you a few folk songs”. Of course this was a great way to learn. And it wasn’t really until I got to University that I realized in my naivety, that you could actually make a living at this. But even then it took me years to really understand fully the impact of music and the music business, because all the time I was just feeling grateful that I had a chance to try to do something I really loved doing.
December 22, 2005
Gary Lacy (37) from Attica, Indiana, USA:
Hello Chris! This may sound over-philosophical, but what would you want to accomplish in this world the most? In other words, what do you want your legacy to be? I know it sounds very "deep", but I'm just wondering. I have enjoyed your music for about 25 years now. "Don't Pay the Ferryman" still brings chills up my spine! Thanks for the music, Gary Lacy
Chris de Burgh:
I think we all want to leave something behind us. Your question is not over-philosophical in the slightest. Something I think about a lot, I think in practical terms what you want to leave for your children, is hopefully a comfortable lifestyle. My personal legacy will be a number of things, I hope. Firstly a strong loving family, and a body of musical work which I believe, hopefully, some of it will survive down the years. And the house that I have been working on for so many years in County Wicklow is going to be a very strong legacy, because it’s a physical building. And my wife and I have brought a huge amount of energy, love, affection, of course money, but mainly interest and a keenness to understand that there will be future generations who will enjoy what we have done now. And if anything, that is a potent legacy, and one of which I am very proud. I suppose overall, in a more spiritual way, to leave a feeling of love and affection behind you is every man’s and every woman’s dream.
Gary Lacy (37) from Attica, Indiana, USA:
Hello Chris! This may sound over-philosophical, but what would you want to accomplish in this world the most? In other words, what do you want your legacy to be? I know it sounds very "deep", but I'm just wondering. I have enjoyed your music for about 25 years now. "Don't Pay the Ferryman" still brings chills up my spine! Thanks for the music, Gary Lacy
Chris de Burgh:
I think we all want to leave something behind us. Your question is not over-philosophical in the slightest. Something I think about a lot, I think in practical terms what you want to leave for your children, is hopefully a comfortable lifestyle. My personal legacy will be a number of things, I hope. Firstly a strong loving family, and a body of musical work which I believe, hopefully, some of it will survive down the years. And the house that I have been working on for so many years in County Wicklow is going to be a very strong legacy, because it’s a physical building. And my wife and I have brought a huge amount of energy, love, affection, of course money, but mainly interest and a keenness to understand that there will be future generations who will enjoy what we have done now. And if anything, that is a potent legacy, and one of which I am very proud. I suppose overall, in a more spiritual way, to leave a feeling of love and affection behind you is every man’s and every woman’s dream.
December 21, 2005
Chris Williams (53) from Basildon, Essex, UK:
Hiya Chris!! Although I go to the dentist regularly, I still 'hate it', and get very very nervous especially when I have to have a 'filling' done :-( How do you feel about going to see your dentist? Hugs, Chris
Chris de Burgh:
Chris, you are a qualified nurse and a very good one, I believe. You should know better than to get nervous going to the dentist, somebody in your profession! But I don’t blame you, to be honest, because sometimes some dentists can be fairly rough. I have a dentist here in Ireland who is wonderful, because he correctly claims that he operates with no pain. And although I only go on an occasion to him, I find that he is absolutely right. He has a very soothing atmosphere in his dental surgery with beautiful classical music playing, and the whole experience is not exactly wonderful, but I certainly never feel stressed out or scared when I go there. It’s quite on the contrary.
Chris Williams (53) from Basildon, Essex, UK:
Hiya Chris!! Although I go to the dentist regularly, I still 'hate it', and get very very nervous especially when I have to have a 'filling' done :-( How do you feel about going to see your dentist? Hugs, Chris
Chris de Burgh:
Chris, you are a qualified nurse and a very good one, I believe. You should know better than to get nervous going to the dentist, somebody in your profession! But I don’t blame you, to be honest, because sometimes some dentists can be fairly rough. I have a dentist here in Ireland who is wonderful, because he correctly claims that he operates with no pain. And although I only go on an occasion to him, I find that he is absolutely right. He has a very soothing atmosphere in his dental surgery with beautiful classical music playing, and the whole experience is not exactly wonderful, but I certainly never feel stressed out or scared when I go there. It’s quite on the contrary.
December 20, 2005
Chris de Burgh:
From time to time I read things on my site which need explanation, clarification, or in this case, a full and energetic denial! Two things have recently emerged on the guestbook, and the Yahoo site which I would like to deal with. Firstly, re Turkey- at no time did I EVER make any remarks about not wanting to return to Turkey. I have always loved being there, meeting the people, singing for them, enjoying the sights and the culture, and I have every intention of returning. This appears to be another media fabrication. Trust the media? I would prefer to spend a night in a snake pit, surrounded by Pop Idol winners from the past singing to me non-stop, thanks! Secondly, another media “story” - apparently I am divorced, which is news to both me and my wife! As I repeatedly say, do NOT believe all that you read in the popular press... Enjoy the run up to Christmas everyone, and remember that this time of year is for big children (like me), and small. And also remember the elderly and lonely, and try to include them in your happiness. All the best, Chris
Chris de Burgh:
From time to time I read things on my site which need explanation, clarification, or in this case, a full and energetic denial! Two things have recently emerged on the guestbook, and the Yahoo site which I would like to deal with. Firstly, re Turkey- at no time did I EVER make any remarks about not wanting to return to Turkey. I have always loved being there, meeting the people, singing for them, enjoying the sights and the culture, and I have every intention of returning. This appears to be another media fabrication. Trust the media? I would prefer to spend a night in a snake pit, surrounded by Pop Idol winners from the past singing to me non-stop, thanks! Secondly, another media “story” - apparently I am divorced, which is news to both me and my wife! As I repeatedly say, do NOT believe all that you read in the popular press... Enjoy the run up to Christmas everyone, and remember that this time of year is for big children (like me), and small. And also remember the elderly and lonely, and try to include them in your happiness. All the best, Chris
December 19, 2005
Beckie (22) from Rideau Ferry, Ontario, Canada:
Hi Chris, When I was growing up my parents always had your music playing, and one song in particular "Don't pay the ferryman". This song tells a familiar story to my family because it is the same story about our little village of Rideau Ferry in Ontario Canada. There was rumour that you visited Rideau Ferry and heard the story of our ferryman Oliver. Is this true? What inspired you to write the song?
Chris de Burgh:
The quick answer to this is no, I have never, as I recall, been to the Rideau Ferry in Ontario, although I spent a lot of time in Ontario down the years, and I like the province very much. I don’t know the story of your ferryman Oliver. In fact, the background to the ferryman song was, I was writing songs for the album “The Getaway” in 1982, and I have been on a trip to London to talk to my producer Rupert Hine. And we have gone through all the songs, and what was really missing was a really good strong fast opening song. And I had this word in the back of my head called “The Ladderman”, who was a man who used to sit in gambling clubs in the Wild West, allegedly with a shotgun, sitting high on a ladder to make sure that nobody cheated. And he watched the games of cards going on. And I thought this was interesting. I liked the word, but the song that I started writing “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”, it suddenly switched to the ferryman, and I started thinking about the river Styx and the souls of the dead, where you put a coin on the eyes to ask the boatman Charon to take the souls of the dead across the river. I think, if memory serves me right, to either Hades or Heaven. I think maybe the souls of the dead would go to the purgatory place, where decisions would be made about their eternal future. But no, this had nothing to do with the Rideau ferry, but my inspirations were based on mythology, imagination and energy.
Beckie (22) from Rideau Ferry, Ontario, Canada:
Hi Chris, When I was growing up my parents always had your music playing, and one song in particular "Don't pay the ferryman". This song tells a familiar story to my family because it is the same story about our little village of Rideau Ferry in Ontario Canada. There was rumour that you visited Rideau Ferry and heard the story of our ferryman Oliver. Is this true? What inspired you to write the song?
Chris de Burgh:
The quick answer to this is no, I have never, as I recall, been to the Rideau Ferry in Ontario, although I spent a lot of time in Ontario down the years, and I like the province very much. I don’t know the story of your ferryman Oliver. In fact, the background to the ferryman song was, I was writing songs for the album “The Getaway” in 1982, and I have been on a trip to London to talk to my producer Rupert Hine. And we have gone through all the songs, and what was really missing was a really good strong fast opening song. And I had this word in the back of my head called “The Ladderman”, who was a man who used to sit in gambling clubs in the Wild West, allegedly with a shotgun, sitting high on a ladder to make sure that nobody cheated. And he watched the games of cards going on. And I thought this was interesting. I liked the word, but the song that I started writing “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”, it suddenly switched to the ferryman, and I started thinking about the river Styx and the souls of the dead, where you put a coin on the eyes to ask the boatman Charon to take the souls of the dead across the river. I think, if memory serves me right, to either Hades or Heaven. I think maybe the souls of the dead would go to the purgatory place, where decisions would be made about their eternal future. But no, this had nothing to do with the Rideau ferry, but my inspirations were based on mythology, imagination and energy.
December 18, 2005
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Dear Chris, I very much enjoyed watching the T.V. programme 'My Favourite Hymns' here in the U.K. You chose ‘The Words - I Love You' as a hymn and it was sung by a choir which gave it a very different sound from the version on TRTF album. I would like to know if you re-arranged the song to be sung by the choir yourself or worked with someone else. It's not the sort of sound your fans are familiar with on any of your albums! Perhaps you might consider writing some hymns yourself? I would love to hear a reply on this. Many thanks. Bye, Chris R xx
Chris de Burgh :
Hi Chris! The TV program “My Favourite Hymns” – yes, I chose “The Words ‘I Love You’”, and the choir gave it a different slant. I think that was because they were singing it in a cathedral, and they had to come up with a new arrangement, because, as I recall, I think it was done a cappella. I don’t think there were any instruments. If there were, it would have been just a church organ. I didn’t have anything to do with that, but I gave some suggestions as how they should do it, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out. In fact you may be interested to know that on January 1st 2006, there’s a 40 minute program about me on BBC 1, called “Songs Of Praise”. And this is very much about the songs I have written in the past, which do have a spiritual slant, and also my own personal beliefs. And I will be singing with various choirs in both England and Ireland.
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Dear Chris, I very much enjoyed watching the T.V. programme 'My Favourite Hymns' here in the U.K. You chose ‘The Words - I Love You' as a hymn and it was sung by a choir which gave it a very different sound from the version on TRTF album. I would like to know if you re-arranged the song to be sung by the choir yourself or worked with someone else. It's not the sort of sound your fans are familiar with on any of your albums! Perhaps you might consider writing some hymns yourself? I would love to hear a reply on this. Many thanks. Bye, Chris R xx
Chris de Burgh :
Hi Chris! The TV program “My Favourite Hymns” – yes, I chose “The Words ‘I Love You’”, and the choir gave it a different slant. I think that was because they were singing it in a cathedral, and they had to come up with a new arrangement, because, as I recall, I think it was done a cappella. I don’t think there were any instruments. If there were, it would have been just a church organ. I didn’t have anything to do with that, but I gave some suggestions as how they should do it, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out. In fact you may be interested to know that on January 1st 2006, there’s a 40 minute program about me on BBC 1, called “Songs Of Praise”. And this is very much about the songs I have written in the past, which do have a spiritual slant, and also my own personal beliefs. And I will be singing with various choirs in both England and Ireland.
December 17, 2005
Vicki (32) from Leeds, England:
Hi Chris, my husband and I saw you in Harrogate on the Road to Freedom tour. He was very happy as you came up to where we were sat (my husband is in a wheelchair) and you shook his hand - THANK YOU for that. My question to you is: I recently saw you on a TV series on BBC 1 and I was wondering if you were thinking of moving into the acting world? If so, what role(s) would you consider? My husband and I love your music and we have recently had some difficult times and your music was truly inspiring and helped us get through. Can't wait for the next album!!! Xx
Chris de Burgh:
I remember that show in Harrogate. I really enjoyed it a lot. And it’s such a beautiful town. I was told that this is where the rich folk from Leeds used to come in the last century to spend their summers or indeed move into beautiful homes. And I was very impressed by the town of Harrogate and indeed enjoyed a very nice late morning brunch in a suite restaurant overlooking the town green area. And I admired the architecture of the general vicinity. As far as acting is concerned, I do believe acting is much more difficult than it appears. And I think the best actors just make it look easy. As far as I am concerned, there have been a number of people in my profession who have moved sideways into acting with, in my opinion, mixed success. And although I have co written a film, I may indeed have a small cameo role in it, I don’t particularly think that unless I had some very good training, I don’t think I would ever become a particularly good actor. Although I am very comfortable in front of television cameras and cameras in general and on stage. I think acting is a very skilful profession.
Vicki (32) from Leeds, England:
Hi Chris, my husband and I saw you in Harrogate on the Road to Freedom tour. He was very happy as you came up to where we were sat (my husband is in a wheelchair) and you shook his hand - THANK YOU for that. My question to you is: I recently saw you on a TV series on BBC 1 and I was wondering if you were thinking of moving into the acting world? If so, what role(s) would you consider? My husband and I love your music and we have recently had some difficult times and your music was truly inspiring and helped us get through. Can't wait for the next album!!! Xx
Chris de Burgh:
I remember that show in Harrogate. I really enjoyed it a lot. And it’s such a beautiful town. I was told that this is where the rich folk from Leeds used to come in the last century to spend their summers or indeed move into beautiful homes. And I was very impressed by the town of Harrogate and indeed enjoyed a very nice late morning brunch in a suite restaurant overlooking the town green area. And I admired the architecture of the general vicinity. As far as acting is concerned, I do believe acting is much more difficult than it appears. And I think the best actors just make it look easy. As far as I am concerned, there have been a number of people in my profession who have moved sideways into acting with, in my opinion, mixed success. And although I have co written a film, I may indeed have a small cameo role in it, I don’t particularly think that unless I had some very good training, I don’t think I would ever become a particularly good actor. Although I am very comfortable in front of television cameras and cameras in general and on stage. I think acting is a very skilful profession.
December 16, 2005
Danielle Bilodeau (13) from Québec, Canada:
Hi! First of all I'd like to thank you so much for your music. It's the most wonderful thing I've ever heard. You are without a doubt the best singer/songwriter I have ever heard. I have a few of your CDs and I really like your song, "A night on the river", I don't know if it was meant to, but I think it's kinda funny. Where did you get the idea for it? Thanks again. Best wishes from a huge fan.
Chris de Burgh:
Hi Danielle! I am delighted that a young lady like yourself enjoys my music. And that you also like my songs. And I presume by the time you read this, you will have known that I have performed on Star Académie in Montréal, which went all over the province of Québec. And I also will have played a few concerts in the province of Québec as well. “A Night On The River” started as just a fun idea. Sometimes words come out which have absolutely no meaning. You have got to try and figure out what it is. It’s like a clue to a puzzle. And I got this line “naked and frozen at the side of a lake”, and immediately I started thinking about some guy having had a row with his girlfriend, and she’s got the car. And she is taking off with his clothes. And it reminded me somewhat of an instant that happened when I was way younger. A group of us went down to a beach, where I lived in Wexford in Ireland for a midnight swim. And there was a fellow with a Range Rover on the beach, because the tide was full out. And it was a beautiful moonlit night. We all took our clothes off. I think some of us retained our modesty and kept on underwear or whatever. And we put all the clothes on the top of the Range Rover, and ran in for a swim. And the fellow who was driving the Range Rover completely forgot about this and drove off with all the clothes on the top. So all the way down the beach, all these clothes were distributed and we had to grab them before the tide came in. A very funny incident!
Danielle Bilodeau (13) from Québec, Canada:
Hi! First of all I'd like to thank you so much for your music. It's the most wonderful thing I've ever heard. You are without a doubt the best singer/songwriter I have ever heard. I have a few of your CDs and I really like your song, "A night on the river", I don't know if it was meant to, but I think it's kinda funny. Where did you get the idea for it? Thanks again. Best wishes from a huge fan.
Chris de Burgh:
Hi Danielle! I am delighted that a young lady like yourself enjoys my music. And that you also like my songs. And I presume by the time you read this, you will have known that I have performed on Star Académie in Montréal, which went all over the province of Québec. And I also will have played a few concerts in the province of Québec as well. “A Night On The River” started as just a fun idea. Sometimes words come out which have absolutely no meaning. You have got to try and figure out what it is. It’s like a clue to a puzzle. And I got this line “naked and frozen at the side of a lake”, and immediately I started thinking about some guy having had a row with his girlfriend, and she’s got the car. And she is taking off with his clothes. And it reminded me somewhat of an instant that happened when I was way younger. A group of us went down to a beach, where I lived in Wexford in Ireland for a midnight swim. And there was a fellow with a Range Rover on the beach, because the tide was full out. And it was a beautiful moonlit night. We all took our clothes off. I think some of us retained our modesty and kept on underwear or whatever. And we put all the clothes on the top of the Range Rover, and ran in for a swim. And the fellow who was driving the Range Rover completely forgot about this and drove off with all the clothes on the top. So all the way down the beach, all these clothes were distributed and we had to grab them before the tide came in. A very funny incident!
December 15, 2005
Feyzullah Yilmaz (22) from Istanbul, Turkey:
I heard that Chris De Burgh has decided not to visit Turkey ever again because one of his singles "The Traveller" was published in Turkey as "Original Aksu Music" in the early 1990's. Is this true? Why he never visits Turkey again? And secondly, I saw a Turkish fellow's name in some of your albums. His name is Osman Eralp. Was he a friend of yours? How did you meet him? Was he playing a role to persuade you to give concerts in Turkey? Thank you...
Chris de Burgh:
Feyzullah, all I can say to you is that you should never believe what you read in the papers. This story about “The Traveller” being published is complete nonsense. I have never heard of this story. And this is not the reason and it would never be a reason why I would not visit a country again. In fact I have actively got plans to try and visit Turkey in 2006 to do some concerts. Not sure it’ll happen, but I very much hope it will happen. And of course those of you who know that I am a keen supporter of football will know that I went with my family to see Liverpool beat AC Milan in Istanbul for the Champions League final earlier this year. Quite an amazing experience, not only because of the result in the football, but also to be back in this wonderful wonderful country full of beautiful things and beautiful buildings and very kind people. We all loved our experience there. And in fact yes, Osman Eralp is a friend. He has been involved in the past in bringing me to Turkey. And hopefully we will be able to get there again.
Feyzullah Yilmaz (22) from Istanbul, Turkey:
I heard that Chris De Burgh has decided not to visit Turkey ever again because one of his singles "The Traveller" was published in Turkey as "Original Aksu Music" in the early 1990's. Is this true? Why he never visits Turkey again? And secondly, I saw a Turkish fellow's name in some of your albums. His name is Osman Eralp. Was he a friend of yours? How did you meet him? Was he playing a role to persuade you to give concerts in Turkey? Thank you...
Chris de Burgh:
Feyzullah, all I can say to you is that you should never believe what you read in the papers. This story about “The Traveller” being published is complete nonsense. I have never heard of this story. And this is not the reason and it would never be a reason why I would not visit a country again. In fact I have actively got plans to try and visit Turkey in 2006 to do some concerts. Not sure it’ll happen, but I very much hope it will happen. And of course those of you who know that I am a keen supporter of football will know that I went with my family to see Liverpool beat AC Milan in Istanbul for the Champions League final earlier this year. Quite an amazing experience, not only because of the result in the football, but also to be back in this wonderful wonderful country full of beautiful things and beautiful buildings and very kind people. We all loved our experience there. And in fact yes, Osman Eralp is a friend. He has been involved in the past in bringing me to Turkey. And hopefully we will be able to get there again.
December 14, 2005
Andrea Lucas (40) from Ludwigsburg, Germany:
Hi Chris, last weekend was the premiere of the musical "Elisabeth" here in Stuttgart. I hope you enjoyed it, though the weather was very cold and uncomfortable with snowfall. Rosanna must have been frozen in her dress without a coat. Our local newspapers wrote that you are planning an own musical with the company that presents "Elisabeth". Can you already tell us more about those plans? Take care and see you in July, Andrea
Chris de Burgh:
This is from Andrea Lucas, a great supporter. And by the way, Andrea, thank you very much for the wonderful photographs and memories of my tour in July. I went to see the musical “Elisabeth” in Stuttgart, which I thought was quite outstanding. Although, as you know, I don’t speak a lot of German, I can recommend this musical to anybody who has a chance to see it. And I believe 7 million people so far have seen it. It’s a fantastic experience, beautifully staged and highly impressive. And at the moment we are hoping to work with the same company that mounted that particular event. But at the moment, as I say, nothing has been finalized. We are still waiting.
Andrea Lucas (40) from Ludwigsburg, Germany:
Hi Chris, last weekend was the premiere of the musical "Elisabeth" here in Stuttgart. I hope you enjoyed it, though the weather was very cold and uncomfortable with snowfall. Rosanna must have been frozen in her dress without a coat. Our local newspapers wrote that you are planning an own musical with the company that presents "Elisabeth". Can you already tell us more about those plans? Take care and see you in July, Andrea
Chris de Burgh:
This is from Andrea Lucas, a great supporter. And by the way, Andrea, thank you very much for the wonderful photographs and memories of my tour in July. I went to see the musical “Elisabeth” in Stuttgart, which I thought was quite outstanding. Although, as you know, I don’t speak a lot of German, I can recommend this musical to anybody who has a chance to see it. And I believe 7 million people so far have seen it. It’s a fantastic experience, beautifully staged and highly impressive. And at the moment we are hoping to work with the same company that mounted that particular event. But at the moment, as I say, nothing has been finalized. We are still waiting.
December 13, 2005
Elin Aasen (31) from Feiring, Norway:
Hi Chris. I hope you will come back to Norway soon! We miss you! My question to you is: what do you think happens when we die?
Chris de Burgh:
As people from Norway know, I have such a warm place in my heart for Norway. For how they lifted me, I suppose, when I was in the gloomy times, towards the end of the 70s, wondering what would happen. I had done Spanish Train, then I had done At The End Of A Perfect Day. Eastern Wind came out and suddenly, boom, it became a huge hit in Norway. And I spent many happy tours in Norway. And I do intend to come back. I think I was back within the last 18 months to do some promotion on television. I am very fond of the Norwegian people and I look forward again to returning to do some concerts. After all I had been all way up the coast as far as Trondheim and Bergen, Alesund and of course Oslo. And Stavanger! And I remember those places very well. What happens when we die? Well, you know what, this is the big question. I think it is the basis of all religions. And I suppose what’s happening here in Ireland, with enormous publicity now given to clerical at sexual abuse of children by members of the Catholic church. It’s so disgusting, so revolting that men, priests in positions of power and authority have been sexually abusing these children. And these children are not believed when they go home. Some of them covered in blood, having been attacked and raped by these priests. It’s got me even more thoughtful about the basis of religion. Religion, in my opinion, is there to offer the faithful and the believers some kind of hope, not just for the past but for the future. A religion with the people in power who do not abuse their position, I am not aware that such a religion exists. But it might do, I am not an authority on world religions. The one I belong to, the Church of Ireland, is a much gentler form of religion. And I do believe the people involved with the hierarchy are probably more aware of their obligations than other churches are. I am aware that I am getting into deep water here. But I have always said that anybody should be allowed the freedom to worship what they want, who they want and in any particular way they want, as long as they do not get in the way of other people’s beliefs or aggressively attack other people’s beliefs. There should be clear lines: This is what I believe, this is what you believe, and I am not going to attack you for your beliefs. So it all comes back to what happens after death. Quite simply: Apart from I have a strong belief that something does happen, but, Elin, the evidence is pretty thin on the ground. And that’s why I believe the basis of most, if not all world religions is this question “what happens to us after death?” Because we all want something to happen and we don’t want to suddenly disappear off the face of the globe. There are people who clearly do believe there is a complete blank and that’s it. You’re gone forever. Other people believe that there is an afterlife. Personally I’m not sure. But if I have talked a lot about world religions I must apologize to anybody who may be offended. But nevertheless, as far as I know, no one on the planet is any more divine than anybody else. So we should bear this in mind, when approaching and respecting other people’s religious beliefs.
Elin Aasen (31) from Feiring, Norway:
Hi Chris. I hope you will come back to Norway soon! We miss you! My question to you is: what do you think happens when we die?
Chris de Burgh:
As people from Norway know, I have such a warm place in my heart for Norway. For how they lifted me, I suppose, when I was in the gloomy times, towards the end of the 70s, wondering what would happen. I had done Spanish Train, then I had done At The End Of A Perfect Day. Eastern Wind came out and suddenly, boom, it became a huge hit in Norway. And I spent many happy tours in Norway. And I do intend to come back. I think I was back within the last 18 months to do some promotion on television. I am very fond of the Norwegian people and I look forward again to returning to do some concerts. After all I had been all way up the coast as far as Trondheim and Bergen, Alesund and of course Oslo. And Stavanger! And I remember those places very well. What happens when we die? Well, you know what, this is the big question. I think it is the basis of all religions. And I suppose what’s happening here in Ireland, with enormous publicity now given to clerical at sexual abuse of children by members of the Catholic church. It’s so disgusting, so revolting that men, priests in positions of power and authority have been sexually abusing these children. And these children are not believed when they go home. Some of them covered in blood, having been attacked and raped by these priests. It’s got me even more thoughtful about the basis of religion. Religion, in my opinion, is there to offer the faithful and the believers some kind of hope, not just for the past but for the future. A religion with the people in power who do not abuse their position, I am not aware that such a religion exists. But it might do, I am not an authority on world religions. The one I belong to, the Church of Ireland, is a much gentler form of religion. And I do believe the people involved with the hierarchy are probably more aware of their obligations than other churches are. I am aware that I am getting into deep water here. But I have always said that anybody should be allowed the freedom to worship what they want, who they want and in any particular way they want, as long as they do not get in the way of other people’s beliefs or aggressively attack other people’s beliefs. There should be clear lines: This is what I believe, this is what you believe, and I am not going to attack you for your beliefs. So it all comes back to what happens after death. Quite simply: Apart from I have a strong belief that something does happen, but, Elin, the evidence is pretty thin on the ground. And that’s why I believe the basis of most, if not all world religions is this question “what happens to us after death?” Because we all want something to happen and we don’t want to suddenly disappear off the face of the globe. There are people who clearly do believe there is a complete blank and that’s it. You’re gone forever. Other people believe that there is an afterlife. Personally I’m not sure. But if I have talked a lot about world religions I must apologize to anybody who may be offended. But nevertheless, as far as I know, no one on the planet is any more divine than anybody else. So we should bear this in mind, when approaching and respecting other people’s religious beliefs.
December 12, 2005
Sam (20) from France:
Hello! You did a live on belgium tv on 25/02/2004 called "de laatste show". I'd like to know your impressions about that live and have you kept a special memory of the work of the "home musicians" on your song... Thanks a lot!
Chris de Burgh:
I remember it well, and I was very impressed by the musicians who worked on that song. And I was also impressed by how popular that show was. I believe it was, I think, maybe 4 or 5 nights a week. A wide ranging discussion show of current topics, political topics, interposed with music. I enjoyed it very much.
Sam (20) from France:
Hello! You did a live on belgium tv on 25/02/2004 called "de laatste show". I'd like to know your impressions about that live and have you kept a special memory of the work of the "home musicians" on your song... Thanks a lot!
Chris de Burgh:
I remember it well, and I was very impressed by the musicians who worked on that song. And I was also impressed by how popular that show was. I believe it was, I think, maybe 4 or 5 nights a week. A wide ranging discussion show of current topics, political topics, interposed with music. I enjoyed it very much.
December 11, 2005
Mylene Reiners (42) from Nederweert, The Netherlands:
Dear Chris, On the mailing-list (cdeb@yahoogroups.com) there was a discussion about your old(er) songs. Some of the listmembers agreed "Brazil", especially the chorus, was the only(!) song you ever wrote they didn't like. How do you feel about that song? Is there a song you wrote (and put on an album) you don't like anymore? Love, Mylene
Chris de Burgh:
Well, Brazil was supposed to be a bit of fun. The more important side of it is that the first major hit, the first hit indeed I ever had, was “Turning Round”, renamed “Flying”, in 1975 or 1976, a long time ago when it was released in Brazil, and it became number one and stayed at number one for something like 18 weeks. Of course this was absolutely thrilling for me to have a first major hit record. And I went to Brazil, treated like a superstar and I returned home to a blizzard of apathy, where nobody knew who I was. So it meant a lot to me. And I loved the sound of music that I heard over there. I brought back a lot of records, so I thought in honour of Brazil and to say thank you to the people there for having started me on my journey in the music business, that I would write a song. Which is just a fun song, you can’t take it too seriously. I have done things like this since, like for example “What You Mean To Me” on “The Road To Freedom” album. Perhaps some people think of me as a too serious songwriter. This is the fun side of myself and my writing. You only have to look at “Patricia The Stripper” to realize that within this possibly slightly serious exterior, which I am not indeed at all serious, but I am perceived as being serious, it does lurk an anarchist and a fun maker and a fun lover. About the final line of your question, any song that I don’t like anymore, well I wouldn’t say “don’t like anymore”, but some of them I don’t react as strongly as I did before. And I am aware that on an album of 10 or 12 songs, you can’t have everyone a cracker, you can’t have everyone amazing. Because you do need balance! Quite often you create a sandwich effect by putting a light song between two very powerful ones to create a dynamic flow and a balance. It’s very hard to make each song you write a classic. I am not suggesting for a minute that I put fillers into my records, but there are lesser songs and there are greater songs. And I am comfortable with just about everything that I have written and recorded.
Mylene Reiners (42) from Nederweert, The Netherlands:
Dear Chris, On the mailing-list (cdeb@yahoogroups.com) there was a discussion about your old(er) songs. Some of the listmembers agreed "Brazil", especially the chorus, was the only(!) song you ever wrote they didn't like. How do you feel about that song? Is there a song you wrote (and put on an album) you don't like anymore? Love, Mylene
Chris de Burgh:
Well, Brazil was supposed to be a bit of fun. The more important side of it is that the first major hit, the first hit indeed I ever had, was “Turning Round”, renamed “Flying”, in 1975 or 1976, a long time ago when it was released in Brazil, and it became number one and stayed at number one for something like 18 weeks. Of course this was absolutely thrilling for me to have a first major hit record. And I went to Brazil, treated like a superstar and I returned home to a blizzard of apathy, where nobody knew who I was. So it meant a lot to me. And I loved the sound of music that I heard over there. I brought back a lot of records, so I thought in honour of Brazil and to say thank you to the people there for having started me on my journey in the music business, that I would write a song. Which is just a fun song, you can’t take it too seriously. I have done things like this since, like for example “What You Mean To Me” on “The Road To Freedom” album. Perhaps some people think of me as a too serious songwriter. This is the fun side of myself and my writing. You only have to look at “Patricia The Stripper” to realize that within this possibly slightly serious exterior, which I am not indeed at all serious, but I am perceived as being serious, it does lurk an anarchist and a fun maker and a fun lover. About the final line of your question, any song that I don’t like anymore, well I wouldn’t say “don’t like anymore”, but some of them I don’t react as strongly as I did before. And I am aware that on an album of 10 or 12 songs, you can’t have everyone a cracker, you can’t have everyone amazing. Because you do need balance! Quite often you create a sandwich effect by putting a light song between two very powerful ones to create a dynamic flow and a balance. It’s very hard to make each song you write a classic. I am not suggesting for a minute that I put fillers into my records, but there are lesser songs and there are greater songs. And I am comfortable with just about everything that I have written and recorded.
December 10, 2005
Kennedy Uvie (26) from Nigeria:
Have you ever imagined yourself as a complete stranger to YOURSELF, hearing and listening to the song "Lady in Red" for the very first time? How did you feel?
Chris de Burgh:
What a very interesting question! It’s very hard to do that, and I am sure all of us have wanted to do that once in a while in certain situations that perhaps you are revisiting again maybe places, then you try to see yourself through other people’s eyes, to see a situation through other people’s eyes. And indeed your reference to “The Lady In Red”, every time I hear it, I attempt to kind of pretend I am hearing it for the first time. Not particularly successfully, I have to say, because when I listen to “The Lady In Red”, I deconstruct it in my head, and I think about, particularly when I was recording it, the situation in the studio, the time of day, what I was thinking, whether I had two headphones on, whether I had one slightly off my ears when I was singing. All those little things come back. But quite often, if I am in a disco or something or I hear “The Lady In Red” surprisingly on the radio and I didn’t actually put it on in my own stereo, and I hear it, I am immediately sucked into it. As I have to say, I am sucked into most of the other things that I have written. I have strong feelings about “The Lady In Red”. It’s a great calling card around the world, but it’s by no means in my opinion the best thing that I have ever written. It just worked, and it worked extremely well. And I am very proud of it, but nevertheless I think there are other things that I have done. And hopefully in the future that I will do that are every bit as good and as successful and perhaps greater pieces of music than that. When I listen to “The Lady In Red” as we had finished recording it and mixing it - mixing is like cooking, you sample the ingredients in the recording studio, and then you mix it to the final version that you put on your record - I remember turning to Paul Hardiman, my producer, and saying “Paul, this is going to be a no. 1 somewhere, even if it is Bolivia.” Which is no disrespect to Bolivia, but you wouldn’t put Bolivia at the top of the kind of places you’d expect to have a song like this as number one. And indeed, I think it WAS number one in Bolivia, come to that! I thought at the time, it was like – and I hope you can understand this suggestion – imagine that you are naked and then put on a fur coat! And that’s the way I felt the first time I really listened to “The Lady In Red”. It felt so sensual and so warm and smooth and even erotic, that I kind of felt there was something very special about this song.
Kennedy Uvie (26) from Nigeria:
Have you ever imagined yourself as a complete stranger to YOURSELF, hearing and listening to the song "Lady in Red" for the very first time? How did you feel?
Chris de Burgh:
What a very interesting question! It’s very hard to do that, and I am sure all of us have wanted to do that once in a while in certain situations that perhaps you are revisiting again maybe places, then you try to see yourself through other people’s eyes, to see a situation through other people’s eyes. And indeed your reference to “The Lady In Red”, every time I hear it, I attempt to kind of pretend I am hearing it for the first time. Not particularly successfully, I have to say, because when I listen to “The Lady In Red”, I deconstruct it in my head, and I think about, particularly when I was recording it, the situation in the studio, the time of day, what I was thinking, whether I had two headphones on, whether I had one slightly off my ears when I was singing. All those little things come back. But quite often, if I am in a disco or something or I hear “The Lady In Red” surprisingly on the radio and I didn’t actually put it on in my own stereo, and I hear it, I am immediately sucked into it. As I have to say, I am sucked into most of the other things that I have written. I have strong feelings about “The Lady In Red”. It’s a great calling card around the world, but it’s by no means in my opinion the best thing that I have ever written. It just worked, and it worked extremely well. And I am very proud of it, but nevertheless I think there are other things that I have done. And hopefully in the future that I will do that are every bit as good and as successful and perhaps greater pieces of music than that. When I listen to “The Lady In Red” as we had finished recording it and mixing it - mixing is like cooking, you sample the ingredients in the recording studio, and then you mix it to the final version that you put on your record - I remember turning to Paul Hardiman, my producer, and saying “Paul, this is going to be a no. 1 somewhere, even if it is Bolivia.” Which is no disrespect to Bolivia, but you wouldn’t put Bolivia at the top of the kind of places you’d expect to have a song like this as number one. And indeed, I think it WAS number one in Bolivia, come to that! I thought at the time, it was like – and I hope you can understand this suggestion – imagine that you are naked and then put on a fur coat! And that’s the way I felt the first time I really listened to “The Lady In Red”. It felt so sensual and so warm and smooth and even erotic, that I kind of felt there was something very special about this song.
December 9, 2005
Angelika Sommer (25) from Frankfurt, Germany:
Hello Chris, this summer we will spend our holidays in Ireland! Since 3 years we are trying to visit this beautiful country. Do you have any favourite places which you can recommend? We are planning to drive round from east to west. Thank you for your answer. And good luck for your film/sound track. Regards Angelika Sommer
Chris de Burgh:
I presume you have already been to Ireland to spend your holidays. Hope you enjoyed yourself, and indeed the summer should have been pretty fantastic, because we had a great summer this year and I hope you enjoyed yourself. Well, I am not exactly working for the Irish tourist board here, but I would recommend for spectacular scenery the West of Ireland: Donegal, Connemara, Killarney. And those of you who came to see my show in the summer in Killarney will hopefully have had the opportunity to drive around the lakes of Killarney and see this extraordinarily beautiful part of the world. It’s strange to me because, although I have been there many times and in many different weathers, it doesn’t seem to matter what the weather is, as long as you can see beyond the fog. But there is a sense of history, a sense of spirituality, a great sense of melancholy as well as enormous beauty in the West of Ireland. That said, West Cork is gorgeous and the South Coast, the South East where I was brought up: Wexford, Waterford I can recommend. I don’t know too much about the Midlands area of Ireland. I am a lover of the sea and being close to the sea. But I know there are beautiful spots in the midlands, and I live along the East coast in an area called Wicklow. And as I am talking to you now, I am looking across on a beautiful autumn day. The leaves are turning and I am looking across at the mountains, because where my house is situated, the views are absolutely stunning.
Angelika Sommer (25) from Frankfurt, Germany:
Hello Chris, this summer we will spend our holidays in Ireland! Since 3 years we are trying to visit this beautiful country. Do you have any favourite places which you can recommend? We are planning to drive round from east to west. Thank you for your answer. And good luck for your film/sound track. Regards Angelika Sommer
Chris de Burgh:
I presume you have already been to Ireland to spend your holidays. Hope you enjoyed yourself, and indeed the summer should have been pretty fantastic, because we had a great summer this year and I hope you enjoyed yourself. Well, I am not exactly working for the Irish tourist board here, but I would recommend for spectacular scenery the West of Ireland: Donegal, Connemara, Killarney. And those of you who came to see my show in the summer in Killarney will hopefully have had the opportunity to drive around the lakes of Killarney and see this extraordinarily beautiful part of the world. It’s strange to me because, although I have been there many times and in many different weathers, it doesn’t seem to matter what the weather is, as long as you can see beyond the fog. But there is a sense of history, a sense of spirituality, a great sense of melancholy as well as enormous beauty in the West of Ireland. That said, West Cork is gorgeous and the South Coast, the South East where I was brought up: Wexford, Waterford I can recommend. I don’t know too much about the Midlands area of Ireland. I am a lover of the sea and being close to the sea. But I know there are beautiful spots in the midlands, and I live along the East coast in an area called Wicklow. And as I am talking to you now, I am looking across on a beautiful autumn day. The leaves are turning and I am looking across at the mountains, because where my house is situated, the views are absolutely stunning.
December 8, 2005
Steve Wain (38) from East Yorkshire, England:
Hi Chris, having written and recorded some wonderful songs over the years have you ever thought about re recording some of your earlier work and give those wonderful lyrics a well deserved airing?
Chris de Burgh:
Thank you for your kind remarks about the songs I have written down the years. And the answer is yes, I have often thought about re-recording some of my earlier work. And looking again at the lyrics, in particular the story songs. As you may be aware, I have a new project upcoming, including a concert tour in November 2006 called “The Storyman”. And “The Storyman” is going to revisit some of those early stories like “The Tower”, “Spanish Train”. Maybe slightly more obscure ones like “Just Another Poor Boy”. And hopefully reviving them and giving them a new life, because it comes back to that old thing that if you write a story and it’s a good story you can tell it anytime, any year to anybody. And I’ve always believed that with my own songwriting. And if you look at a lot of songs that are current or indeed in the last 20 years, the memorable ones are good strong melodies usually with a good strong idea behind them. But very few of them are stories. And that’s why I believe that to concentrate on the things that I write, the stories, hopefully will give my songs a much longer life.
Steve Wain (38) from East Yorkshire, England:
Hi Chris, having written and recorded some wonderful songs over the years have you ever thought about re recording some of your earlier work and give those wonderful lyrics a well deserved airing?
Chris de Burgh:
Thank you for your kind remarks about the songs I have written down the years. And the answer is yes, I have often thought about re-recording some of my earlier work. And looking again at the lyrics, in particular the story songs. As you may be aware, I have a new project upcoming, including a concert tour in November 2006 called “The Storyman”. And “The Storyman” is going to revisit some of those early stories like “The Tower”, “Spanish Train”. Maybe slightly more obscure ones like “Just Another Poor Boy”. And hopefully reviving them and giving them a new life, because it comes back to that old thing that if you write a story and it’s a good story you can tell it anytime, any year to anybody. And I’ve always believed that with my own songwriting. And if you look at a lot of songs that are current or indeed in the last 20 years, the memorable ones are good strong melodies usually with a good strong idea behind them. But very few of them are stories. And that’s why I believe that to concentrate on the things that I write, the stories, hopefully will give my songs a much longer life.
December 7, 2005
Harold Kosteck (37) from Temple, Texas, USA:
Borderline and the Light a Fire/Revolution/Liberty have always struck a chord with me. I was from a military community, and, served in the US Army for 8 years. I always felt these songs expressed the heart and soul of a soldier/patriot far better than nearly any other songs, and, after having been in the service, and, having been in combat, I now know it's true. My question: Were Revolution/Light A Fire/Liberty written about a specific action, or just meant as a more generalized idea? My friends and I agreed that it was about the American Revolution, but, we were kids, and, well.. Americans.
Chris de Burgh:
I have spoken about “Borderline” many times in the past. Yes, it is very strongly anti-war. And I couldn’t bear the sight of the celebrations at the end of a war, which should never have happened. At the Falklands war about which more is emerging on a daily basis, and how appalling it was. In fact recently I spoke to a Welsh man who was in Argentina a few months back. And he was talking to young, well they were young at the time, Welsh boys who came from Wales and moved to Argentina or were born in Argentina of Welsh parentage. And how the Welsh speakers in the Argentine army were conversing with the Welsh speakers in the United Kingdom army, fighting in the Falkland Islands, the Malvinas, which is just ludicrous. The whole thing was a set-up in my opinion of the generals in Argentina who thought that they could occupy this rock out crop for a couple of weeks just to make a point perhaps to help their re-election chances. And Margaret Thatcher over-reacted. Anyway, that’s part of history now. And that was my reaction to all that, which is “Borderline”. But “Revolution/Light A Fire/Liberty” is for me very strongly allied to the 1798 rebellion in Ireland, when the French were invited to assist the Irish in their rebellion against the English. And a French force landed in the West of Ireland, but the whole thing completely collapsed and fell apart. There’s a very good book called “The year of liberty”, I believe written by Thomas Pakenham, which gives an indication of what was going on at the time. And “Revolution/Light A Fire/Liberty” is about that particular event. But then, as always, I like to give a blue print that people can, as this gentleman has done, apply to their own world and their own history. And in particular the last piece “Liberty”, you know “Roll away the dawn, roll away the dawn and let me see the land of the free. Has anything changed at all?”. And quite often very little does change. I’ve returned to this theme in the song “The Road To Freedom”, where the old man looks at liberty and he says “Well, this certainly won’t make my crops grow. And I’ve seen it all before.” It’s part of the extraordinary fluctuation of the human world, where things change, but usually as they say in French: “Plus ca change, plus c’est la même chose.”, which in fact means “the more things change, the more they are still the same.”
Harold Kosteck (37) from Temple, Texas, USA:
Borderline and the Light a Fire/Revolution/Liberty have always struck a chord with me. I was from a military community, and, served in the US Army for 8 years. I always felt these songs expressed the heart and soul of a soldier/patriot far better than nearly any other songs, and, after having been in the service, and, having been in combat, I now know it's true. My question: Were Revolution/Light A Fire/Liberty written about a specific action, or just meant as a more generalized idea? My friends and I agreed that it was about the American Revolution, but, we were kids, and, well.. Americans.
Chris de Burgh:
I have spoken about “Borderline” many times in the past. Yes, it is very strongly anti-war. And I couldn’t bear the sight of the celebrations at the end of a war, which should never have happened. At the Falklands war about which more is emerging on a daily basis, and how appalling it was. In fact recently I spoke to a Welsh man who was in Argentina a few months back. And he was talking to young, well they were young at the time, Welsh boys who came from Wales and moved to Argentina or were born in Argentina of Welsh parentage. And how the Welsh speakers in the Argentine army were conversing with the Welsh speakers in the United Kingdom army, fighting in the Falkland Islands, the Malvinas, which is just ludicrous. The whole thing was a set-up in my opinion of the generals in Argentina who thought that they could occupy this rock out crop for a couple of weeks just to make a point perhaps to help their re-election chances. And Margaret Thatcher over-reacted. Anyway, that’s part of history now. And that was my reaction to all that, which is “Borderline”. But “Revolution/Light A Fire/Liberty” is for me very strongly allied to the 1798 rebellion in Ireland, when the French were invited to assist the Irish in their rebellion against the English. And a French force landed in the West of Ireland, but the whole thing completely collapsed and fell apart. There’s a very good book called “The year of liberty”, I believe written by Thomas Pakenham, which gives an indication of what was going on at the time. And “Revolution/Light A Fire/Liberty” is about that particular event. But then, as always, I like to give a blue print that people can, as this gentleman has done, apply to their own world and their own history. And in particular the last piece “Liberty”, you know “Roll away the dawn, roll away the dawn and let me see the land of the free. Has anything changed at all?”. And quite often very little does change. I’ve returned to this theme in the song “The Road To Freedom”, where the old man looks at liberty and he says “Well, this certainly won’t make my crops grow. And I’ve seen it all before.” It’s part of the extraordinary fluctuation of the human world, where things change, but usually as they say in French: “Plus ca change, plus c’est la même chose.”, which in fact means “the more things change, the more they are still the same.”
December 6, 2005
Mark Gardiner (35) from Wallasey, UK:
Hi Chris, The Getaway is a stunning album and one of my favourite songs on it is Crying & Laughing. I've always been curious as to who the girl is leaving, why she is leaving and also who she is going back to. Is she leaving one love for another? Please answer - it's another one that has been bugging me for years!! Cheers, Mark
Chris de Burgh:
Well, “Crying And Laughing” was an attempt to create a film in the mind. Even to the point of having the aeroplane engines starting up at the end, and footsteps and so on. Trying to recreate perhaps the film Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, I think it was. And as they say good-bye at the aeroplane, she gets on the plane to fly away and the engines start up. And in my mind I was thinking of a man, perhaps a business man, who is going to work in Russia for 2 or 3 months. He is either married or he has a relationship back home in the United States or Canada. And he has fallen madly in love with this girl in Russia. He is totally smitten. And it is the scene driving to the airport in a limousine, it’s rain on the road, the searchlights are indicating this is the country under some kind of suppression. You know, the security and special police and so on. He is saying “although I’ll be half away across the world, I’ll be crying and laughing. We both will be laughing about the good times, and crying because we cannot be together.” And I think this song quite successfully achieved to make it sound like you are part of a film or watching a film. Also creating, you know, the bass line for example adds to all the mystery and I hope that I have managed to achieve what I set out to. In fact it is not the girl who is leaving. It’s the man who is leaving! She is going back to her ordinary life. And he is flying back across the world to his other life.
Mark Gardiner (35) from Wallasey, UK:
Hi Chris, The Getaway is a stunning album and one of my favourite songs on it is Crying & Laughing. I've always been curious as to who the girl is leaving, why she is leaving and also who she is going back to. Is she leaving one love for another? Please answer - it's another one that has been bugging me for years!! Cheers, Mark
Chris de Burgh:
Well, “Crying And Laughing” was an attempt to create a film in the mind. Even to the point of having the aeroplane engines starting up at the end, and footsteps and so on. Trying to recreate perhaps the film Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, I think it was. And as they say good-bye at the aeroplane, she gets on the plane to fly away and the engines start up. And in my mind I was thinking of a man, perhaps a business man, who is going to work in Russia for 2 or 3 months. He is either married or he has a relationship back home in the United States or Canada. And he has fallen madly in love with this girl in Russia. He is totally smitten. And it is the scene driving to the airport in a limousine, it’s rain on the road, the searchlights are indicating this is the country under some kind of suppression. You know, the security and special police and so on. He is saying “although I’ll be half away across the world, I’ll be crying and laughing. We both will be laughing about the good times, and crying because we cannot be together.” And I think this song quite successfully achieved to make it sound like you are part of a film or watching a film. Also creating, you know, the bass line for example adds to all the mystery and I hope that I have managed to achieve what I set out to. In fact it is not the girl who is leaving. It’s the man who is leaving! She is going back to her ordinary life. And he is flying back across the world to his other life.
December 5, 2005
Lindsay Titus (53) from Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada:
Dear Chris: I have searched Man on the Line and its archives but still have questions surrounding "The Last Time I Cried". In an earlier question, one writer asked you about "The Risen Lord", but surely these two songs must be connected and are not meant to stand alone. I see this as a clear reference to Jews being loaded on board trains by the Nazis, and I love the reference to the soldier's face being "me". Could you kindly comment on these powerful songs, and explain, if you would, about the lines "to take them away" and "to make them pay"? I saw you in Fredericton, NB and Saint John, NB and cannot wait for your next Canadian tour.
Chris de Burgh:
I am glad you brought up these two songs “The Last Time I Cried” and “The Risen Lord”, because for me they represent two of the most powerful songs that I have written. And certainly two of the most favourite things in my work that reflect a completely different side to the person that an awful lot of people assume just wrote “The Lady In Red” and nothing else. “The Risen Lord” is really a reflection of a man who stumbles into a bar or a tavern many many hundreds of years ago and he is shocked and shaken. And he begs the landlord to give him a glass of wine to steady his nerves. And he says “I have just had the most extraordinary experience. I was walking down the road.” And there is a clear reference to the road to Damascus here. “And I met this man and he fell over and he dropped his load on the ground. And I went over and I helped him. And I offered to carry this load for this man who was limping. And as we walked, the load became heavier and heavier. And I realized that, I believe, I have seen the face of the risen Lord.” And he thinks that after Christ’s crucifixion, that the person he met on the road was Christ himself. And this is really, I think it is a well-known reflection on the fact that we should always be kind to strangers, because you never know if that’s the Lord who has returned into our midst again. Nevertheless we should always be kind to strangers whatever the fact of who it might be! And you are quite correct about “The Last Time I Cried”. I remember this one I wrote on an aeroplane in my head on a flight somewhere in Europe. I think we were going from somewhere in Germany to, I believe it was Madrid. And I was reading an article in the New York Herald Tribune about a court case that was going on about a man who had been identified as the “butcher of Lyon” in one of the concentration camps. Anyway, I don’t remember the exact details, but the descriptions of a barber in the concentration camp, who had to cut the hair off people just before they were taken away to be executed or burned or gassed. And this man survived the war, and he recognizes this man. This is why the trial was going on. And he was telling how one day a woman with a small child came in to have their hair cut. And he recognizes this woman as a close neighbour from his own little village. And he went to embrace her. And the soldier hit him and the woman and the child and dragged off the woman and the child to the gas chamber. And I remember how shocked and angry I was by this. Subsequently I have visited the camp of Dachau on a couple of occasions. And again it rocks you to your core of your being, of your humanity, to think there are people who could have done what they did there and in other places. And unfortunately this terrible part of humanity is not going to go away and it’s still round. It’s skin-deep. And that’s what I am reflecting on in “The Last Time I Cried”. In a way it is me watching a video or a film of that period. And in my arms is my child watching it, say 50 years after the events. And to my horror I realize that the child who is having a gun pointed at it, as they are loaded on the train to be taken away to be killed, the child is actually identical to the one in my arms. But even more horrifying is the soldier pointing the gun at the child is actually myself. And the implication is quite clear: That we are all capable of doing these things.
Lindsay Titus (53) from Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada:
Dear Chris: I have searched Man on the Line and its archives but still have questions surrounding "The Last Time I Cried". In an earlier question, one writer asked you about "The Risen Lord", but surely these two songs must be connected and are not meant to stand alone. I see this as a clear reference to Jews being loaded on board trains by the Nazis, and I love the reference to the soldier's face being "me". Could you kindly comment on these powerful songs, and explain, if you would, about the lines "to take them away" and "to make them pay"? I saw you in Fredericton, NB and Saint John, NB and cannot wait for your next Canadian tour.
Chris de Burgh:
I am glad you brought up these two songs “The Last Time I Cried” and “The Risen Lord”, because for me they represent two of the most powerful songs that I have written. And certainly two of the most favourite things in my work that reflect a completely different side to the person that an awful lot of people assume just wrote “The Lady In Red” and nothing else. “The Risen Lord” is really a reflection of a man who stumbles into a bar or a tavern many many hundreds of years ago and he is shocked and shaken. And he begs the landlord to give him a glass of wine to steady his nerves. And he says “I have just had the most extraordinary experience. I was walking down the road.” And there is a clear reference to the road to Damascus here. “And I met this man and he fell over and he dropped his load on the ground. And I went over and I helped him. And I offered to carry this load for this man who was limping. And as we walked, the load became heavier and heavier. And I realized that, I believe, I have seen the face of the risen Lord.” And he thinks that after Christ’s crucifixion, that the person he met on the road was Christ himself. And this is really, I think it is a well-known reflection on the fact that we should always be kind to strangers, because you never know if that’s the Lord who has returned into our midst again. Nevertheless we should always be kind to strangers whatever the fact of who it might be! And you are quite correct about “The Last Time I Cried”. I remember this one I wrote on an aeroplane in my head on a flight somewhere in Europe. I think we were going from somewhere in Germany to, I believe it was Madrid. And I was reading an article in the New York Herald Tribune about a court case that was going on about a man who had been identified as the “butcher of Lyon” in one of the concentration camps. Anyway, I don’t remember the exact details, but the descriptions of a barber in the concentration camp, who had to cut the hair off people just before they were taken away to be executed or burned or gassed. And this man survived the war, and he recognizes this man. This is why the trial was going on. And he was telling how one day a woman with a small child came in to have their hair cut. And he recognizes this woman as a close neighbour from his own little village. And he went to embrace her. And the soldier hit him and the woman and the child and dragged off the woman and the child to the gas chamber. And I remember how shocked and angry I was by this. Subsequently I have visited the camp of Dachau on a couple of occasions. And again it rocks you to your core of your being, of your humanity, to think there are people who could have done what they did there and in other places. And unfortunately this terrible part of humanity is not going to go away and it’s still round. It’s skin-deep. And that’s what I am reflecting on in “The Last Time I Cried”. In a way it is me watching a video or a film of that period. And in my arms is my child watching it, say 50 years after the events. And to my horror I realize that the child who is having a gun pointed at it, as they are loaded on the train to be taken away to be killed, the child is actually identical to the one in my arms. But even more horrifying is the soldier pointing the gun at the child is actually myself. And the implication is quite clear: That we are all capable of doing these things.
December 4, 2005
Lucy (48) from Edinburgh, Scotland:
Hi Chris, I saw your recent concert in Edinburgh almost exactly thirty years after seeing you here in concert for the first time. I had gone along to see Supertramp and to be honest was a bit miffed that I had to listen to this "Irish Guy" first. However, that started me off as a life long fan and I loved the recent concert. However, I wondered if you realised the "gaffe" you made when you introduced the song "Rose of England"? You said that as well as being England's rose that Elizabeth could have been Scotland's rose. The fact is that she was hated in Scotland for killing "our" rose, Mary Stuart or Mary Queen of Scots as she was known. She had Mary imprisoned for over twenty years then executed her. I was surprised that no one in the audience responded but I think it shows what high esteem they hold you in that you were allowed to get away with it!!! A beautiful song though and I just change the words in my own head. Looking forward to your next tour and album. Lucy xxx
Chris de Burgh:
I have to put my hands up and say yes, I did make an historical error by introducing the song “Rose Of England” in Scotland. Nevertheless “Rose Of England” in my mind always refers to Queen Elizabeth I. But as I have often done in the past, I have checked fairly thoroughly the historical background of songs like that. And I was aware of what happened to Scotland’s rose Mary Stuart, Mary Queen of Scots. And how Elizabeth was frightened of Mary and I think eventually Elizabeth was convinced by those around her that Mary was still a magnet for disruption and for trying to get rid of Elizabeth as the Queen of England, and install Mary the Queen of Scots as the next Queen of England and Scotland. And then, I think, that’s what led to Mary’s execution. But thank you to my friends and fans in Scotland of which I know I have a lot for bearing with me in that slight historical blunder. But I assure you it wasn’t deliberate.
Lucy (48) from Edinburgh, Scotland:
Hi Chris, I saw your recent concert in Edinburgh almost exactly thirty years after seeing you here in concert for the first time. I had gone along to see Supertramp and to be honest was a bit miffed that I had to listen to this "Irish Guy" first. However, that started me off as a life long fan and I loved the recent concert. However, I wondered if you realised the "gaffe" you made when you introduced the song "Rose of England"? You said that as well as being England's rose that Elizabeth could have been Scotland's rose. The fact is that she was hated in Scotland for killing "our" rose, Mary Stuart or Mary Queen of Scots as she was known. She had Mary imprisoned for over twenty years then executed her. I was surprised that no one in the audience responded but I think it shows what high esteem they hold you in that you were allowed to get away with it!!! A beautiful song though and I just change the words in my own head. Looking forward to your next tour and album. Lucy xxx
Chris de Burgh:
I have to put my hands up and say yes, I did make an historical error by introducing the song “Rose Of England” in Scotland. Nevertheless “Rose Of England” in my mind always refers to Queen Elizabeth I. But as I have often done in the past, I have checked fairly thoroughly the historical background of songs like that. And I was aware of what happened to Scotland’s rose Mary Stuart, Mary Queen of Scots. And how Elizabeth was frightened of Mary and I think eventually Elizabeth was convinced by those around her that Mary was still a magnet for disruption and for trying to get rid of Elizabeth as the Queen of England, and install Mary the Queen of Scots as the next Queen of England and Scotland. And then, I think, that’s what led to Mary’s execution. But thank you to my friends and fans in Scotland of which I know I have a lot for bearing with me in that slight historical blunder. But I assure you it wasn’t deliberate.
December 3, 2005
Michel Champagne (43) from Montreal, Canada:
Chris, I have been a fan since 1977. At that time, I never thought I would still be listening to the same songs in 2005. I would like to know if you intend to do something special for the Tsunami victims? Can you also tell me more about the song "She must have known", where did the idea came from? My wife and I are really anxious to see you in Montreal soon.
Chris de Burgh:
What a wonderful surname! As I and my family do enjoy the odd glass of champagne. Montreal, as you know, and I have said it many times on Man On (the) Line, is a very strong and favourite place for me. And in fact by the time you read this I probably will have already played a couple of concerts at the Theatre St. Denis in Montreal and I hope the experience was good for all concerned. You refer to the Tsunami, which I have spoken about and it would have happened quite a long time ago. At the time, yes, I did a couple of things for the victims of the Tsunami like millions all over the world who were horrified by the appalling events. And subsequently with the earthquake in Pakistan, funnily enough my mother went back to India about two weeks after that to the place where she was brought up. And she is now in her late 70s and it was quite the trip for her. She enjoyed it very much, but reflected on the difficulties in Northern India and of course in Pakistan following that terrible disaster. It just seems very sad that usually for some reason these enormous global catastrophes happen in places where people are least able to look after themselves. So we in the West, who have money and the expertise and the time, should really feel an obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves. The song “She Must Have Known” was a very rare co-write for me, when I was in France at a songwriters week just to mix with other songwriters like Carole King for example. And it’s about that thing that I have seen so many times. And I am sure that people, when they get to a certain age, and they see their friends beginning to split up and marriages split up, and it’s a sad sad thing. And this one is that occasion where a woman who is probably in my head here unhappy in her marriage and unhappy with her life, suddenly looks in a man’s eyes and realizes that he too is the one she has been looking for and he has been looking for her. And that’s why I say she must have known from the moment she saw him, from the look in his eye. This isn’t just a Casanova who wants to sleep with her. They both have suffered and they both are injured and vulnerable and feel something in the other that is empathy and sympathy and compassion. And that’s why they get together.
Michel Champagne (43) from Montreal, Canada:
Chris, I have been a fan since 1977. At that time, I never thought I would still be listening to the same songs in 2005. I would like to know if you intend to do something special for the Tsunami victims? Can you also tell me more about the song "She must have known", where did the idea came from? My wife and I are really anxious to see you in Montreal soon.
Chris de Burgh:
What a wonderful surname! As I and my family do enjoy the odd glass of champagne. Montreal, as you know, and I have said it many times on Man On (the) Line, is a very strong and favourite place for me. And in fact by the time you read this I probably will have already played a couple of concerts at the Theatre St. Denis in Montreal and I hope the experience was good for all concerned. You refer to the Tsunami, which I have spoken about and it would have happened quite a long time ago. At the time, yes, I did a couple of things for the victims of the Tsunami like millions all over the world who were horrified by the appalling events. And subsequently with the earthquake in Pakistan, funnily enough my mother went back to India about two weeks after that to the place where she was brought up. And she is now in her late 70s and it was quite the trip for her. She enjoyed it very much, but reflected on the difficulties in Northern India and of course in Pakistan following that terrible disaster. It just seems very sad that usually for some reason these enormous global catastrophes happen in places where people are least able to look after themselves. So we in the West, who have money and the expertise and the time, should really feel an obligation to help those less fortunate than ourselves. The song “She Must Have Known” was a very rare co-write for me, when I was in France at a songwriters week just to mix with other songwriters like Carole King for example. And it’s about that thing that I have seen so many times. And I am sure that people, when they get to a certain age, and they see their friends beginning to split up and marriages split up, and it’s a sad sad thing. And this one is that occasion where a woman who is probably in my head here unhappy in her marriage and unhappy with her life, suddenly looks in a man’s eyes and realizes that he too is the one she has been looking for and he has been looking for her. And that’s why I say she must have known from the moment she saw him, from the look in his eye. This isn’t just a Casanova who wants to sleep with her. They both have suffered and they both are injured and vulnerable and feel something in the other that is empathy and sympathy and compassion. And that’s why they get together.
December 2, 2005
Walid Saad (23) from Beirut, Lebanon:
Dear Chris, I've been a fan since 1990, when I was only 8 and I danced around on the Traveller and Sailor. I've seen you in September 2000 in Beirut, I was really rocking on the tunes, it was an impressive experience that I would like to relive again. My question is on my favorite song ever "Sailor" , there's this strong expressing of emotion when you say "To Feel The Wind, To See The Sky, To Hear The Waves ... Oh My Darling Wait For Me" , I would like you to tell me the exact emotions you felt while writing and singing these words, which touch every listener's heart. I would like to picture the exact emotions of an artist such as you while doing such lyrics. On another hand, I would like to know why haven't you ever sung Eastern Wind live at a concert?
Chris de Burgh:
You want to relive an experience that I will never forget, also by having been in Beirut and in fact it was subsequent to my trip there in 2000 that I wrote the song “Lebanese Night”. And that was a number one hit all over the Middle East. And I remember it very well, being with my band for the show that you are talking about. They are a fantastic audience in Lebanon and I am longing to go back. Things are a little bit unstable at the moment but that won’t stop me from returning to a place where I do believe I have a lot of friends and a lot of fans. The song “Sailor” is one of those songs which I see very clearly in my mind. I see the prisoner looking out the bars of his window across the moonlit bay, and seeing a ship setting sail in the 18th century, perhaps full sail galleon, moving away from the harbour. And he is perhaps somebody from Scotland for example who has been imprisoned for something or other. We are not quite sure, and it is not really important, but he longs to get back to the hills and the valleys of his native country. And the words “to feel the wind, to see the sky, to hear the waves breaking on the shore, oh my darling wait for me”, yes they were very emotional. And usually when I am singing this in concert, for one of the rare occasions, I actually close my eyes to actually see the place where I feel this is happening. You can almost feel the echo in the hills as he shouts out the words. And to dream of the girl that he left behind. And he is begging her to wait for him. And then he sees a seabird flying off and he just wishes he also had wings to fly back to his loved one. Incidentally when I was touring with my band in the early 80s, after the release of Eastern Wind, of course we did do that song “Eastern Wind” quite a bit.
Walid Saad (23) from Beirut, Lebanon:
Dear Chris, I've been a fan since 1990, when I was only 8 and I danced around on the Traveller and Sailor. I've seen you in September 2000 in Beirut, I was really rocking on the tunes, it was an impressive experience that I would like to relive again. My question is on my favorite song ever "Sailor" , there's this strong expressing of emotion when you say "To Feel The Wind, To See The Sky, To Hear The Waves ... Oh My Darling Wait For Me" , I would like you to tell me the exact emotions you felt while writing and singing these words, which touch every listener's heart. I would like to picture the exact emotions of an artist such as you while doing such lyrics. On another hand, I would like to know why haven't you ever sung Eastern Wind live at a concert?
Chris de Burgh:
You want to relive an experience that I will never forget, also by having been in Beirut and in fact it was subsequent to my trip there in 2000 that I wrote the song “Lebanese Night”. And that was a number one hit all over the Middle East. And I remember it very well, being with my band for the show that you are talking about. They are a fantastic audience in Lebanon and I am longing to go back. Things are a little bit unstable at the moment but that won’t stop me from returning to a place where I do believe I have a lot of friends and a lot of fans. The song “Sailor” is one of those songs which I see very clearly in my mind. I see the prisoner looking out the bars of his window across the moonlit bay, and seeing a ship setting sail in the 18th century, perhaps full sail galleon, moving away from the harbour. And he is perhaps somebody from Scotland for example who has been imprisoned for something or other. We are not quite sure, and it is not really important, but he longs to get back to the hills and the valleys of his native country. And the words “to feel the wind, to see the sky, to hear the waves breaking on the shore, oh my darling wait for me”, yes they were very emotional. And usually when I am singing this in concert, for one of the rare occasions, I actually close my eyes to actually see the place where I feel this is happening. You can almost feel the echo in the hills as he shouts out the words. And to dream of the girl that he left behind. And he is begging her to wait for him. And then he sees a seabird flying off and he just wishes he also had wings to fly back to his loved one. Incidentally when I was touring with my band in the early 80s, after the release of Eastern Wind, of course we did do that song “Eastern Wind” quite a bit.
December 1, 2005
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Hi Chris, Most fans know of your keen interest in Grand Prix motor racing. This led me to wonder if you just enjoy watching or have you ever been 'bitten by the bug' and done some racing yourself? I know it's a dream for a lot of people, both men and women and that there are tracks where the public can go to race for fun. Love to hear about this. Thanks. Chris R xx P.S. For me it's a spectator sport!
Chris de Burgh:
This is from Chris Raymond again. Yes, I am very interested in Grand Prix. Although I have to say in the last couple of years my interest has lessened slightly. Not only because I haven’t been going to as many races as before, but I find that a lot of people in the sport tend to believe they are extremely self-important. They believe they are enormously popular and that the Formula One is the only sport that people are interested in. That’s a bit of a generalization. On the other hand I have met a lot of people in Formula One who I really like. There’s some really nice folk in there. But there have been massive changes to the rules. I am sorry to see for example a great driver like Michael Schumacher struggling now. Particularly when a lot of other people say “isn’t he great?”, that he is having a bit of a tough time. I do believe that Schumacher is going to go down in history as one of the greatest drivers of all time. And Ferrari of course is a wonderful global name for excellence in motorsport. However, it’s time to move aside, as in all things. Like in football, the domination of one team over an entire premier league for example is not a healthy thing. I think that Chelsea FC having been bankrolled by Abramowicz is now in a position of being able to buy the best players in the world, and I think that’s unhealthy. And the also-rans can bitch and moan about the situation, but we must recall that Manchester United was also the most powerful club in the early 90s, because they had the money to spend, having gone into a public limited company situation, known as PLC. And prior to that we had Liverpool FC, more I think by talent than money. And more recently than that it’s Arsenal FC. So things do change. And the same things in motorsport. As far as your question about driving is concerned, I have to admit I do enjoy speed, but I would not; I don’t think, particularly enjoy roaring round the track in a Formular One car. I went with Nigel Mansell, the World Champion, one time in an ordinary family saloon round the track at Spa, and we were doing very high speeds. And I must admit, I was a bit white-knuckled by the end of the ride. But I enjoy it as a spectator sport.
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Hi Chris, Most fans know of your keen interest in Grand Prix motor racing. This led me to wonder if you just enjoy watching or have you ever been 'bitten by the bug' and done some racing yourself? I know it's a dream for a lot of people, both men and women and that there are tracks where the public can go to race for fun. Love to hear about this. Thanks. Chris R xx P.S. For me it's a spectator sport!
Chris de Burgh:
This is from Chris Raymond again. Yes, I am very interested in Grand Prix. Although I have to say in the last couple of years my interest has lessened slightly. Not only because I haven’t been going to as many races as before, but I find that a lot of people in the sport tend to believe they are extremely self-important. They believe they are enormously popular and that the Formula One is the only sport that people are interested in. That’s a bit of a generalization. On the other hand I have met a lot of people in Formula One who I really like. There’s some really nice folk in there. But there have been massive changes to the rules. I am sorry to see for example a great driver like Michael Schumacher struggling now. Particularly when a lot of other people say “isn’t he great?”, that he is having a bit of a tough time. I do believe that Schumacher is going to go down in history as one of the greatest drivers of all time. And Ferrari of course is a wonderful global name for excellence in motorsport. However, it’s time to move aside, as in all things. Like in football, the domination of one team over an entire premier league for example is not a healthy thing. I think that Chelsea FC having been bankrolled by Abramowicz is now in a position of being able to buy the best players in the world, and I think that’s unhealthy. And the also-rans can bitch and moan about the situation, but we must recall that Manchester United was also the most powerful club in the early 90s, because they had the money to spend, having gone into a public limited company situation, known as PLC. And prior to that we had Liverpool FC, more I think by talent than money. And more recently than that it’s Arsenal FC. So things do change. And the same things in motorsport. As far as your question about driving is concerned, I have to admit I do enjoy speed, but I would not; I don’t think, particularly enjoy roaring round the track in a Formular One car. I went with Nigel Mansell, the World Champion, one time in an ordinary family saloon round the track at Spa, and we were doing very high speeds. And I must admit, I was a bit white-knuckled by the end of the ride. But I enjoy it as a spectator sport.
November 30, 2005
Robert Puett (36) from Puyallup, Washington, USA:
As an American who opposed the war in Iraq, I am now dismayed to see Bush and Co. beating the drums for war with Iran. I know you have legions of Iranian fans; I would like to know if you would oppose publicly any move on the part of the US to invade Iran. Adding your voice to the worldwide outrage toward the Bush Administration would really be a wonderful thing. To paraphrase your own work, how can men see the wisdom in a war?
Chris de Burgh:
The first two things immediately spring to mind, Robert, are these. Number one: I do not think that pop singers, people in the music industry, indeed virtually any individual is taken seriously by administration powerful as that in America, or indeed anywhere else. We think we are getting somewhere, but to be perfectly honest, decisions are made behind closed doors by men in cabinet. And they decide. I frankly don’t think they pay any attention at all. I think they like to pay lip service to famous people getting upset about policy, but they also love to have the photo opportunities. That’s the first thing. And the second thing is, we are in an era of 24 / 7 news. We all believe as armchair theorists and armchair politicians and armchair decision makers that we are actually in possession of all the facts that we require to make policy statements and to make informed opinions. I think this is completely incorrect. As somebody who was once involved with a national radio station and the news gathering part of that, I am aware of the fact that 1 percent of news gets put out into the public arena. The other 99 percent is either of no interest or is at the whim and the mercy of the editor of the news station. The editors of a national broadcasting company are in a way the most powerful purveyors of propaganda that exists in the Western democracies. We all believe that we are being told the truth. I don’t believe that for a second. I think we are being told nothing that anybody wants us to know. And also we are told what the powerful people want us to know. I am a very cynical person when it comes to the news that we get. And our reaction to it. And I am not saying that editors of news corporations are in collusion with administrations, but on the other hand we’ve got to remember that we only get told a minimum of what we need to know. Coming back to Iran. In some ways it’s good to have the United Nations as a global policeman. And I feel a shiver of fear when the most powerful country in the world is also telling, we believe, the United Nations which way to jump. The United Nations came into being after the Second World War as a very powerful force against the possibility of another global catastrophe and in that way it’s very important and very necessary. But nevertheless, when there is only one big big world policeman, i.e. the United States of America, we have to listen very carefully to what they say and what the United Nation says about countries like Iran. And of course, having so many fans there I would hate to see anything happening in a military way. And it would be great if any difficulties could be ironed out through political discussion, negotiation. However, it’s clear that the administration currently in power in Iran is posing a serious threat to our beliefs in the Western democracies. And most recently the remarks by the president about Israel are obnoxious. So hopefully a bit of good sense might come back to those in charge in Iran who have got to realize they must change. We are in the 21st century.
Robert Puett (36) from Puyallup, Washington, USA:
As an American who opposed the war in Iraq, I am now dismayed to see Bush and Co. beating the drums for war with Iran. I know you have legions of Iranian fans; I would like to know if you would oppose publicly any move on the part of the US to invade Iran. Adding your voice to the worldwide outrage toward the Bush Administration would really be a wonderful thing. To paraphrase your own work, how can men see the wisdom in a war?
Chris de Burgh:
The first two things immediately spring to mind, Robert, are these. Number one: I do not think that pop singers, people in the music industry, indeed virtually any individual is taken seriously by administration powerful as that in America, or indeed anywhere else. We think we are getting somewhere, but to be perfectly honest, decisions are made behind closed doors by men in cabinet. And they decide. I frankly don’t think they pay any attention at all. I think they like to pay lip service to famous people getting upset about policy, but they also love to have the photo opportunities. That’s the first thing. And the second thing is, we are in an era of 24 / 7 news. We all believe as armchair theorists and armchair politicians and armchair decision makers that we are actually in possession of all the facts that we require to make policy statements and to make informed opinions. I think this is completely incorrect. As somebody who was once involved with a national radio station and the news gathering part of that, I am aware of the fact that 1 percent of news gets put out into the public arena. The other 99 percent is either of no interest or is at the whim and the mercy of the editor of the news station. The editors of a national broadcasting company are in a way the most powerful purveyors of propaganda that exists in the Western democracies. We all believe that we are being told the truth. I don’t believe that for a second. I think we are being told nothing that anybody wants us to know. And also we are told what the powerful people want us to know. I am a very cynical person when it comes to the news that we get. And our reaction to it. And I am not saying that editors of news corporations are in collusion with administrations, but on the other hand we’ve got to remember that we only get told a minimum of what we need to know. Coming back to Iran. In some ways it’s good to have the United Nations as a global policeman. And I feel a shiver of fear when the most powerful country in the world is also telling, we believe, the United Nations which way to jump. The United Nations came into being after the Second World War as a very powerful force against the possibility of another global catastrophe and in that way it’s very important and very necessary. But nevertheless, when there is only one big big world policeman, i.e. the United States of America, we have to listen very carefully to what they say and what the United Nation says about countries like Iran. And of course, having so many fans there I would hate to see anything happening in a military way. And it would be great if any difficulties could be ironed out through political discussion, negotiation. However, it’s clear that the administration currently in power in Iran is posing a serious threat to our beliefs in the Western democracies. And most recently the remarks by the president about Israel are obnoxious. So hopefully a bit of good sense might come back to those in charge in Iran who have got to realize they must change. We are in the 21st century.
November 29, 2005
Andrea Macovacz (33) from Mosbach, Germany:
Only a few days ago I discovered this site and I am that fascinated in your answers and the possibility to understand your impulses and thoughts about the secrets of life! It gives me a good feeling to read a few of your letters each day. It's like the intention of listening to a special song or album of you to ease strong emotions or to give me back an optimistic view about some things. Have you ever thought of putting your moving views and ideas into a book (would be a best-seller, for guarantee)? Hope you take care of you and your family. Andrea.
Chris de Burgh:
I think your question is in parallel with the one before about the lyrics of my songs. Because it’s part of our plan for the website to put together some of the answers as well to some of the questions that have come through in the last couple of years while I have been doing Man On (the) Line. And it’s fascinating how many people have said to me “we really miss Man On (the) Line”, when it’s not being done. And I wake up in the morning, and the first thing I do is click on the website and see what the topic of the day is. And again I must stress that I have to apologize that it has been so long since I have last been doing this, but it does take an awful lot of time for everybody involved. Nevertheless I like your idea as much as I like the one about the lyrics. And it’s certainly something we can look at, because it’s a different area of the music business to try and create new forms, new formats, not just music. To try and get into the songwriter’s head. Not only because there are not that many songwriters any more who do the sort of thing that I do, but I think it is fascinating for the fans to try and find out what exactly people like me had in mind when I write my songs.
Andrea Macovacz (33) from Mosbach, Germany:
Only a few days ago I discovered this site and I am that fascinated in your answers and the possibility to understand your impulses and thoughts about the secrets of life! It gives me a good feeling to read a few of your letters each day. It's like the intention of listening to a special song or album of you to ease strong emotions or to give me back an optimistic view about some things. Have you ever thought of putting your moving views and ideas into a book (would be a best-seller, for guarantee)? Hope you take care of you and your family. Andrea.
Chris de Burgh:
I think your question is in parallel with the one before about the lyrics of my songs. Because it’s part of our plan for the website to put together some of the answers as well to some of the questions that have come through in the last couple of years while I have been doing Man On (the) Line. And it’s fascinating how many people have said to me “we really miss Man On (the) Line”, when it’s not being done. And I wake up in the morning, and the first thing I do is click on the website and see what the topic of the day is. And again I must stress that I have to apologize that it has been so long since I have last been doing this, but it does take an awful lot of time for everybody involved. Nevertheless I like your idea as much as I like the one about the lyrics. And it’s certainly something we can look at, because it’s a different area of the music business to try and create new forms, new formats, not just music. To try and get into the songwriter’s head. Not only because there are not that many songwriters any more who do the sort of thing that I do, but I think it is fascinating for the fans to try and find out what exactly people like me had in mind when I write my songs.
November 28, 2005
Paul Woodley (42) from the UK:
Chris, I have been inspired by many of your songs for so many years and I wondered if you had ever thought about writing a book that contains all the lyrics to all your songs but with an explanation as to what inspired you to write them and in some cases explaining the more subtle meanings behind some of them. Perhaps you could include this as part of an autobiography. I'm sure it would be very popular with your fan base.
Chris de Burgh:
Well, this is actually a very good idea. I think we are proposing through the website to put together a few of the key songs with an explanation as to what I had in my mind when I wrote them. I think it would probably be a bit much to have all of them, because so far I think I must have written and recorded nearly 200. And it’s a big stretch on my memory to try and remember what I had in my head when I wrote the songs and the circumstances of all of them. But I think taking out some of the key ones, either my favourites or other people’s favourites, or a combination of both, would be a great idea to print out the lyric and then saying what I had in my mind. And going back to my next project “The Storyman”, it reminded me, as I planned for this, of how in recording sessions I used to write out a short cinematic theme of what I had in my head for the musicians and they found it extremely helpful to try and realize in music what I was trying to get across in my lyrics and in the musical atmospheric feelings that we were creating in the recording studio. So this is something I will definitely be returning to in a far greater way with the next album project.
Paul Woodley (42) from the UK:
Chris, I have been inspired by many of your songs for so many years and I wondered if you had ever thought about writing a book that contains all the lyrics to all your songs but with an explanation as to what inspired you to write them and in some cases explaining the more subtle meanings behind some of them. Perhaps you could include this as part of an autobiography. I'm sure it would be very popular with your fan base.
Chris de Burgh:
Well, this is actually a very good idea. I think we are proposing through the website to put together a few of the key songs with an explanation as to what I had in my mind when I wrote them. I think it would probably be a bit much to have all of them, because so far I think I must have written and recorded nearly 200. And it’s a big stretch on my memory to try and remember what I had in my head when I wrote the songs and the circumstances of all of them. But I think taking out some of the key ones, either my favourites or other people’s favourites, or a combination of both, would be a great idea to print out the lyric and then saying what I had in my mind. And going back to my next project “The Storyman”, it reminded me, as I planned for this, of how in recording sessions I used to write out a short cinematic theme of what I had in my head for the musicians and they found it extremely helpful to try and realize in music what I was trying to get across in my lyrics and in the musical atmospheric feelings that we were creating in the recording studio. So this is something I will definitely be returning to in a far greater way with the next album project.
November 27, 2005
Monika Maid from Ingolstadt, Germany:
Dear Chris, as you wrote the song Lebanese Night, what did you mean with the question "and did you run for your life, from the hell that came down from the sky on a Lebanese Night?" Thank you for reading and the answer, if I can find it! Greetings and best wishes to you, Monika Maid
Chris de Burgh:
This is a name very familiar to me, another great supporter. Thank you for your support, Monika. In the “Lebanese Night”, the question “did you run for your life, from the hell that came down from the sky”, it’s an ironic question. If you go back a little bit into that chorus to “did you go to your bed with a sweet lullaby and the sounds of the guns in the night”. But the fact is, you have the image of the child being told the bedtime story, and all the time guns are exploding in the distance and bombs are going off. And the idea of children playing in a field and then suddenly bombs are coming down from the sky as they are caught up in yet another bombardment. Or certainly living in a war zone as so many people did during the war in Lebanon. And indeed all over the world where children are caught up in warfare. So that’s what it’s all about and the need, the enormous need to protect our children from harm at all times.
Monika Maid from Ingolstadt, Germany:
Dear Chris, as you wrote the song Lebanese Night, what did you mean with the question "and did you run for your life, from the hell that came down from the sky on a Lebanese Night?" Thank you for reading and the answer, if I can find it! Greetings and best wishes to you, Monika Maid
Chris de Burgh:
This is a name very familiar to me, another great supporter. Thank you for your support, Monika. In the “Lebanese Night”, the question “did you run for your life, from the hell that came down from the sky”, it’s an ironic question. If you go back a little bit into that chorus to “did you go to your bed with a sweet lullaby and the sounds of the guns in the night”. But the fact is, you have the image of the child being told the bedtime story, and all the time guns are exploding in the distance and bombs are going off. And the idea of children playing in a field and then suddenly bombs are coming down from the sky as they are caught up in yet another bombardment. Or certainly living in a war zone as so many people did during the war in Lebanon. And indeed all over the world where children are caught up in warfare. So that’s what it’s all about and the need, the enormous need to protect our children from harm at all times.
November 26, 2005
Henoch Neethling (32) from Cape Town, South Africa:
Hi Chris. Let me reintroduce myself quickly. I am the South African who joined the first internet group gathering at the now legendary Bonn concert in 1998. Or perhaps you will remember me better for the The Last Time I Cried karaoke I did in the Gerry Weber Stadion in Halle, Westfalen (not the Westfalenhalle!) just after that. Anyway, I was recently reading an article about the relationship between a healthy body and a healthy mind, and it mentioned that the heartbeat of the average person is 72 beats a minute. This, said the article, is the same beat as you singing Lady In Red. And although it did not say so in so many words, it sort of implied that the success of this song has a lot more to do with this fact than with your talents. My question: Are they correct? If so, is this something you did on purpose? We are really looking forward to seeing you in our wine-region at Stellenbosch again. Henoch
Chris de Burgh:
Let’s get to the important thing first. Stellenbosch is one of the finest wine areas in South Africa, if not the world: Stellenbosch Paarl and Constantia. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Stellenbosch and I look forward to returning there to sample some of the fine fine wines that I have had in the past. Just going back to the article you read about a healthy body and a healthy mind and the heartbeat is an average of 72 beats per minute. Unfortunately you are going to get all sorts of so-called pundits and experts, claiming the reason things work is for something else. It would only take somebody with a couple of minutes and a metronome to realize that “The Lady In Red” is not 72 beats per minute. It starts at 76 and then goes up to 77 beats per minute in the first chorus and it remains at 77 throughout, I think, by recollection. It’s a long time ago since I have recorded it. But it’s not 72. And I certainly would not be the kind of person to try and ally a song with a heartbeat. Although disco music was initially 120 beats per minute which is a fairly speedy heartbeat as you can imagine. But now, you know this kind of rave music is way quicker than that. Have a look at “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”, that’s really quick, that’s in the 130s I think. So there are cynical people out there who try to find reasons why things work, but this has got absolutely nothing to do with it. In my opinion “The Lady In Red” works, it’s got something to do with the smoothness of it. Perhaps the key which is B flat. And the melodic content and the lyrical content. It’s still one of the most played romantic love songs all over the world. I’m just thrilled that I have written such a song. And if you, Henoch, ever have a chance to respond to whoever it was that wrote about the 72 beats per minute, you might just want to point out that they are completely and absolutely wrong.
Henoch Neethling (32) from Cape Town, South Africa:
Hi Chris. Let me reintroduce myself quickly. I am the South African who joined the first internet group gathering at the now legendary Bonn concert in 1998. Or perhaps you will remember me better for the The Last Time I Cried karaoke I did in the Gerry Weber Stadion in Halle, Westfalen (not the Westfalenhalle!) just after that. Anyway, I was recently reading an article about the relationship between a healthy body and a healthy mind, and it mentioned that the heartbeat of the average person is 72 beats a minute. This, said the article, is the same beat as you singing Lady In Red. And although it did not say so in so many words, it sort of implied that the success of this song has a lot more to do with this fact than with your talents. My question: Are they correct? If so, is this something you did on purpose? We are really looking forward to seeing you in our wine-region at Stellenbosch again. Henoch
Chris de Burgh:
Let’s get to the important thing first. Stellenbosch is one of the finest wine areas in South Africa, if not the world: Stellenbosch Paarl and Constantia. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Stellenbosch and I look forward to returning there to sample some of the fine fine wines that I have had in the past. Just going back to the article you read about a healthy body and a healthy mind and the heartbeat is an average of 72 beats per minute. Unfortunately you are going to get all sorts of so-called pundits and experts, claiming the reason things work is for something else. It would only take somebody with a couple of minutes and a metronome to realize that “The Lady In Red” is not 72 beats per minute. It starts at 76 and then goes up to 77 beats per minute in the first chorus and it remains at 77 throughout, I think, by recollection. It’s a long time ago since I have recorded it. But it’s not 72. And I certainly would not be the kind of person to try and ally a song with a heartbeat. Although disco music was initially 120 beats per minute which is a fairly speedy heartbeat as you can imagine. But now, you know this kind of rave music is way quicker than that. Have a look at “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”, that’s really quick, that’s in the 130s I think. So there are cynical people out there who try to find reasons why things work, but this has got absolutely nothing to do with it. In my opinion “The Lady In Red” works, it’s got something to do with the smoothness of it. Perhaps the key which is B flat. And the melodic content and the lyrical content. It’s still one of the most played romantic love songs all over the world. I’m just thrilled that I have written such a song. And if you, Henoch, ever have a chance to respond to whoever it was that wrote about the 72 beats per minute, you might just want to point out that they are completely and absolutely wrong.
November 25, 2005
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Hello Chris! First just to say that the special Concert in Dortmund in November 2004 was wonderful - the best ever! More please!! At Dortmund a large group of fans had made arrangements to put a folder together with individual messages, photographs and such like which was presented to you. I would like to ask if you might like to say a little about the sort of messages you received and how you felt about the gift? Were you surprised at all by things that fans wrote? Thanks! Chris R xx
Chris de Burgh:
I have just spoken about Dortmund, it was an extraordinary night for me. Maybe even more extraordinary by the fact that I was unaware that we were recording the evening. I probably would have possibly been a bit more self-aware, if I had known it was all going to be recorded. And it’s probably a good thing I didn’t know. But thank you for the book! I have read everything that everybody wrote, and I was extremely moved. Who wouldn’t be? You know, when you realize the impact you are having on people into their hearts, into their lives, into their souls even. And I was very moved by everything that everybody wrote. So I’d like to take this opportunity, if I haven’t said thank you before, which I think I have, but I’d like to say it again: Thank you to all those people who took the time and trouble to say nice things and interesting and wonderful things in that guestbook that I got after the concert in Dortmund.
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Hello Chris! First just to say that the special Concert in Dortmund in November 2004 was wonderful - the best ever! More please!! At Dortmund a large group of fans had made arrangements to put a folder together with individual messages, photographs and such like which was presented to you. I would like to ask if you might like to say a little about the sort of messages you received and how you felt about the gift? Were you surprised at all by things that fans wrote? Thanks! Chris R xx
Chris de Burgh:
I have just spoken about Dortmund, it was an extraordinary night for me. Maybe even more extraordinary by the fact that I was unaware that we were recording the evening. I probably would have possibly been a bit more self-aware, if I had known it was all going to be recorded. And it’s probably a good thing I didn’t know. But thank you for the book! I have read everything that everybody wrote, and I was extremely moved. Who wouldn’t be? You know, when you realize the impact you are having on people into their hearts, into their lives, into their souls even. And I was very moved by everything that everybody wrote. So I’d like to take this opportunity, if I haven’t said thank you before, which I think I have, but I’d like to say it again: Thank you to all those people who took the time and trouble to say nice things and interesting and wonderful things in that guestbook that I got after the concert in Dortmund.
November 24, 2005
Bennet (19) from Germany:
Dear Chris, I first heard one of your songs when I watched the film "American Psycho". It was "The Lady in Red" and although there is only a short part of the song in the film I wanted to buy the soundtrack to get the song, but then I saw that the song and some other songs by other artists are not on the official Soundtrack CD of "American Psycho". Some people say it’s because you and some other musicians don’t like the film and now I wonder whether this is true because I like "American Psycho" very much. It’s a very good and wise film. At least in my opinion.
Chris de Burgh:
To be honest, I had no idea that “The Lady In Red” was not on the American Psycho soundtrack, which is fairly extraordinary. It has nothing to do with the fact that I did or didn’t like the record. Usually these choices are made through the publisher and the management. I was unaware of any of that. I have seen the film and I enjoyed it. But it has nothing to do with my decision whether or not the song was on the final soundtrack record. It is a good film! And I very much hope that in the future people will take my attention to whether or not a song like “Lady In Red” is on a soundtrack record or not. There’s another one recently, “Dodgeball”, which I believe one of my songs was on. And I am pretty sure that the song is actually on the soundtrack record.
Bennet (19) from Germany:
Dear Chris, I first heard one of your songs when I watched the film "American Psycho". It was "The Lady in Red" and although there is only a short part of the song in the film I wanted to buy the soundtrack to get the song, but then I saw that the song and some other songs by other artists are not on the official Soundtrack CD of "American Psycho". Some people say it’s because you and some other musicians don’t like the film and now I wonder whether this is true because I like "American Psycho" very much. It’s a very good and wise film. At least in my opinion.
Chris de Burgh:
To be honest, I had no idea that “The Lady In Red” was not on the American Psycho soundtrack, which is fairly extraordinary. It has nothing to do with the fact that I did or didn’t like the record. Usually these choices are made through the publisher and the management. I was unaware of any of that. I have seen the film and I enjoyed it. But it has nothing to do with my decision whether or not the song was on the final soundtrack record. It is a good film! And I very much hope that in the future people will take my attention to whether or not a song like “Lady In Red” is on a soundtrack record or not. There’s another one recently, “Dodgeball”, which I believe one of my songs was on. And I am pretty sure that the song is actually on the soundtrack record.
November 23, 2005
Kevin Moore (50) from Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada:
I am an old fan coming back into the fold. I was an early fan buying the first 8 albums and seeing you twice on tour in Newfoundland (Spanish Train and Crusader tours). I was one of those fans that did not like it when you departed from the "epic" songs in favour of shorter 3-minute songs. "Lady in Red" was not a highlight for me as a fan but the point that I realized the epic songs were gone for good. Years have gone by and I've kept a general track of your career assisted by a former co-worker who was a major fan buying hard-to-find CD's from other countries. But except for "Sparks to a Flame" I've not bought any recent CD's. Just 2 weeks ago I bought the quickly made 20th Century Masters - Millennium Collection and I've not stopped playing it. I had forgotten how rich and distinctive your voice was. For that I apologize. I even liked "The Lady in Red" and appreciate it is much better than I have ever given it credit to be. Having said that, I still do prefer the longer epic style songs. Which leads me to my questions... 1) Since I don't know your later work, have you created any longer style songs since those early 8 albums? 2) I want to purchase the CD's that I've missed - in your opinion, what are the first CD's I should purchase to reacquaint myself with your music? I have been told that if nothing else, I should buy the Live in Dublin CD (if I can find it) as it is, to quote my ex-workmate, "simply one of the best live albums ever made". So that's my first purchase. I'm glad to have re-developed this appreciation of your voice and music and will keep track of your Canadian tour dates as I will come to your concert the next time you are in western Canada. Kevin in Saskatchewan
Chris de Burgh:
Yes, I know there are quite a few people who would agree that they prefer the epic style of the earlier albums. But to be honest, Kevin, I had to change because I wanted to change. I wanted to respond to the worldwide fan base that was growing, particularly in Europe. They wanted rock songs, you know. “The Getaway” was a big record in Europe. It was No. 1 in Germany for example in 1982. And I was then playing through the 80s with my band in enormous football stadiums, like 100,000 people, 50,000 people. And you’ve got to come up with punchy, strong songs like “High On Emotion” and ballads like “The Lady In Red” of course, which was and still is a major international hit. But your question about whether I have done these kinds of songs since. Well, I am not quite sure where you stopped listening, but I wondered if you listened on “Into The Light” to the last three songs “The Leader”, “The Vision” and “What About Me”. For me, they are probably the three most exciting and strongest of all the epics that I have written. “Crusader” and “The Revolution” included in that. But those three are very strong, so maybe have another listen to that. It’s the same album incidentally that “The Lady In Red” is on, which for me I am delighted that it was such a big hit, because it brought all my other work to people’s attention. And that for me is an important part of all this, because to have a major hit single means that people go into record stores, they find old recordings or they look out and then they see something completely different. It is not just pigeonholed as a pop singer. I like to regard myself as a bit more serious than that. Furthermore on the most recent release “The Road To Freedom” you’ll find that the first three songs are closely related to one another. And it’s worth having a listen to those, and I am very pleased with them. Lastly I should say that yes, of course “Live In Dublin” is a very exciting record. What that shows is the wonderful singing of an Irish audience. And I can refer you also to the “Live In Dortmund” record, which I released earlier this year. Which shows just how extraordinary a group of 7,000 people can sound. And an artist who is truly in love with his audience and they with him, so I can recommend you to that. And finally I can tell you that my next project “The Storyman” is very much back in that old vein of stories, which have got nothing to do with looking at whether a song is radio-friendly or whatever. It is just each song will be treated on its own as an epic, a journey. And hopefully you will come back to listening to my voice and my music through these kinds of songs in the future.
Kevin Moore (50) from Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada:
I am an old fan coming back into the fold. I was an early fan buying the first 8 albums and seeing you twice on tour in Newfoundland (Spanish Train and Crusader tours). I was one of those fans that did not like it when you departed from the "epic" songs in favour of shorter 3-minute songs. "Lady in Red" was not a highlight for me as a fan but the point that I realized the epic songs were gone for good. Years have gone by and I've kept a general track of your career assisted by a former co-worker who was a major fan buying hard-to-find CD's from other countries. But except for "Sparks to a Flame" I've not bought any recent CD's. Just 2 weeks ago I bought the quickly made 20th Century Masters - Millennium Collection and I've not stopped playing it. I had forgotten how rich and distinctive your voice was. For that I apologize. I even liked "The Lady in Red" and appreciate it is much better than I have ever given it credit to be. Having said that, I still do prefer the longer epic style songs. Which leads me to my questions... 1) Since I don't know your later work, have you created any longer style songs since those early 8 albums? 2) I want to purchase the CD's that I've missed - in your opinion, what are the first CD's I should purchase to reacquaint myself with your music? I have been told that if nothing else, I should buy the Live in Dublin CD (if I can find it) as it is, to quote my ex-workmate, "simply one of the best live albums ever made". So that's my first purchase. I'm glad to have re-developed this appreciation of your voice and music and will keep track of your Canadian tour dates as I will come to your concert the next time you are in western Canada. Kevin in Saskatchewan
Chris de Burgh:
Yes, I know there are quite a few people who would agree that they prefer the epic style of the earlier albums. But to be honest, Kevin, I had to change because I wanted to change. I wanted to respond to the worldwide fan base that was growing, particularly in Europe. They wanted rock songs, you know. “The Getaway” was a big record in Europe. It was No. 1 in Germany for example in 1982. And I was then playing through the 80s with my band in enormous football stadiums, like 100,000 people, 50,000 people. And you’ve got to come up with punchy, strong songs like “High On Emotion” and ballads like “The Lady In Red” of course, which was and still is a major international hit. But your question about whether I have done these kinds of songs since. Well, I am not quite sure where you stopped listening, but I wondered if you listened on “Into The Light” to the last three songs “The Leader”, “The Vision” and “What About Me”. For me, they are probably the three most exciting and strongest of all the epics that I have written. “Crusader” and “The Revolution” included in that. But those three are very strong, so maybe have another listen to that. It’s the same album incidentally that “The Lady In Red” is on, which for me I am delighted that it was such a big hit, because it brought all my other work to people’s attention. And that for me is an important part of all this, because to have a major hit single means that people go into record stores, they find old recordings or they look out and then they see something completely different. It is not just pigeonholed as a pop singer. I like to regard myself as a bit more serious than that. Furthermore on the most recent release “The Road To Freedom” you’ll find that the first three songs are closely related to one another. And it’s worth having a listen to those, and I am very pleased with them. Lastly I should say that yes, of course “Live In Dublin” is a very exciting record. What that shows is the wonderful singing of an Irish audience. And I can refer you also to the “Live In Dortmund” record, which I released earlier this year. Which shows just how extraordinary a group of 7,000 people can sound. And an artist who is truly in love with his audience and they with him, so I can recommend you to that. And finally I can tell you that my next project “The Storyman” is very much back in that old vein of stories, which have got nothing to do with looking at whether a song is radio-friendly or whatever. It is just each song will be treated on its own as an epic, a journey. And hopefully you will come back to listening to my voice and my music through these kinds of songs in the future.
November 22, 2005
Mark (36) from Phoenix, Arizona, USA:
Chris, I was listening to the Flying Colours CD, (for the hundredth time!) and I was listening to the song 'Leather on my Shoes' when a thought appeared to me. The lyrics 'on the freedom road', during that song; even though it was many years ago, was that a precursor to the song "The Road to Freedom", or are they entirely unrelated? Thanks for giving us the gift of your music over the years. God bless you and family. Best, Mark
Chris de Burgh:
“Leather On My Shoes” may have used “out on freedom road”, but that was really about emigrants, people having to leave the country, because there is no work. But also the recognition that it’s time to give yourself a good kick up the backside and say “right, I am going to go out there and do something with my life and be somebody”. And to say that I have got leather on my shoes means that I can walk, I can go. Even if the times are tough, I am ready. There was not supposed to be in years later a relationship between “out on freedom road” in “Leather On My Shoes” and “The Road To Freedom”, which is an entirely different story. But of course it does use the same words. “Road To Freedom” is about a farmer and his son. And the farmer does not believe that his fight for freedom is going to change anything. Because he is old and he is cynical and he has seen it all before. And most of all he loves his son and he wants his son to come home alive.
Mark (36) from Phoenix, Arizona, USA:
Chris, I was listening to the Flying Colours CD, (for the hundredth time!) and I was listening to the song 'Leather on my Shoes' when a thought appeared to me. The lyrics 'on the freedom road', during that song; even though it was many years ago, was that a precursor to the song "The Road to Freedom", or are they entirely unrelated? Thanks for giving us the gift of your music over the years. God bless you and family. Best, Mark
Chris de Burgh:
“Leather On My Shoes” may have used “out on freedom road”, but that was really about emigrants, people having to leave the country, because there is no work. But also the recognition that it’s time to give yourself a good kick up the backside and say “right, I am going to go out there and do something with my life and be somebody”. And to say that I have got leather on my shoes means that I can walk, I can go. Even if the times are tough, I am ready. There was not supposed to be in years later a relationship between “out on freedom road” in “Leather On My Shoes” and “The Road To Freedom”, which is an entirely different story. But of course it does use the same words. “Road To Freedom” is about a farmer and his son. And the farmer does not believe that his fight for freedom is going to change anything. Because he is old and he is cynical and he has seen it all before. And most of all he loves his son and he wants his son to come home alive.
November 21, 2005
Andy Haynes (47) from Leicester, England:
Hi Chris, all your concerts are special (he says creeping) but sometimes the setting for an outdoor concert just gives it that something extra, whether it be a field in front of Ragley Hall with amazing views of the Cotswolds, the courtyard at Hampton Court or an Asda car park in Doncaster! Which is your particular favourite place for an open air concert? Also, on your travels have you ever come across a place that you have thought would make a great setting for a concert but where you haven't yet managed to play? My suggestions would be in front of Lake Louise in Canada with the mountains as a backdrop or at the ruins of Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire (where I believe they do have concerts). That would be a great place for "Brother John"! Best Wishes, Andy Haynes
Chris de Burgh:
Andy, I absolutely adored the open-air shows that I did with the orchestra and the choir and the band and anything up to 10,000 people who came with picnics. And I’d love to do them again some time. The outstanding venues that I have done in the past, I would say, would have been for example Hampton Court Palace with the echoes of so many historical events in and around Hampton Court. I suppose, in particular one thinks of Henry VIII and his wives. It is an extraordinarily beautiful venue to perform in. Also in front of Blenheim Palace, it is such a beautiful and historical place. I had the chance to go back there recently to do a BBC television program called “Songs Of Praise” where I sang the song “The Words ‘I Love You’” and looked around the interior. And it is wonderful to think that there have been people in history like the Churchill family who created such an outstanding monument for the future. Not just thinking about their own lives and their own comforts, but also recognizing that a beautiful place like that is a gift to the future. Similarly I would look at somewhere like Castle Howard, where I performed another outdoor show. In the future I suppose there are favourite spots. I’d love to do a series of concerts along the river Rhine, maybe from a boat to people in front of a beautiful location. I remember in the town of Würzburg, doing a concert in the grounds of the castle way up above the river, and it was a beautiful day when I was doing the Liederfest back in the early 80s. And that was an extraordinary venue. And of course the castles around Bavaria, built by King Ludwig would be also a stunning setting. I think though if you looked at some of the great places around the world, the pyramids, the Taj Mahal, it would be an honour to be able to perform in such an extraordinary environment.
Andy Haynes (47) from Leicester, England:
Hi Chris, all your concerts are special (he says creeping) but sometimes the setting for an outdoor concert just gives it that something extra, whether it be a field in front of Ragley Hall with amazing views of the Cotswolds, the courtyard at Hampton Court or an Asda car park in Doncaster! Which is your particular favourite place for an open air concert? Also, on your travels have you ever come across a place that you have thought would make a great setting for a concert but where you haven't yet managed to play? My suggestions would be in front of Lake Louise in Canada with the mountains as a backdrop or at the ruins of Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire (where I believe they do have concerts). That would be a great place for "Brother John"! Best Wishes, Andy Haynes
Chris de Burgh:
Andy, I absolutely adored the open-air shows that I did with the orchestra and the choir and the band and anything up to 10,000 people who came with picnics. And I’d love to do them again some time. The outstanding venues that I have done in the past, I would say, would have been for example Hampton Court Palace with the echoes of so many historical events in and around Hampton Court. I suppose, in particular one thinks of Henry VIII and his wives. It is an extraordinarily beautiful venue to perform in. Also in front of Blenheim Palace, it is such a beautiful and historical place. I had the chance to go back there recently to do a BBC television program called “Songs Of Praise” where I sang the song “The Words ‘I Love You’” and looked around the interior. And it is wonderful to think that there have been people in history like the Churchill family who created such an outstanding monument for the future. Not just thinking about their own lives and their own comforts, but also recognizing that a beautiful place like that is a gift to the future. Similarly I would look at somewhere like Castle Howard, where I performed another outdoor show. In the future I suppose there are favourite spots. I’d love to do a series of concerts along the river Rhine, maybe from a boat to people in front of a beautiful location. I remember in the town of Würzburg, doing a concert in the grounds of the castle way up above the river, and it was a beautiful day when I was doing the Liederfest back in the early 80s. And that was an extraordinary venue. And of course the castles around Bavaria, built by King Ludwig would be also a stunning setting. I think though if you looked at some of the great places around the world, the pyramids, the Taj Mahal, it would be an honour to be able to perform in such an extraordinary environment.
November 20, 2005
Doris Langenau (41) from Vienna, Austria:
Dear Chris! From my earliest childhood until now I always feel somehow incomplete, like there is anything missing in my life. Between the age of 25 and 30 (that late!) I began to realize that all events in my life - even the unimportant ones - and some people on my way (which I never exactly know) could help me find some parts of the puzzle to make me feel more complete (reading some books also had that effect). It's like coming home step by step from a vast and strange landscape, where you have thousands of possibilities to choose the wrong way and get lost. Being blessed with two wonderful daughters and a loving husband - that's really a gift - has become the most important guide in my actual life. But even now, with the overwhelming experience and joy of maternity and the steadily growing love and understanding for every kind of being there's so much left to find + learn + do and there are still signs on my never-ending way waiting to be seen and showing me the direction to my final home. Only recently - some weeks ago - when I switched through the channels to escape the commercials - I watched by chance part of a concert of The Road To Freedom tour. Unfortunately I missed the first half of it. I never knew any of your songs except Lady In Red and so I was really struck by your wonderful music and the whole spectrum of feelings you can evoke in any listener. That was another step for me - I found the music I always missed. Thank you!!!! Now I dare to ask: Are you still searching or do you feel complete? Do you think one life is enough to complete the puzzle? I'm asking especially you because I think you are closer to yourself and your home than I am to mine. (Otherwise you couldn't impress and delight so many people - or make them cry like I did when I heard Here For You) - Love and peace for you and your family.
Chris de Burgh:
This is a fascinating question in itself. And I am sure a lot of people reading this will ask themselves, do they have the same thoughts, the same questions in their life. For me life is always full of questions, it is always full of, you know, “where have I come from?”, “where am I going?”, “the people around me – how are they?”. Although I must admit I am not absorbed by the reasons we are on the planet earth. I think it’s complete chance anyway. Although I’d also believe that there is a superior power that is around us at all times. Nevertheless there are questions to be asked, not just about human fallibility, but also the great things that humans can do and achieve, particularly if they are to make other people’s lives better, happier and stronger. I think it would be a mistake for me to say that I feel complete. I think very few people can say they feel complete, but I must admit that I do feel I am a person who understands a lot more about myself than perhaps some people can. Mainly because I have time to do this. It’s almost my job to dig deep inside myself and feel the feelings. I can go straight to strong feelings almost immediately. I can describe a situation for example to somebody like you mentioned the song “Here For You”, and I can feel that whole thing so powerfully so quickly that the tears prick on my eyes within seconds. I am very much in touch with my emotions. And I think also I have a lot of love to give. It’s almost like my heart is very full of love and I have a lot of it to share. I am not a negative person, I am a positive person. I love to give. And perhaps this is what comes through my music and comes through my words that I am a person that is as weak as everybody else and as scared as everybody else, but also I have strength to share. And for those people out there of which there are millions and millions who need help, who need reassurance, who need comfort, well I am in a situation where I have that little bit extra which I can share and hopefully it will make people feel better.
Doris Langenau (41) from Vienna, Austria:
Dear Chris! From my earliest childhood until now I always feel somehow incomplete, like there is anything missing in my life. Between the age of 25 and 30 (that late!) I began to realize that all events in my life - even the unimportant ones - and some people on my way (which I never exactly know) could help me find some parts of the puzzle to make me feel more complete (reading some books also had that effect). It's like coming home step by step from a vast and strange landscape, where you have thousands of possibilities to choose the wrong way and get lost. Being blessed with two wonderful daughters and a loving husband - that's really a gift - has become the most important guide in my actual life. But even now, with the overwhelming experience and joy of maternity and the steadily growing love and understanding for every kind of being there's so much left to find + learn + do and there are still signs on my never-ending way waiting to be seen and showing me the direction to my final home. Only recently - some weeks ago - when I switched through the channels to escape the commercials - I watched by chance part of a concert of The Road To Freedom tour. Unfortunately I missed the first half of it. I never knew any of your songs except Lady In Red and so I was really struck by your wonderful music and the whole spectrum of feelings you can evoke in any listener. That was another step for me - I found the music I always missed. Thank you!!!! Now I dare to ask: Are you still searching or do you feel complete? Do you think one life is enough to complete the puzzle? I'm asking especially you because I think you are closer to yourself and your home than I am to mine. (Otherwise you couldn't impress and delight so many people - or make them cry like I did when I heard Here For You) - Love and peace for you and your family.
Chris de Burgh:
This is a fascinating question in itself. And I am sure a lot of people reading this will ask themselves, do they have the same thoughts, the same questions in their life. For me life is always full of questions, it is always full of, you know, “where have I come from?”, “where am I going?”, “the people around me – how are they?”. Although I must admit I am not absorbed by the reasons we are on the planet earth. I think it’s complete chance anyway. Although I’d also believe that there is a superior power that is around us at all times. Nevertheless there are questions to be asked, not just about human fallibility, but also the great things that humans can do and achieve, particularly if they are to make other people’s lives better, happier and stronger. I think it would be a mistake for me to say that I feel complete. I think very few people can say they feel complete, but I must admit that I do feel I am a person who understands a lot more about myself than perhaps some people can. Mainly because I have time to do this. It’s almost my job to dig deep inside myself and feel the feelings. I can go straight to strong feelings almost immediately. I can describe a situation for example to somebody like you mentioned the song “Here For You”, and I can feel that whole thing so powerfully so quickly that the tears prick on my eyes within seconds. I am very much in touch with my emotions. And I think also I have a lot of love to give. It’s almost like my heart is very full of love and I have a lot of it to share. I am not a negative person, I am a positive person. I love to give. And perhaps this is what comes through my music and comes through my words that I am a person that is as weak as everybody else and as scared as everybody else, but also I have strength to share. And for those people out there of which there are millions and millions who need help, who need reassurance, who need comfort, well I am in a situation where I have that little bit extra which I can share and hopefully it will make people feel better.
November 19, 2005
Jorgen From Petersen (45) from Denmark:
A great Danish singer asked me some time ago, if I would translate your song "Here is your paradise" to Danish. He had already contacted your record label in this matter. A very beautiful tune, I think. But as a result of my difficulties with the lyrics - it gives different meanings (to me) - I got stuck. And two month from now, the great Danish artist died. Very, very sad. But I'm still curious about your lyrics. Is it a song to a dying person… a dead person… or a lost love? I hope you will help me on this.
Chris de Burgh:
This is an interesting question from Denmark about “Here Is Your Paradise”. This song is really about noticing what you have got, why you have got it, and don’t wait until it is too late. “I never knew love could be a silence in the heart, a moment when the time is still. And all I have been looking for is right here in my arms, just waiting for the chance to begin.” What this really is about is looking at the partner that you have, and realize that up to a certain point you both share the same book of life. “And in the dark night, you'll follow the bright light, and go where the love must go.” Really, this is a song that came from the album “This Way Up” and I was, I suppose, thinking about people turning to somebody that has been for a long time somebody that means a lot to them, and saying “we share the same road, the same journey of life and this is our paradise.” Don’t wait until the next life to find paradise, you have got to create it here on earth, where you can and with whom you can.
Jorgen From Petersen (45) from Denmark:
A great Danish singer asked me some time ago, if I would translate your song "Here is your paradise" to Danish. He had already contacted your record label in this matter. A very beautiful tune, I think. But as a result of my difficulties with the lyrics - it gives different meanings (to me) - I got stuck. And two month from now, the great Danish artist died. Very, very sad. But I'm still curious about your lyrics. Is it a song to a dying person… a dead person… or a lost love? I hope you will help me on this.
Chris de Burgh:
This is an interesting question from Denmark about “Here Is Your Paradise”. This song is really about noticing what you have got, why you have got it, and don’t wait until it is too late. “I never knew love could be a silence in the heart, a moment when the time is still. And all I have been looking for is right here in my arms, just waiting for the chance to begin.” What this really is about is looking at the partner that you have, and realize that up to a certain point you both share the same book of life. “And in the dark night, you'll follow the bright light, and go where the love must go.” Really, this is a song that came from the album “This Way Up” and I was, I suppose, thinking about people turning to somebody that has been for a long time somebody that means a lot to them, and saying “we share the same road, the same journey of life and this is our paradise.” Don’t wait until the next life to find paradise, you have got to create it here on earth, where you can and with whom you can.
November 18, 2005
Dennis Muise (50) from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada:
Hi Chris, again thank you for many years of great music. My question is this: You have done a few cover songs such as Girl and In Dreams, which I think you did a fantastic job of. Anyway to the point, I know permission and royalties and such are required for an artist to record another's song, my question is: Has anybody ever turned you down and not given their permission?
Chris de Burgh:
Well I started off singing to people in the dining room, the banquette hall of the old castle I was brought up in, doing mainly folk songs, cover songs, Beatles, Bob Dylan, that sort of thing. And occasionally one of my own just to see how it would go down. Usually fairly unnoticed. But I don’t record many cover songs. As you have pointed out I have done “In Dreams” and “Girl”. Or “Always On My Mind” for example recorded by Elvis Presley. So the answer to your question is I very rarely do cover songs, because I prefer to write my own. So I have never been in the position of somebody saying “no, you can’t record this”. It has actually happened to my own songs, particularly when people wanted to do a version that uses words that are really stupid. You know, I avoid them and we have the right to say to somebody “no, you can’t change the words, if we don’t agree with them”. But most of the time in the many many times that my songs have been recorded, people are entitled to go ahead and record them as long as they alert the publisher to the fact they are doing that.
Dennis Muise (50) from Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada:
Hi Chris, again thank you for many years of great music. My question is this: You have done a few cover songs such as Girl and In Dreams, which I think you did a fantastic job of. Anyway to the point, I know permission and royalties and such are required for an artist to record another's song, my question is: Has anybody ever turned you down and not given their permission?
Chris de Burgh:
Well I started off singing to people in the dining room, the banquette hall of the old castle I was brought up in, doing mainly folk songs, cover songs, Beatles, Bob Dylan, that sort of thing. And occasionally one of my own just to see how it would go down. Usually fairly unnoticed. But I don’t record many cover songs. As you have pointed out I have done “In Dreams” and “Girl”. Or “Always On My Mind” for example recorded by Elvis Presley. So the answer to your question is I very rarely do cover songs, because I prefer to write my own. So I have never been in the position of somebody saying “no, you can’t record this”. It has actually happened to my own songs, particularly when people wanted to do a version that uses words that are really stupid. You know, I avoid them and we have the right to say to somebody “no, you can’t change the words, if we don’t agree with them”. But most of the time in the many many times that my songs have been recorded, people are entitled to go ahead and record them as long as they alert the publisher to the fact they are doing that.
November 17, 2005
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Hi Chris! Some people have phobias about such creatures as spiders and snakes. I'm not keen on creepy crawlies but get by O.K. - how about you? Also on these lines do you have any fear of such things as heights, flying (probably not that one?) etc? Thank you very much for taking the time to answer so many questions! Chris R
Chris de Burgh:
This is another very familiar name to me, and a great supporter. Chris, yes I am actually freaked out by snakes. And I think people who don’t like spiders for example obviously have a sheer terror of these things. For me I save them all the time. If there is a spider in the bath or a spider inside, and the people in my house are all screaming and pointing at them, I am the guy that goes and puts them under a glass and takes them gently outside and releases them. I do this a lot, to be honest, to anything that I can save. Even flies in the house I try to get them out of the window rather than having to kill them. You know, we are all given this gift of life somehow, and I feel it is good to protect it where you can. But snakes do it for me. I am really, I wouldn’t say terrified of snakes, but they make me feel really weird. I don’t like being near snakes. I think this goes back to when I was a little boy and living in Africa, and they were everywhere, all of the time. And I think three members of my family were bitten by snakes. And to this day I don’t like the way they feel, I don’t like it when I touch them. Actually I don’t do that very often, touch them. If I go to a zoo and I see them moving around or indeed living in California, I used to go out on walks up in the hills, and there’d be rattlesnakes and that was pretty scary for me. So snakes would be my number one phobia. But really I am not frightened of anything else in that respect more or less than anybody else is of flying or deep sea diving or something like that.
Chris Raymond (53) from Whitton, Twickenham, UK:
Hi Chris! Some people have phobias about such creatures as spiders and snakes. I'm not keen on creepy crawlies but get by O.K. - how about you? Also on these lines do you have any fear of such things as heights, flying (probably not that one?) etc? Thank you very much for taking the time to answer so many questions! Chris R
Chris de Burgh:
This is another very familiar name to me, and a great supporter. Chris, yes I am actually freaked out by snakes. And I think people who don’t like spiders for example obviously have a sheer terror of these things. For me I save them all the time. If there is a spider in the bath or a spider inside, and the people in my house are all screaming and pointing at them, I am the guy that goes and puts them under a glass and takes them gently outside and releases them. I do this a lot, to be honest, to anything that I can save. Even flies in the house I try to get them out of the window rather than having to kill them. You know, we are all given this gift of life somehow, and I feel it is good to protect it where you can. But snakes do it for me. I am really, I wouldn’t say terrified of snakes, but they make me feel really weird. I don’t like being near snakes. I think this goes back to when I was a little boy and living in Africa, and they were everywhere, all of the time. And I think three members of my family were bitten by snakes. And to this day I don’t like the way they feel, I don’t like it when I touch them. Actually I don’t do that very often, touch them. If I go to a zoo and I see them moving around or indeed living in California, I used to go out on walks up in the hills, and there’d be rattlesnakes and that was pretty scary for me. So snakes would be my number one phobia. But really I am not frightened of anything else in that respect more or less than anybody else is of flying or deep sea diving or something like that.
November 16, 2005
Chris High (38) from Wirral, England:
Hi Chris!! Firstly, thanks very much for the FANTASTIC show you put on at the Liverpool Cathedral. I know that myself, Helen, Steve Bennett and his wife Claire enjoyed the show immensely and that Diane Perry thought it well travelling up for. A great night indeed. Now, for my question. I've heard somewhere that you used to perform Spanish Train in some sort of fancy dress, is this right? And, if it is, when did you stop this, why and will you be returning to singing this great tune of yours dressed up in future. Thanks again Chris and I hope to see you again soon. Best Wishes, Chris High!!
Chris de Burgh:
Of course I know Chris very well and the fantastic work that he does along with Steve Bennett in the aid of blind people, using my songs to create stories that blind people can listen to. They are expanded stories and I can thoroughly recommend anybody who wants to have a listen and help this project to log on to his website at www.chrishigh.com . Questions about “Spanish Train” and did I ever perform it in costume? Well, I cannot recall ever having done this. I know that I used to do “Moonlight & Vodka” wearing a long trench coat and a hat. And I know that also during “Spanish Train” in the early years, I used to have this trigger mechanism where cards would fly off at a certain point when I said “my hand wins”. These cards would fly off into the audience and some people still have them and have kept a hold of them. But “Spanish Train” is for me one of the key songs that started me off as a storyteller. And I am quite certain that it will be re-performed with the band in the future.
Chris High (38) from Wirral, England:
Hi Chris!! Firstly, thanks very much for the FANTASTIC show you put on at the Liverpool Cathedral. I know that myself, Helen, Steve Bennett and his wife Claire enjoyed the show immensely and that Diane Perry thought it well travelling up for. A great night indeed. Now, for my question. I've heard somewhere that you used to perform Spanish Train in some sort of fancy dress, is this right? And, if it is, when did you stop this, why and will you be returning to singing this great tune of yours dressed up in future. Thanks again Chris and I hope to see you again soon. Best Wishes, Chris High!!
Chris de Burgh:
Of course I know Chris very well and the fantastic work that he does along with Steve Bennett in the aid of blind people, using my songs to create stories that blind people can listen to. They are expanded stories and I can thoroughly recommend anybody who wants to have a listen and help this project to log on to his website at www.chrishigh.com . Questions about “Spanish Train” and did I ever perform it in costume? Well, I cannot recall ever having done this. I know that I used to do “Moonlight & Vodka” wearing a long trench coat and a hat. And I know that also during “Spanish Train” in the early years, I used to have this trigger mechanism where cards would fly off at a certain point when I said “my hand wins”. These cards would fly off into the audience and some people still have them and have kept a hold of them. But “Spanish Train” is for me one of the key songs that started me off as a storyteller. And I am quite certain that it will be re-performed with the band in the future.
November 15, 2005
Chris de Burgh:
Well, it’s great to be back again here on Man On (the) Line, because I love to keep the communication lines open between myself and the fans all over the world. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for the wonderful messages left in the guestbook which is quite amazing. When I think about how my music has touched people’s lives all over the world. It’s a very humbling thing to be perfectly honest and all the messages that have come in from countries like Iran, South America, Argentina (the country of my birth), from Canada, from Australia, from Germany, from England, Ireland – all of them have meant a lot to me. So, thank you everybody for that, and please keep them coming. I’d like to apologize for the fact that it’s been quite a long time since Man On (the) Line has been up on the website, but it has been a very busy summer for me. And just briefly I can tell you what I have been doing. July of course was spent in Germany, doing a series of mostly outdoor shows and I really thoroughly enjoyed them. The atmosphere was amazing and fantastic, and the weather was kind most of the time. The solo shows for me are a really good expression of how a concert isn’t just a performer on a stage, it is everybody together. In August and September, I have been carrying on working on a number of projects that I mentioned before: My stage musical project, a film project (Through These Eyes), and now what’s been emerging is “The Storyman” project. And “The Storyman” project will be an album out hopefully towards next autumn. And the tour, just a short tour of mine with band, is now on the cards for November next year. And the details of course are up on the website. Time seems to go by very quickly these days. And in the last few months I have been just so busy. It’s funny because the first few months of the year was a creatively quiet time for me. But the last few months things have really picked up. With television specials for example with BBC Television coming up, which will be out on January the 1st. I also did during the summer a program with Discovery Channel which will be on the television quite shortly. And a number of other things which tend to take up a lot of time. So it is now my opportunity to get down to the questions that people have sent in. And those of you who have asked these questions a long time ago, I hope the answers are still relevant. And I also hope that you forgive me for being so long in getting back, because certainly for me, and I know for Astrid, it does take up a lot of our time. But, you know, it’s really worth it.
Chris de Burgh:
Well, it’s great to be back again here on Man On (the) Line, because I love to keep the communication lines open between myself and the fans all over the world. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for the wonderful messages left in the guestbook which is quite amazing. When I think about how my music has touched people’s lives all over the world. It’s a very humbling thing to be perfectly honest and all the messages that have come in from countries like Iran, South America, Argentina (the country of my birth), from Canada, from Australia, from Germany, from England, Ireland – all of them have meant a lot to me. So, thank you everybody for that, and please keep them coming. I’d like to apologize for the fact that it’s been quite a long time since Man On (the) Line has been up on the website, but it has been a very busy summer for me. And just briefly I can tell you what I have been doing. July of course was spent in Germany, doing a series of mostly outdoor shows and I really thoroughly enjoyed them. The atmosphere was amazing and fantastic, and the weather was kind most of the time. The solo shows for me are a really good expression of how a concert isn’t just a performer on a stage, it is everybody together. In August and September, I have been carrying on working on a number of projects that I mentioned before: My stage musical project, a film project (Through These Eyes), and now what’s been emerging is “The Storyman” project. And “The Storyman” project will be an album out hopefully towards next autumn. And the tour, just a short tour of mine with band, is now on the cards for November next year. And the details of course are up on the website. Time seems to go by very quickly these days. And in the last few months I have been just so busy. It’s funny because the first few months of the year was a creatively quiet time for me. But the last few months things have really picked up. With television specials for example with BBC Television coming up, which will be out on January the 1st. I also did during the summer a program with Discovery Channel which will be on the television quite shortly. And a number of other things which tend to take up a lot of time. So it is now my opportunity to get down to the questions that people have sent in. And those of you who have asked these questions a long time ago, I hope the answers are still relevant. And I also hope that you forgive me for being so long in getting back, because certainly for me, and I know for Astrid, it does take up a lot of our time. But, you know, it’s really worth it.
November 14, 2005
Editor's note:
Good news for everyone who has been waiting for MOtL to come back online: Tomorrow we will start again with this section, updating it daily with new questions and answers from Chris de Burgh! Stay tuned!
Editor's note:
Good news for everyone who has been waiting for MOtL to come back online: Tomorrow we will start again with this section, updating it daily with new questions and answers from Chris de Burgh! Stay tuned!