MacD on Music: Something To Make You Change Your Mind

Over the years, Derry has played host to many legendary artists. From Fleetwood Mac (the Peter Green version), to Pearl Jam to Glen Campbell to (almost) The Beatles (seriously. Look it up. It’s in the book ‘City of Music’). In recent times Kieran Dunlop and Music Capital have been keeping this tradition alive, bringing artists like Luka Bloom, T’Pau and Hothouse Flowers to our fine city.

Next month (the 9th November, to be exact), Music Capital will be bringing the legendary Ralph McTell to the Guildhall for what is sure to be a brilliant night of music and storytelling. I spoke with Ralph ahead of this gig and we discussed his connections to Ireland, the upcoming concert and, of course, the iconic ‘Streets of London’.

First up, we spoke about his return to Derry: “I love any excuse to come to Ireland. I’ve got to know a little bit about Derry because Frank Gallagher, who’s producing my forthcoming album, lives there, so I’ve been making more frequent visits. I couldn’t say I know the town, but I’m delighted to be coming back. I’m just pleased to be back in Ireland and, as an Englishman, I feel very honoured that I’ve got so many people that are so keen to have a go at some of my songs and I think my connection with Ireland is more spiritual than musical in some sense because I get on so well with the people.”

Next, we moved onto the legendary ‘Streets of London’ and the many, many different versions that exist: “There’s about 400 that are documented, but there’s thousands that don’t get documented, of course, from amateur players and schools and all that sort of thing.

"It’s a lovely thought to think that you might be remembered for something after you’ve shuffled off, but actually, the fact that lots of people use ‘Streets of London’ as a teaching aide, I think that’s the biggest compliment of all. They use it in schools and guitar teachers use it as well as an instructional piece, which is very gratifying.”

I asked Ralph if there were any particular covers that have stood out to him over the years: “Sinéad O’Connor did a deeply touching version of it some years ago. She mentioned the song several times in her life as being important to her. I never got to meet her, which I deeply regret, because I was hoping that she might have considered doing one of the songs for my new album.

"But one is very careful about someone who’s just passed away, and a great loss to Ireland and it’s culture and music, I think, personally. I don’t want to appear that I’m just saying this because of Sinéad’s recent passing, but it was a lovely, young, tender version and she had to stop singing halfway through because she was so moved by it.

"I have to say, that is one of my favourites, but I very seldom listen to other people doing it because, and I don’t want to sound blasé, but there are too many to listen to, which is a nice thing in one way. I don’t want to cast judgement on anything, but I’m particularly fond of Sinéad’s version. Also, Glen Campbell did a brilliant version of it, and Harry Belafonte has recorded it. Lots of lovely people have played it and they all play it for it’s message. I think, above anything else, it’s the message of the song that appeals.”

After that I asked him if there was ever a moment where he knew he’d made it: “You never make it in this game. There’s always the next field, the next hill to climb. I only really wanted to be a guitar player. I only started writing songs because people said ‘oh, that’s a nice tune, why don’t you write some words to that?’. I still want to be a good guitar player, and that occupies all my free time. I sit with the guitar on the sofa and noodle away and sometimes an idea comes but mostly it doesn’t. I don’t think one makes it, really.

"The fact that people might know my name and it’s mostly through one song, I’d love them to know more of the songs, and thankfully it seems that I’m on a bit of an upward curve at the moment.”

And that’s that for another week. This column could easily be double the length but, unfortunately, I only have so much room here (and a huge backlog of interviews over the next few weeks), so we have to wrap things up here.

Ralph McTell will be playing the Guildhall on Thursday 9th November. Tickets are running out fast so get them while you still can.

Ralph can be found on Facebook and Instagram @ralphmctellofficial. For more information about Music Capital and what’s coming up from them, check out their Facebook and Instagram @musiccapital and musiccapital.org.