Paolo Nutini reveals his debt to Christy Moore
Hot Press cover star opens up about his influences, citing the Kildare folk legend among them and notes the importance of Irish music to his career
The Hot Press Newsdesk, 03 Jun 2011
Scottish singing sensation Paolo Nutini has spoken of his great respect for Irish musicians, putting Christy Moore at the very top of his list of heroes.
In our current cover story, Celina Murphy caught up with the photogenic singer and found him in a slightly regretful mood, as he confessed just how gutted he was to miss Moore's recent show in Scotland.
"Just recently he came over with Declan Sinnott for a show in Glasgow, and I missed it by one day!” he rues. “Two of my friends were in and they said it was fucking great. There’s something about going to see performers who are that sort of fragile – but assured at the same time. I mean, Christy Moore, man, he’ll make you cry but don’t fuck him about! Don’t mess him about!"
Nutini's respect for Moore is evident when he discusses the effect that the Kildare native's classic 'Ride On' had on him growing up.
"Apart from a few of the more traditional folk songs, I remember his version of ‘Ride On’ was one of the first pieces of Irish music that I’d ever heard," he recalls. "I remember just the line, what’s the wee line? “I turn to face an empty space, where you used to lie/And look for a spark that lights the night/Through a teardrop in my eye”, and I remember hearing that. At the time, I had nothing really to feel too melancholy about… but I did after that song!"
It's a song that the Oxegen-bound singer has played to audiences before, but Nutini is particularly modest when it comes to his version.
"Whenever we get the chance, I do a little version of ‘Ride On’, just a little wee nod, but I do it no justice.”
Paolo's love and respect for Irish artists doesn't end there. Just last year he cited Damien Rice as a huge influence and is a noted fan of Thin Lizzy. He holds the same regard for Irish audiences, and is looking forward to his Oxegen appearance.
“It’s something about Irish musicians,” he said. There’s a lot of amazing Irish musicians, nobody needs to be told that, and coming over there and getting an Irish crowd going means that you’re doing something right. They’re used to some good music, so they can spot the rubbish!”
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