Luke Kelly: (The Bonny) Shoals Of Herring

[paullavan2011]

I always loved this song, especially by Mr MacColl, but I never heard it until now.

[tbllk36]

Find me one singer in the world that could sing it this good and with this much feeling. I thought so. None but Luke.

[mooneyskitchen]

yes luke Kelly could sing any song add i would be there all the way....

[TheColdWish]

true, real sailers song, this one. i like.

[firbolg1963]

Clancy version good,macall so so,Lukes your man on this one.A film producer will use this and it will be huge.

[7777eire]

with out a doubt the best ever ... I think this is also his best song love it  :)

[spudseamus]

Why do yiz all love this man? because of the passion he sings with --throws his head back lets it rip!! and the diction my God the diction --

[patsyod]

Luke, I've sung this song a hundred times and not one of them came near to your version. R.I.P. They must be having the Craic up there!

[whirving]

I grew up fishing on small boats inn Alaska. My father and brother were herring chokers, I fished for Salmon. This song is occupies a piece of my heart.

[irishgeal1]

luke has cast his net worldwide with this magic version as we have come to exspect,

[wissbyt]

simply awesome

[MONTAGNEVILLE]

LUKE DELIVERS A SONG WITH PASSION AND EMOTION-HE USES HIS BANJO AND HE USES HIS VOICE.RIP LUKE.

[lovatt51]

saw the dubliners last month and in my own ignorance always thought of the great ronnie drew as the main man, i`ve now found luke kelly and i just can`t get enough of the great man, thank you kellyoneill for all the songs and videos of luke. more please, and still love ronnie as well

[sorr3nto]

a great song sung by a great singer

[miszugene]

Chyba już wiem, czemu wolę słuchać Luka Kellego bardziej niż innych folkowych wykonawców: Luke nie pozuje, nie występuje, nie mizdrzy się do publiki, nie jest aktorem. On chyba kocha to, co śpiewa i jest pewny, że słuchacze też to pokochają, a nie jego.

[miszugene]

Pity, I haven't discovered Luke Kelly earlier! Thanks, KELLYONEILL.

[DShaw42011]

who pressed the blood dislike button? Fuh Q

[dubb1995]

I've heard this song thousands of times, and yet tonight, after not hearing it for a while i felt tears rolling down my cheeks as i listened to Luke sing. Says it all really....

[irishgeal1]

luke did not sing this with his voice, he sang it with his soul.

[342cga]

@irishgeal1

He did indeed. Amazing sound

[WalterWonka]

what a beautifully incredible voice

[nipplebrady1988]

whats awsome about most of luke songs is the first verse! like this thirty foot trailer and many more just his haunting voice

[firbolg1963]

Liam Clancey did this fine,I think this is better

[angelf1re]

PERFECTION.

[angelf1re]

Luke was a "one off" there can be no other like him, he was unique. He lived EVERY song he performed. He was singing with a band of the finest musicians Ireland has ever produced, enjoy them, their like will never be reproduced.

Phil*

[AncientBohemoth]

Luke doesn't just sing the song, he "lives" the song! :o)

I'm also inclined to think this is his best performance, along side "Tramps and Hawkers" and this particular version of "Rocky road to Dublin" found here thanks to kellyoneill: watch?v=2w0PygVzNCc

P.S Thanks for bringing this "Real" music back to my ears. :o)

[kellyoneill]

@AncientBohemoth My Pleasure :)

[marykaye35]

@AncientBohemoth I agree. I think this is his best. I love all of his songs but this one hits home. Thanks again, Kelly.

[rodrigonavarrodiaz]

@AncientBohemoth I think exactly the same! I would add the Net hauling song

[sunnybanjo1970]

The tears are running down my cheeks whenever I hear Luke singing. Thanks, kellyoneill for providing us with these marvellous, heaven-sent moments.

[nipplebrady1988]

outstanding!!! haunting almost

[TheCLLLKM]

Sorry but EVERYTIME he came up to sing THAT WAS HIS BEST .

An absolute fkn LEGEND

[spice021]

what a voice

[schiple]

the best singer in the world...ever!!!

[MusicMadGuy2010]

It's difficult to choose a Luke Kelly song, the guy never sang a bad one in his life, this one 'Shoals of Herring' ranks very high in my opinion, as does the mid 70s version of 'The Rocky Road to Dublin' where he sung the same verse twice, that performance was stunning.

He's the closest to Genius I've seen in a whitman...A Stunning Performer and sorely missed by those who loved his music.

His music and briliant voice wil endure for a very long time.

Patrick (Ireland)

[MusicMadGuy2010]

Wow! the closest to genius I've seen in a white man...

S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G

[irishgeal1]

lukes hits natures rhythmic tune in everyone that hears this, sub consciously we are drawing to his hypnotizing vocals, his tone of voice, but most of all, his beautiful dublin irish accent.

[shareman100]

Best version ever !!!

[shipscompass]

I earned me keep and I paid me way and I earned the gear that I was wearin

Absolutely superb and unforgettable.

[McAteerPaul]

A voice that walks on water..

[MusicMadGuy2010]

I agree with dubb1995, it's probably the best five minutes of music and song that you'll ever hear. Simply Stunning.

Patrick (Ireland).

[joeygsmom]

anytime Im in a bad mood I just listen to Luke, works every time :-)

[jakethepeg33]

how good is that? i have never herd one sing so well as" Luke", what a song and how well it is performed, this is bloody magnificient, changes the mood completly. good on ya luke RIP

[philzbike9]

when luke kelly throws his head back magicical things happen,god must have needed a singer,thanks luke

[verbanace]

I, as a Croatian person, am jealous of the Irish that the two best singers of the last century were born on the emerals isle, and by some quirky twist of fate they made part of the same musical group. RIP Ronnie and Luke and thank you.

[angryman9]

Fantastic.

[dubb1995]

I honestly believe that this may be the most brilliant, spellbinding and beautiful five minutes in the history of music. If that sounds like an exaggeration, put the headphones on, turn up the volume and you might just agree :)

[kanucare]

Did Luke ever sing a song badly - no I don't think so! Brilliant voice, raw emotion. 'The Town I loved so well', 'Scorn not his Simplicity', 'Raglan Road' the list is endless how do you pick a favourite? This was one of his best - Never had the privilege of hearing him sing live - you died too soon Luke RIP

[mcintop]

Love it, love it, love it, no one will ever sing it better, listened to it 7 times tonight, n prob thousands of times, and heard him singing it live,6/7 times, magic.

Cheers Peter

Cheers Peter

[helmuthoorn]

Hunted for the shoals of herring for 12 yrs .

Pity that the fishing industry is gradually being destroyed by EU regulations.

The sea is an addiction, you hate her and you love her at the same time and once she's in your blood you'll never get rid of her.

[irishgeal1]

LUKE KELLY, FOREVER.

[dubb1995]

Every time i hear this song i am once again convinced that Luke Kelly was far and away the greatest singer there has ever been, or ever will be. I do not fully understand what it is that affects me so, and perhaps that is how it should be.

[ajengland]

poolfan69

I could not but it better.

[poolfan69]

not only is it my favorite Luke song, its my favorite of all songs. Pure Class. Shivers up spine every time. listen to it loud and proud!!

[bagginsofdashire]

I heard him sing this live way back in the late 70s or so in Perth, Australia. He was as good live as he was in a studio. An awesome singer and a hell of a man. I never get tired of lsitening to Luke Kelly. R.I.P.

[ajengland]

Of all the versions of this, including Ewan MacColl, this is beyond any mere mortal.

[nooiuiu]

just for the first and last verses, this song deserves a spot on the top ten list of luke kelly's best vocal performances...

i wonder why it's not as well known......

[irishgeal1]

dam you luke, you set the bar to high for us mere mortals.

[njolnir]

What do people think is his best performance?

For me its that clip of them doing "Hot Asphault" - its hellish.

[horsemouth53]

when he sang scorn not on the jim mccann show.

[dubb1995]

Oh Luke....you do it every time i hear this song...you take me to a place i can't reach until i listen to your voice...you bring something i can't explain into what can otherwise be a tired and bleak world...an incredible sound that somehow manages to make things ok...thank you.

[oskhen85]

What do people think is his best performance? I'm inclined to think it's this one.

[kellyoneill]

I agree.

[oskhen85]

It's not easy to choose, however. I'm also completely in love with his High Germany - among others.

[LockhartSpain]

@oskhen85 And I

[dubb1995]

I think you may be right...Luke was at his absolute best when he recorded this...the most amazing, wonderful voice i have ever heard...affects me in a way i can't explain.

[darkdolores]

I think I like Travelling People best, or possibly Black Velvet Band. But they are all brilliant, aren't they? God rest him.

[roytheboy68]

@oskhen85

This is the most achingly beautiful piece of music I have heard ever. Will love it always. Used to listen to it whenever I felt sad or lonely. Reminded me that no matter how bitter ths world can be, there is still beauty out there. Thank you Luke.

[nuclearbigwill]

when i told my dad i was reading the lord of the rings he said to me "if that's your education, ships and navigation..." i thought it was from a book unitl now.

[lallytheboy]

Nuclearbigwill, great to hear that, but i'm pretty sure it's "that's your education, scraps of navigation"

[MrDaintyDavy]

Luke sure did like to sing!

Tis a shame we'll never see nor hear the likes again... Hail for the Luke Kelly Material Uploaders and Youtube!

Now... How can we convince the current music world to switch to Luke? :]

Sang with a passion as always Luke... \o/

[shannaghlad]

Another cracker from LukeI'm sure this warms the hearts of all fishermen no matter where they hail from.Thanks for sharing it.

[lrishRebeI]

classic

[fuckerfromfermanagh]

we have such a lot to be proud of from this wee Isle, but none more so than Luke Kelly!!!

[eevj83]

Oh I've got chills on top of my goosebumps... The beginning of this song is amazing, his voice is crystal clear! Thank you once again for sharing this.

[schiple]

I listened to Ewen McColl sing this song and I listened to the Clancy Brothers sing this song, and they are very good, Liam Clancy was brilliant even and then I listened to Luke, and no one comes even close. He is just amazing. Words cannot describe...don't know why I keep trying...

[opaldove]

How I agree with everything you say. I have the same problem...there just aren't the words to describe.

To me he is irreplaceable, there will never be another Luke Kelly.

[spudseamus]

i can only listen through head phones coz this is a server and has no speakers --- 'twas meant to be !! magic

[stradanus]

There was a beautiful strength in his voice, full of purpose and character, booming and expressive.

Beautiful ballad...

[shipscompass]

I earned me keep and I paid me way yes you did Luke.

[shipscompass]

It is because like all of his songs his heart is in it. The passion and the deep feelings are so obvious when Luke sings. What a man, will we ever see his like again.

[josparkes]

Very nice singing by Luke Kelly.

I know Yarmouth very well too !

Jo Sparkes

3/2/2009

[JoeM25]

I had never heard Luke Kelly before this video even though I've been listening to Irish Folk Music 25 years.He's up there with Finbar Furey as one of the greats of all time.Now I know what the fuss was all about.R.I.P.

[lars3939]

strange 25 years of Irish music and no Luke? really odd music selection you must have had...

[JoeM25]

I went from American Folk Music to Irish Folk,The Kingston Trio to the Clancy Brothers,to the Wolfetones and Fureys. I listened to the Dubliners some but I believe Luke had either left the group or passed away since Ronnie Drew,Paddy Reilly or Jim McCann was singing lead. I'm not claiming to be an Irish music expert but I will say that Luke Kelly has one of the greatest voices I've ever heard and it's my misfortune to have missed him all these years.

[davylinda]

your dead right. luke lives on!

[dubb1995]

This is the greatest, most powerful, most beautiful, most spinetingling five minutes of music ever recorded....close your eyes, play it through your headphones, listen closely and then tell me i'm wrong ! Luke Kelly....gentleman and genius.

[josparkes]

This is lovely, and the banjo is superb !

Like it very much, as LK is a legend.

Jo Sparkes

Norfolk

3/2/2009

[casperld]

I make it a rule to listen to any Lukes song through the headphones, Youre not wrong! I doesnt get better than this.

[kellyoneill]

Amazing isnt it?

[helmuthoorn]

Still miss the sea and the hard, but beautiful job of a trawlerman.

[jeannevdb]

thanks dubb1995 for sharing!

[jeannevdb]

beautiful song!

[malakitaki]

luke kelly made us proud i love his music

[pel1can]

it's as if luke was born to sing this song. a tour de force.

[mtsongs]

lukey was born to sing any song

[joeygsmom]

I agree 100%!

[stoneyhorsebox]

To bloody right!

[mtsongs]

not really, but then again why would he even bother

[ChampionTattoos]

oskhen85

you're a bit of a prat, are you not?

[dubb1995]

I am now convinced that if i could only ever listen to one song again for the rest of my life....this would be the one.

[stig194343]

I have been listening to this song for over 25 years and i never get tired of it! long may luke kelly and the dubliners carry on.

[ajengland]

Can you tell me how to get a copy of this , please, don't say download this, as I am crap on a PC. I use this thing to search the net & use ,U Tube of course!

[kellyoneill]

if you send me a PM with your email address i will send it to you.

[LockhartSpain]

@ajengland Somewhere I have a double album of Dubliners' tracks from this time. I will look it out and post.

[Liam987hebbo]

He must have been sent from Heaven just to sing for us. Luke the very Best the world has ever known.

[kellyoneill]

Agreed :)

[folkwisdom]

Hearing this song had me gripping my arms, with mouth open in amazement and rapture. Luke's voice is totally transporting. The only other time I have heard such connection to place was from a few master custodians of indigenous culture. Luke sits with them. Beautiful lyrics by Ewan MacColl, and lovely heartfelt strings. What an outpouring. No pop song ever moved me that much.

Thanks Kelly for sharing. All the posts are fantastic reading too, so much love for the man.

[ajengland]

If could sing,I would want to hide in a corner while Luke Kelly sang this.

[HEIDI5582]

I never get tired of hearing of listening to this man.

Thanks kellyoneill - you've added another dimension to my life!

[dubb1995]

It's just about impossible to imagine any other voice, in any other genre, to have the power and passion of Lukes. The last minute of the song particularly is Luke at his incredible, unbelievable best. Like Eamonn Campbell said.."Luke was to singing, what Pele was to soccer"....so, so tru.

[nacho1560]

Yes, Dubb, as a football fan he was Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldhino all rolled into one as a folk singer.

Magnificent.

[nickelsmine000]

How Very Powerful This Is!

[Liam987hebbo]

Hi Kelly, what a song.

[topendtim]

A song that my father would sing a capella at Irish weddindgs to great applause in years gone by.So beautiful..I always wanted to sing this magic song

[simmo303]

"Ewan MacColl" was a gifted writer ('The first time ever I saw your face' is terrific)and sang well but no-one, NO-ONE touches Luke. (I put quotes because that is not his original name.)

[doirecelt]

Hey Kelly thanks for taking the time to upload all your vids, love listening to the man meself. What a singer, pity I never got the chance to see him. Thanks again girl!!

[dubb1995]

Every time i listen to this song i hear something new. Luke takes you right onto the deck of a trawler and you can almost smell the sea.I honestly don't think i've ever heard a song sung better than this. Ever. It is so powerful that it takes the breath away.

[dtp1888]

just an ordinaty man, blessed with the ability to touch your heart, none better than yerman,

thank you kellyoneill for sharing all these beutiful songs,

[kellyoneill]

My Pleasure mate :)

[dubb1995]

Though his voice may now be silent

And his banjo plays no more

We will always hear Luke singing

About Irelands western shore

And although he had to leave us

To that place where angels dwell

We will always have the music

Of the man we love so well

[marcira1988]

well said

[dubb1995]

How can anyone begin to compare Ewan MacColl to Luke Kelly as a singer ? Luke was untouchable and always will be. Power, passion, empathy, he had it all. Ewan wrote great songs, but Luke was the one who brought them to life.

[howdofolks]

Luke Kelly - R I P , Legend

[ivelleh]

not a patch on ewan

[kellyoneill]

Ewan is a fantastic song writer, but a luke kelly he will never be!

especially on this song.

[duckman9791]

here here Kelly Luke is a genius, totally origional and will never be replaced. Everyone one elsse comes in a pale second. God bless you Luke

[jaytodt]

You have made a huge mistake my friend, as my comrades here have stated Ewan or anyone else for that matter should never be compared to this man in that light!! One Luke Kelly and that's it!!!

[mtsongs]

re; the comments on luke, has there been any other singer more loved, irish or otherwise, than luke kelly,personally i think luke deserves it all n more.

i saw luke n the dubs at southport theatre, possibly one of his last shows, n he was outstanding,but there was a strange vibe too.

i met luke one time, outside the mayflower ballroom,as he was getting into the van, i said, luke, 'have you any money',(a comment on a record), luke laughed out loud n flicked me 2 bob.what a guy, never forgotten.

[dubb1995]

I think you're quite right mtsongs. There is just something about the singing of Luke Kelly that seems to enrich those who hear it. And they love him for it. At times his voice makes you believe that anything is possible. What i love most about Luke was the way he always sang totally for the listener and not for himself. A much missed and much loved man.

[mcintop]

kellyoneill you are fab, playing shoals of herring my best Luke song, seen him many a time, had a pint with him backstage, some guy what a man, what a voice, every song he sings, makes it his own, peggy gordon, shoals,travling people,etc,etc, there will never be any one like him.

Tosh

[dubb1995]

You're a lucky man mcintop. My biggest regret is never seeing Luke sing live. And you're dead right too. Nobody sang like Luke. Think shoals of herring is my fave too. Luke more or less transports you to the deck of the ship. The last minute of the song particularly, is just stunning in it's intensity. The greatest singer there ever was.

[ufgatorpaw]

It's St Patricks Day and I love Luke Kelly! Wish I could have heard him sing in person, but alas...

At least we have Youtube! Long live the memory of Luke Kelly!

[shipscompass]

Over the past few months I have scientifically analysed using the latest available techniques why I like Luke so much and it's simple:- Passion, diction, empathy, pride etc etc, plus a ton of magic Irish "Angel Dust". Just the BEST!

[dubb1995]

kelly, i took your advice and listened to this on mp3 player. I'm still getting over it.Didn't think it could possibly sound better but once again Luke completely blew me away. He sang every song as if he were singing for you, and you alone. Truly wonderful. Thank you.

[kellyoneill]

:)

Niceone, through the mp3 its just out of this world, will never tire of listening to it.

[dubb1995]

A special Happy St Patricks day to you Kelly. I know this is your favourite Luke song, as it is mine, so thanks to you for bringing Luke's brilliance to so many people.Isn't it just wonderful to read the comments and know how loved Luke and his music are? Thanks again Kelly. x

[kellyoneill]

Thanks for the lovely comment,

:) yep this is deffo my fave song,

some of the comments for luke are really heartfelt, would be nice if luke himself could read through them,think he would be surprised himself to see just how loved he is all over the world.

hope you had a lovely St.Patricks day. x

[dubb1995]

hi kelly, i tried to accept your "friend" invitation but not sure how !! I followed the link in your email then got stuck! Help!!

[kellyoneill]

:)

when you follow the link there will be an option to accept or reject the invite,

should be just under my username.

[finlaymacinnes]

This is exactly what I fuckin love about youtube. Yesterday I had never heard of Luke Kelly. These postings are fuckin precious. Now I feel like I know the man personally.

[raphael2176]

If only you had stood beside him, as I have done, and heard him sing his heart out. What pleasure, a lifetime of memories.

Luke was a genius singer and we are so lucky to have his records. His voice will never age.

In my opinion Lukes version of this song is the definitive version but then I say that about all the songs he has recorded.

[raphael2176]

Just magical. Such a majestic performer. A prince sings for his subjects.

It is a joy to hear him sing.

We will never hear a better performer.

[dubb1995]

Every time i hear this i decide once again that its my fave Luke song.Just listen to the way he sings the words "sweating or cold, growing up, growing old" towards the end of the song. One of the best moments in music, of any kind, at any time. Love you Luke.

[iantoh53]

Amhran 'Bairi na Sgadan' abu! Nil tada cosuil le guth an fhir seo, grasta o Dhia ar a anam!

[latium746]

Luke was bloody marvelous, such a powerful rich voice and you could understand every word. I have some old vinyl LP's of the Dubliners somewhere, must dig 'em out for I had forgotten how wonderful they were, especially Luke, a class of is own that man!

[suecilla]

...What raphael said...after all these year..the most unforgettable voice I have ever heard.

[raphael2176]

Even now, more than 40 years after I first heard Luke, I am still in awe at his brillant voice. He sounded like this when he sang live. No wonder we can't fotget him

[astronomerroyal]

Indeed a fine rendition. I often sing the first couple of verses as I cycle to work. The vocal part has a great lilting rhythm that can be sung without any accompaniment, which makes it a perfect fisherman's song.

[doUcare4music]

this is a song about a boy, eager to be a man, while working as a man. It makes me smile, as boys still hunger to be men

unaware that they will be men for a lot longer than they will be boys. Luke is the only version for me.

[AGACANNA]

I love Luke Kelly but I rather Liam Clancy's cover of this great seafaring song.

[kellyoneill]

sorry have to disagree,

out of all of lukes songs this one has to be my fave, its out of this world!

[dubliner85]

I agree with Kelly, with this song no-one comes close to Luke, I've heard this song hundreds of times and it still blows me away...

[roddyjojo]

This is the best version of this song I've ever heard...I remember listening to it for the first time driving...you can see what he's singing about, his voice his fucken beautiful...

[raphael2176]

I think Lukes version is better although Liam Clancy'sersion is very good. Lukes voice is at it best here. This must be an early version. Unsurpassable in my opinion,you can almost see Luke fishing. Unbelivably brillant.

[derekmcdonnell]

does anyone no what the name of the cd that this track is on???? thanks...

[kellyoneill]

yeah, its on the 3 cd box set of the dubliners caled whiskey in the jar.

[bobkiely]

hauntingly beautiful voice!!! he is sorely missed

[jolyjacktar]

What a great sea ballad by a legendary performer. Many thanks .

[xValerieEx]

Brilliant Singer..

=]

..

!!

..

[uweschmiddy]

the best best best of all versions: that on here from Luke Kelly

[dubguy1961]

TootlingGeoff is right,it is an English song,an excellent one at that,Luke Kelly compliments it,like no other,but the Clancy brothers and Tommy Makem,alao do a damn good version as well.

[herrleutnant]

I love this song. Thanks