Across The Line is BBC Radio Ulster's programme focusing on the Northern Irish music scene. Additionally, they have produced tv programmes, but these have only been broadcast in Northern Ireland. These videos are from a special appearance which Neil Hannon made on one of those programmes in 1998.
Although born and raised in England, I was fortunate to have an Irish mother who regularly listened to Radio Ulster, albeit on a slightly crackly medium wave signal. It was through that that I learned of Neil Hannon's appearance on the tv show.
However, in those pre-iplayer-YouTube-P2P days, seeing the show was going to take a little effort for a boy in England. Thankfully, my uncle was able to record the show and post the tape to me. Hoorah!
Since then, I've copied the tape onto another tape whilst compiling various things I'd recorded from the telly. Somehow, I cut the end off the performance of "If" (from the then current Short Album About Love). I'm sure I've still got the original video somewhere, so I'll hopefully convert & upload that performance too at some point.
Incredible rendition of a soldier's favourite. I don't often go to church, but did last Sunday & this was the opening hymn of the mass. Find it hard not to get a lump in the throat at the best of times, but, the night before, I had read a stack of letters, sent home during WWII, from my uncles. Three of my uncles died. The letters had me weeping. Even in 1942, one of them wrote "This should be the last Christmas away". He died in 1943. All three died in 1943. Could hardly sing it. RIP & thanks.
therunningbadger 4 months ago
This's truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate it.
radako22 4 months ago