Luka Bloom at McGrory’s, Culdaff – August Bank Holiday weekend
My name is Frankie, and I am 57. Luka Bloom — also known as Barry Moore — is 71.
On the night, Luka appeared, as if by magic, at precisely 9pm, greeted the crowd warmly and moved straight into the beautiful instrumental ‘Beloved’ from his 2025 album Second Chance.
Luka’s day in Culdaff began with a swim in the sea and he spoke fondly about the beauty of floating on the sea; the sort of thing that can set you up for a grand day, and, as it turned out, a grand gig.
That story led naturally into ‘The Sea Is My Church’, a song that captured the healing power of the sea.
A couple of songs in, Luka even took time to look after the audience, pointing out vacant seats near the front for people who were standing at the bar. Seats were duly taken, usher duties over, and the show continued.
Next came ‘Heart Man’, from the 2012 album This New Morning, along with a tribute to Glen Hansard, the Irish singer-songwriter who shared vocals on the track.
Luka Bloom, on stage at McGrory’s, Culdaff on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Photo: Francis Ed Photography
Luka spoke about new songs, the need to keep writing, and how winter pushes him indoors towards fresh ideas.
One of those ideas was a surprising, and delightful, cover of David Bowie’s 1983 worldwide hit ‘Let’s Dance’. Luka’s version was light, brisk and stripped back, showing the strength of the song when carried by only guitar and voice. Luka’s concept of Hades is the comfort zone, so fair play to him for continuing to get up on his bike and create something new.
‘Peace on Earth’, from the 2005 album Innocence, followed. Although it was August, I could hear something of a Christmas tune in there — bells and all. You never know…
Then came the magnificent ‘City of Chicago’, written by Luka, that is part ode to brother Andy moving to California and, of course, a song made famous by Luka’s other brother, Christy. The song came about after Christy asked Luka, “Do you have any new songs?” “Well, actually…” — and the rest is history.
That led into a brilliant St Patrick’s Day in America story connected to ‘City of Chicago’. It is one you really need to hear from Luka himself, so I will not spoil it. You will just need to get yourself along to a Luka gig sometime soon… within the next 25 years.
‘Surfer Blues’ came with a particularly funny background story: in his early 50s, Luka decided to up sticks and move from his beloved County Kildare to County Clare, closer to his beloved Burren — the dramatic karst landscape known for its cracked limestone pavements.
On arriving in Clare, Luka took up surfing lessons — bizarrely with an instructor from, yes, you guessed it, County Kildare. ‘Surfer Blues’ was then played with wobbly surfer actions, and it was just brilliant.
Luka waxed regarding the desire to write music for films, although he often ends up doing so after watching said films…he would like to write music for. That was the case with the lovely rendition of ‘Exploring the Blue’, inspired by Luc Besson’s film The Big Blue.
The thing is, a Luka Bloom gig is not simply a performance; it is a gathering of people sharing a love of music — a music that is food for the soul. There is no entourage and no ego: just Luka, the guitars, the songs, the instrumentals, and the audience – together.
You know the way of it: as a man growing older, you can be sure of two things. First, shaving and realising you have missed half your face. Second, wanting to stay at home. I am so glad my wife pushed me to get off my backside and go to McGrory’s for the gig. For that, I thank her for bringing me.
I first encountered Luka Bloom supporting a certain Christy Moore — you may have heard of him — at the London Hammersmith Odeon in 1991.
When Luka first struck that electro-acoustic guitar, on that October London night, I was transfixed. I had never heard anything like it before, and I’ve never heard anything like it since.
Luka’s music is unique: It is unmistakably his music, but he is more than happy to share those beautiful songs and instrumentals — songs without words — with us all.
So get up on your bike and go to a Luka Bloom gig. Ah, go on!
Review and photos by Francis Ed Photography.