Dirty Old Town - Luke Kelly & The Dubliners

Travastia Club (Finland) - 1976
Although this song was made famous by The Dubliners, it is not a song about Dublin as many people think. It was written by Ewan MacColl about Salford in England.

[ronniepye]

My gosh what a performance. Absolute talent at its finest. " I chop you down, like an old dead tree" What a delivery, you can't teach this. WOW 🙏❤

[DeLunny]

John Sheahan: "He took risks in singing and in the manner he phrased songs. He would hold on for that millisecond longer than anyone else would dare to, then catch up on the melody and create a certain tension with the listener. It's like a high jumper going those extra few millimetres and beating the height. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When it works, it's wonderful. When it fails, you're grateful they took the chance."

Talent

[JockLambert]

Luke Kelly in full flow is absolutely unparalleled, there (aren’t 😁)enough superlatives in the English language to describe this genius.

[jaidencracknell]

Fucking hell that little higher note at 1:16 is amazing, my favourite rendition of this song now, Luke Kelly is truly a legend

[damienflynn]

I named my first son after Luke. What a hero and sadly missed..

[ruffrider]

It’s not just his voice, which is powerful yet melodic, it’s his perfect diction. What a song and what a rendition! 😊

[tsunami]

Has there ever been a voice more pure, more true or more real?

[amandamurray]

🍀''they broke the mould''' unique.... the fact MILLIONS come home to these tunes 'a' testimony

[colmbrady]

That's banjo is something else.. Barney take a bow son

[jamesoconnor]

My dad passed away last weekend, he went to school with Ronnie Drew. I’m not sure how well he knew Luke Kelly but he loved him! I know that much, I’m sure they’re all back together now enjoying a few Jars! ❤️☘️🙏☘️❤️

[laraghcon]

I can nothing about Like Kelly that thousands before me haven't already said. One word, legend.

[Towerguy]

My god….that absolute pipes on that guy!! What a unit!!

[garyheaton]

What do we reckon folks? 2022 and still sounding superb through my speakers!

[williamjones]

Just learned the rhythm on banjo and I’ll tell for a guy from Middletown Ohio I’m doing pretty good with it!!! RIP LUKE

[oz]

Luke Kelly has one of the most powerful yet melodious voices ever. Period.

[PeterOHalloran-hfho]

Luke had a great voice all lost today but his voice is with us in spirit ❤️

[Eltonlaleham]

I seriously wish I could have attended this event, and met Jim MCcann and Luke Kelly who are sadly gone and long passed on.

[TomButler-gz]

Anybody who grew up in a factory town can relate to this song. I grew up on Flint, MI. When I hear this I picture the old V8 engine, down in the hole.

[brianfreeman]

His voice is like butter!!! It has a certain smoothness to it, and his timing is a gift.

[ib]

Reminds me of my childhood. The Dubliner's music was a regular in our house as was ABBA, Pavarotti and every sort of music. Listening to this is very emotional for me. He died way too young.