- Music
- 20 Dec 16
Earlier this afternoon, many of the high-profile Irish musicians who had pledged their support to the occupation of the NAMA-owned Apollo House turned up for a lunchtime gig on the roof of the building.
As the crowd packed around the gates of Apollo House, Glen Hansard was the first man on the scene, kicking things off with a rendition of 'This Land is Your Land', featuring new lyrics: "From Ballyfermot to Usher's Island/From County Cork to the North of Ireland/This land is made for you and me."
Following this, Christy Dignam worked his way through the crowd to join Glen, singing Aslan's classic 'Crazy World' which resonated emotionally with not a few people in the crowd. Tears were shed and donations began to flood in.
Word obviously travelled fast and the crowd quickly swelled in numbers, meaning that the time seemed ripe for Glen and co. to make their way to the Apollo House rooftop. Joined by Home Sweet Home's Dean Scurry, other members of the charity, and the permanently-grinning Mattress Mick (who shakes everyone's hand as he makes his way through the gates), the impromptu gig headed to the roof.
As we looked up at the organisers, their faces in the foreground and Apollo House and the Dublin skyline behind them, Glen and a few of the other members of the charity launched into a stirring, passionate rendition of Luke Kelly's 'The Auld Triangle'. Something about this feels important. It's not the singers, nor is it the organisers, it's more the communal feeling that they've engendered and the pride of place given to the charity and to the homeless people they're supporting.
Kodaline then made an appearance and sing 'High Hopes' and 'All I Want' with Glen on guitar, The Vagabonds sing, appropriately, 'The Times They Are A-Changin''.
A homeless woman from Galway took centre stage as proceedings drew to a close, singing a song she wrote about being harassed, called 'Good Woman Down'. With the potential for this event to be a mawkish limelight show for the celebs, it was inspiring to see this woman sing her song, which she did beautifully.
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There was time for Liam Ó Maonlaí to sing a tune from the native language before a little-known Wicklow lad called Hozier finished proceedings with 'Take Me to Church'.
The message of the afternoon was very clear - this is a movement which is continuing to grow with each passing day and every donation. Offer your support to Home Sweet Home here: