The Songwriter, with Andy Irvine

About the episode

Andy Irvine has been an immensely influential folk singer and songwriter for more than 60 years. Through his work with bands like Sweeneys Men, Planxty and Patrick Street, he has been a central piece in shaping the sound of modern Celtic Music.

As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. To quote the Irish Times, "Often copied, never equalled", his repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes and a compelling canon of his own self-penned songs.

We spoke with Andy in Oslo just before his solo show at the lovely venue Riksscenen. The conversation revolves around his work as a songwriter, and the pivotal moments in his career that led him to the place he is today.