Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Christy Moore describes how varied the process of song writing can be for him.
Christy Moore reflects on his songwriting process, explaining that inspiration can come in different ways. At times, he sets out to write a song for a particular purpose. At others, a chance phrase or moment he observes can spark an idea.
After the Stardust fire in 1981, he wanted to write a song that would honour the victims, the survivors, and their families, but struggled to find the right words. The song ultimately took shape after he heard a mother tell a reporter that her daughters had gone out one night and never came home. Moved by her words, Christy Moore wrote 'They Never Came Home'. When writing the lyric always comes first, with the music following.
Christy Moore demonstrates how he builds a song using lyrics and the nine chords he knows, performing a partial rendition of 'They Never Came Home'.
After its release, the song was withdrawn from the airwaves due to legal concerns while the case was still before the courts. Christy Moore believes that despite this the song helped to bring the Stardust disaster back into public consciousness.
This episode of 'Late Late Extra' was broadcast on 11 May 1986. The presenter is Gay Byrne.
Christy Moore describes how varied the process of song writing can be for him.
Christy Moore reflects on his songwriting process, explaining that inspiration can come in different ways. At times, he sets out to write a song for a particular purpose. At others, a chance phrase or moment he observes can spark an idea.
After the Stardust fire in 1981, he wanted to write a song that would honour the victims, the survivors, and their families, but struggled to find the right words. The song ultimately took shape after he heard a mother tell a reporter that her daughters had gone out one night and never came home. Moved by her words, Christy Moore wrote 'They Never Came Home'. When writing the lyric always comes first, with the music following.
Christy Moore demonstrates how he builds a song using lyrics and the nine chords he knows, performing a partial rendition of 'They Never Came Home'.
After its release, the song was withdrawn from the airwaves due to legal concerns while the case was still before the courts. Christy Moore believes that despite this the song helped to bring the Stardust disaster back into public consciousness.
This episode of 'Late Late Extra' was broadcast on 11 May 1986. The presenter is Gay Byrne.
