Silly Wizard Live At Center Stage

[@JasonVokins]

I’ll never be able to experience silly wizard. I remember listening to them when I was 13. I was interested in their taste of music, shame on the fate of the group. But their music will forever be immortalized from where they came from.

[@GraveFireflys]

Whoever posted this thank you from deep within my heart, for me one of the greatest bands of all time. Who could make me laugh and cry and dance in equal measure. R. I. P Andy and Johnny, bless you lads.

[@Ninjaneer27]

I was going to post a comment here, but you summed it up perfectly

[@Br2veHe2rt]

I just read that Andy died today, from complications of pneumonia and a stroke. He'd been paralyzed since March from spinal surgery. RIP dear man: we will miss you very much.

[@Swenthorian]

I love Johnny. He is the embodiment of innocent chaos.

[@janmunton9503]

I saw Silly Wizard for the first time at Moffat Folk Club that I used to help run in the mid '70's. They were (and still are) the best traditional band I have ever seen and I will never forget their performance. The last item they played was a typically fast instrumental during which they took it in turn to leave the stage as they speeded up and despite the brilliant Johnnie Cunningham on fiddle it was his younger brother Phil (aged 16) who was left alone at the end to finish off the night. It was no surprise that he went on to become such a great performer on the accordion. Oh that we could still see them all live as a band again - Rest in peace Johnnie and Andy.

[@davenuttall9365]

Jan these guys were the first live concert I'd ever seen. Probably 1992, Ontario Place... They set the bar so high.

[@ronalddunne3413]

Amen, RIP...

[@robertarthur887]

Yes! My first encounter with live Celtic music was this group at the Philly Folk Fest, around '78. The group was wild, the audience went wild, and something in me broke loose. The brothers' were often reaching, and Andy, a musical machine-gun on the the tenor banjo, with his long hair flying. The best ever. Too much reminiscing.

[@j.s.connolly8579]

As a Celtic Musician, {I play the Bodhran} I had MANY Cracin' Good Times with Andy and I even got to meet and play with Phil and Johnny at a pub called "The Haft Rec" in St. Paul Minn. GODS I MISS THEM SO DAMNED MUCH!!! :(... HERES TO YOU LADS! THANKS for the MUSIC and MEMORIES! YOU STILL ARE ALIVE IN OUR CELTIC HEARTS SOULS!!!

[@EvieDelacourt]

My husband and I wanted to go to this concert, but I think we were a little short of cash that month, so we figured we would just go the following year if they came back on tour nearby. We didn't know at the time that it would be the final opportunity to see them, and I have been kicking myself ever since for not going. They were my favorite Scottish traditional group ever.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

the Scots do like a drink, a good clack and a spirited argument, but I am proudest of how we love music, the very best of all. I still am brought to tears by these beautiful wonderful players, even after all these years. Thanks for this. I still miss Andy.

[@fess700]

It is a pity that the group ceased to exist even before my birth, now that many of them are no longer alive, I can no longer express my respect for them, or just hear their voices at a concert. But this is one of my favorite bands, I will not stop listening to their songs, and my children will remember these lyrical tunes. Wonderful music

[@lwatlinkline]

I was able to see them at Cal Tech in 1982. They were amazing in concert.

[@fess700]

@@lwatlinkline oh at that time I didn't even plan to appear in this world) you are lucky

[@lwatlinkline]

@@fess700 I really was. I was also able to see Andy Stewart and Manus Lunny several times at McCabe's Guitar Store in Santa Monica. So much talent!

[@Perk724]

Have been an enormous fan ever since hearing them live in Philadelphia a few times in the early 1980s. Love their albums I bought then, but so glad this live concert video is posted as their live shows were the best!

[@ues5587]

omg this is the best thing I have ever found on youtube. what I wouldn't pay to see these guys again.

[@AnimoRibelleee]

True

[@j.s.connolly8579]

Right! To have " If TIME was a thing Man could BUY... ALL THE MONEY I HAVE IN STORE, Just to have ONE DAY by their Sides!!! Paraphrased from "Valley of Strathmore"

[@TravisBare-rn2lh]

They were a force for sure!

[@la9202]

the blackbird is the song that carried me through all my life. thanks silly wizard for existing

[@ИринаКазакова-р3м]

Я из России. Я вас просто обожаю. Для музыки нет границ..... Если кто то меня слышит... Многие ваши песни были отличной основой для моих стихов.... Бриджет. О малли, например.... Но это просто лирика...

[@nadineli3849]

Послушайте радио передачу Бориса Гребенщикова Аэростат про Silly Wizard. Узнаете несколько историй про группу=)

[@CelticAndyTheBard]

With all the incredible voices that grace this genre Andy M. Stewart still (to my ears) holds the loftiest position.

[@philipbloch-qs9xc]

I met Andy once when he was touring with Gerry O'Beirne in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. He was fascinated by the policeman riding around on horses near the state capitol.

[@ifthousayestso]

How I loved Andy's voice. So sorry about his health.

[@kkroeker]

This is absolutely stunning musicianship...definitely the best Scottish traditional group I've heard.

[@fionawynn1674]

Saw Silly Wizard in Leeds on a very snowy night when many could not get there due to the weather. Always amazing! Always the best! Always forever!Silly Wizard gu brath xxx

[@teamsalvation]

You truly were lucky!!

[@mapatterson22]

When I first saw these wonderful men, Phil was 18 years old but just as good a player!

[@SirBeauJangles]

The St. andrews Folk Club had a Silly Wizard night some time in the late 70s. They were polished and very professional. Turned out to be a session being recorded for the BBC. Also, we were told to stay out when the set was over because they had a wee surprise for us. The set complete, They MC wound things up but gestured us to sit fast. After the applause subsided he announced that they were doing a second full set... They were recording two separate programmes but wanted to get it all done on a single occasion. The longest and one of the best scottish folk events I was ever lucky enough to attend. I didn't know the individual members names then but the song that remained with me ever since was "Ca' the yowes" which was quite the best rendering of it I ever heard. on that night they were second to nobody...

[@peterottes6900]

I saw them around the time this was recorded. It was in Boston and a friend convinced me to go. I was blown away.. What a group. Seeing this live was an experience.. The Cunningham brothers were a force. And Andy's voice was amazing.. So sad that we can no longer here this group together..Thanks for posting..

[@TheScaryflick]

R.I.P My cousin andy stewart

[@stevebenfield2962]

RIP Andy. Thanks for all your wonderful music. I was actually at this concert in 1988 on the front row. at 54:18 I'm in a light shirt on the left next to my, then, fiance. At 1:38:48 you can see me stand up and take a drink from my cup. I promise I broke into boisterous applause as soon as the cup went down :)

[@deedos8864]

That's you in 1988?

[@MusicLoverInGA]

@@deedos8864 Yep. 21 year old me. I turn 56 this year.

[@deedos8864]

@@MusicLoverInGA Wow. That's interresting.

[@anjabevk5371]

Almost fifty years ago I happended to attend their songs and I love them since!

[@TravisBare-rn2lh]

Awesome statement.,

[@frankcarmack1442]

I saw them in Columbus, OH on this same tour; if I recall, it became the endless farewell tour. I saw them twice, John and Phil once just the 2 of them and Andy with Manus Lunny 3 or 4 times. Always transcendent always warm and human. What a voice.

[@СергейЕвтушенко-ц6ф]

How wonderfull it is. In heaven there is no an angel who could sing better than Andy. Rest in peace...

[@alexanderzhuzhgov8927]

9:22 Lover's Heart 19:22 banks of the bann 35:50 song 2 (Who knows?) 56:06 golden golden 1:03:15 The Ramblin Rover 1:19:30 Donald McGillavry/O'Neill's Cavalry March 1:26:00 if i was a blackbird

[@merinakutha]

35:50 The Land o' the Leal

[@cristianocesareo2472]

first song?

[@phasecracker6538]

@@cristianocesareo2472queen of argyll!

[@0512007d]

Thank you for this. I love Silly Wizard and I love Folk music.

[@johnconlon9652]

As a young fung stud't in 1968, I discovered "Sandy Bells" bar, Forrest Road, Edinburgh. This lot used to practice at the back. Wonderful.

[@nobanjono]

My partner and I spent 3 lovely evenings there in '17...

[@helenliddle7710]

Well - that has taken me back to my mis-spent youth!! - Well done The music world lost two great musicians in Johnny and Andy - RIP

[@catherder2008]

I was at this show in Atlanta 1988. It was taped for a VHS video the group sold by mail. I'm on the front row and you can see me a couple of times. When you see the white shoe tapping that was my foot.

[@stevebenfield2962]

+Dianne Russell Diane--I was ALSO in the front row! I'm at 54:18 on the left with who would become my first wife. It was an amazing concert.

[@N1koch]

Really Dianne ? Amazing...

[@urgentito]

Veo con nostalgia este vídeo, nostalgia por algo que no viví...ellos fueron unos verdaderos artistas, fuiste afortunada. Un saludo desde Chile, Sudamérica..

[@The-GooseMoose]

Queen of Argyle - 00:22 Pipe Major Donald Campbell / The Orphan / The Kestrel / Come Up Alang (Jigs) - 2:21 (3:17) Lover’s Heart - 7:33 (9:20) Banks of the Bann - 15:22 (19:13) Simon MacKenzie / Farewell to the Hab / The Ale is Dear (reels) - 25:24 (27:30) Land of the Leal - 32:18 (35:48) Mac’s Fancy / The Cliffs of Moher - 41:05 The Parish of Dunkeld - 45:04 (50:04) Golden, Golden - 55:34 (56:07) The Ramblin’ Rover - 102:33 (103:17) Irish and Scottish tunes from the Cunningham Boys - 106:13 (108:00) Donald MacGillavry / ‘O Neill’s Cavalry March - 119:30 If I Was a Blackbird - 124:33 (125:50) Reels - 135:50

[@bycucalarubio2921]

thanks!!!!

[@chefpjsmith]

Silly Wizard played great music. I have all the CDs and was listening to there stuff since I was 12. The Port Fairy Music Festival was once known as the Port Fairy Irish Music Festival and we would get all these really great musicians from the old country who would banter and joke and play great stuff like these lads.

[@chillertheater]

Thank you so much, bycucala rubio, for sharing this. Thanks to you I can view this wonderful band in performance, as I never had the opportunity to see them live. Rest in peace, Johnny and Andy - I will never forget you.

[@Dhughill]

It is said that you never truly appreciate something untill you can no longer have it. I had always enjoyed Andy's lilting voice when he sang. But, for me, his real mastery manefisted itself in his ability to write folk songs in the traditional method so perfectly that they were indestinguishable from actual traditional folk songs. He was a consummate showman and exhibited such presence and ease in being onstage. What person is there left in this world who can rise up and wear Andy's mantle of excellence? I'm reminded of the Irish curse, "May you be in Heaven five minutes before the Devil knows you're dead." For me, Andy *was* that five minutes. And now I'm off to a life without him. I think that fairly aproximates how I feel about Andy's untimely and senseless death. I thank God that we have KZbin to help keep Andy's legacy so sweet and clear and warm.

[@cocopuff2741]

Thanks so much for sharing this!! I used to have the VHS, lost in a messy divorce. I've been looking for it for 15 years now. I've seen SW a few times in Burlington, Vt. and this was my keepsake, one of my most cherished possessions.

[@brucesindahl5684]

Hi Philip... I, too, say SW in Burlington, Vt. It's a night I'll never forget.

[@rongodin2447]

its on ebay now!

[@TheBillymahoney]

RIP Andy and thank you so much for your music

[@thomashoban6888]

I saw them many times in Philly, usually at International House. Even after Johnny left the group, when they appeared in Philly, he would join them.

[@emmiep9459]

I just can't listen to these guys without crying. Such good memories of several concerts at the Great American Music Hall.

[@bycucalarubio2921]

Muchas gracias a todos por los comentarios. Nunca pense que este video fuese a gustar a tantas personas. Compre el video en el año 94 y como se puede ver esta totalmente desgastado de tantas veces que lo he visto. Habia visto varios cortes sueltos del concierto en KZbin pero nunca el concierto entero, asi que me decidi a subirlo. Saludos a todos los que lo aprecian. Thanks to all for the comments. I never thought that this video was going to appeal to many people. Buy the video in 94 and as you can see is completely worn many times i saw him. He had seen several cuts loose concert KZbin but it was not full so i decided to upload it. Greetings to everyone you appreciate him.

[@killiekentman]

+bycucala rubio many thanks for loading this and keeping their music on YT. i saw them many times in the past. and they were one of the best bands of their day. and i still play all their music still . sad to hear of Andy's passing. RIP.

[@elenavanbc]

+killiekentman so glad some good "facebook friend" posted this video - brought such memories - I saw SW live in Vancouver many years ago - they performed twice in the magnificent Vancouver Folk Music Festival, and since I volunteered at the fest, I had the privilege to share space with other workers listening when SW jammed with other fantastic musicians - those are among the most uplifting memories of my life - just standing behind the musicians, watching Phil Cunningham's fingers flying over the accordion, it was such a thrill - thanks for posting!!

[@elenavanbc]

+bycucala rubio que bonito es leer en mi idioma nativo todos los comentarios sobre Silly Wizard, a quienes tuve la fantastica suerte de verlos anios atras, con este mismo repertorio en el Vancouver Folk Music Festival - yo trabajaba de voluntaria, y luego de los conciertos en los escenarios, los musicos hacian "jamming" con muchos otros excelentes, y los que trabajabamos alli teniamos el enorme privilegio de poder rodear a los musicos, escucharlos sin amplificaciion. Estas son de las memorias mejores de mi vida, no kidding, trabajar en un festival de aquellos es algo increible y alli fue que me enamore de esta musica, tambien, iniciando mis conocimientos a traves de gente como esta.... En ese tiempo y lugar, mis amigos latinos residentes en Vancouver no estaban interesados en esta musica, asi que fue un "viaje sola", esplendido viaje de aprendizaje y descubrimiento de esta musica de la que me he enamorado (como tantas otras!) Pero Silly Wizard son mis idolos en la memoria. Gracias por este video!!!

[@calum2729]

Es la primera vez que he visto este video aunque conozco bien a la banda, soy escocesa y vengo de la isla de Skye! Es sábado por la noche y estoy en casa en mi casa de Santiago Chile haciendo lasaña y disfrutando de la música. Debido a nuestro nuevo bebé, no salgo como solía hacer y tengo que conformarme con escuchar música familiar en KZbin, bebiendo el maravilloso vino chileno y recordando los días pasados. Aquí está para Silly Wizarsd y aquí está por la gran música todavía por venir. Muchas gracias por cargar este video. Saludos Calum

[@urgentito]

@@calum2729 Desde la Patagonia chilena: conocí por este vídeo a Silly Wizard hace unos 3 años, que maravilla de banda, música tan nueva y tan vieja a la vez, un bálsamo musical para mí, mucha comunión entre la banda y su público...

[@AnimoRibelleee]

What creativity in the head of Johnny Cunningham!!!

[@joannehughes7115]

Love the banter! And the musicianship is outstanding too.

[@dobroplayer7]

Thanks for posting this so many years ago.. memories

[@johnmurdoch8534]

RIP to a wonderful bunch of fellas and a great group. Amazing .

[@JohnZenPA]

I saw them in Het Bolwerk in Sneek in the first part of the eighties. More then thee ours of fantastisc music and making lots of fun with the public. A night to remember. Thank you Guys👍

[@emmiep9459]

I'm crying 😥 saw these guys a few times LOVED them and still do. Thanks for posting.

[@martine2u]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU so much for this. I learned of Silly Wizard after they had separated and never saw them on stage. I saw Phil and Andy a few times and that was certainly a great treat, but this is as close as I will ever come to seeing the full band "live" (until they invent time travel :-) ) So thank you again as I knew of this recording, but never had the opportunity to see it. Wonderful performance...

[@killiekentman]

martine2u i was lucky to see them many times in my home town of Irvine in Scotland and every time they were brilliant. i bought the music then in Vinyl, and have it now on CD. they were one of the best bands i saw and great memories of them. ive been into folk music since 1967 and still buy many cds today of new and different bands and singers. good to see them on youtube.

[@ronalddunne3413]

Next year in Jerusalem, mate!

[@maurojennings6661]

Golden Golden..... Fantastic Andy.... Thanks for all You gave us

[@christinejackson1236]

Thank you for posting this. Saw Silly Wizard several times in the UK, though not with Johnny, and have loved their music ever since. Fantastic to see the live performance, and Andy's legendary story-telling - Brought back lovely memories.

[@robertmackay690]

Absolutely Love Andy growing up listening to silly Wizard

[@kovacpetr]

Oh, I miss these guys.

[@forseanearth]

beautiful and joyful memories, of Silly Wizard and Andy. Just heard of his death while listening to a Sirius channel on the radio, as they played The Queen of Argyll. Many thanks for the music of life.

[@cliffsandifer3877]

I was there also...........way up in the dark just left of center on the aisle .... good show lads. this was before people actually WATCHED the show instead of holding up their phones.;

[@teamsalvation]

I can only wish to have been there...

[@ouradoptedmilitary]

Such talents..... so missed. RIP dears. Peace be with you all.

[@petermelnikov682]

Silly Wizard is like a scotch whisky, the age only makes them better.

[@TravisBare-rn2lh]

True.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

This concert happened 35 years ago. And it is still the best concert I have ever attended. And I was at a lot of concerts in my life. Really their finest hour. RIP Andy, we miss you.

[@mattmccaskill3852]

What an amazing experience this concert must have been! This version of Lovers Heart is truly moving.

[@mikeh3458]

Love and loved this band, bless them all.

[@TravisBare-rn2lh]

I saw Andy and Manus Luny at Berea College in Berea KY in the early 90s during our weekly convocation. It was mesmerizing!

[@alasdairwreid]

I remember seeing them a couple of times in Munich in (probably) the early 1980s . . . still the very best!!

[@johnfkarr]

Thanks for posting tangible proof of our past and memories for the future

[@brianwrynn3109]

Thank you for posting. I tried to buy a copy in the late 1990s but all were gone.

[@tk33wave]

the best memories comes up when I see them here again, having so much fun. R.i.p. Johnny and Andy, you have a party now up there over the rainbow.

[@евгенийякушев-ч3ф]

Большое спасибо автору канала, что выложили полный концерт этой замечательной команды,,😘

[@ИринаКазакова-р3м]

Это было давно. Но я и теперь обожаю ваши песни.

[@franciscoasencio4065]

Maravilloso.Como se puede tocar tan rápido y hacer arte.Inolvidable.Descansen en paz Johnny y Andy.

[@ritamack5731]

Queen of Argyll and if I were a Blackbird are tied as my favorites Nice whistle playing by Phil.

[@lbailey19700]

Thank you sooo much for this! I have this on VHS but I don't have a VCR!

[@ronaldlongendyke3313]

Not only are these guys very talented, they're very funny as well!

[@alexloweh1]

The 11 thumbs down are mentally ill. My cousin Andy was and is a legend! X

[@seorasb]

Stunning performance LOVE SO MUCH !!

[@TravisBare-rn2lh]

Yes indeed!

[@susanritter2520]

I came to see Silly Wizard as often as I could. Andy M. Stewart is a Legend. RIP, Andy M. Stewart and Johnny Cunningham.

[@heathercontois4501]

I grew up hearing these guys since before i could even understand sound. I still think i was born in the wrong decade.

[@ИринаКазакова-р3м]

Ваши песни повлияли на мою жизнь. Это очень красивые песни.

[@vigator1301]

This is such a treasure.

[@GreumMor]

Amazing - what musicianship ... and banter!

[@thomasbernecky2078]

Bycucala, Thanks for posting this, so I can see it. Never got to see them live alas. Thanks to KZbin for being there so just this sort of art isn't lost.

[@ritar6929]

The thing I loved most about Andy's singing was his authenticity.

[@franciscoasencio4065]

Yo vi a Phil Cunningham y a Aly Bain en 2001,en el Colegio Mayor San Juan Evangelista de Madrid.Alucinante.

[@campfirecollaboratio]

Great band!! Thanks for posting!

[@Margarita-1802]

Gracias por compartir este contenido, sois grandeS.

[@Margarita-1802]

Me gusta vuestra música, con raíces celtas mueven emoción y la imaginación, ojalá puedan venir y dar un concierto esté verano a España .

[@bycucalarubio2921]

Gracias por tu comentario. Desgraciadamente este grupo es ya imposible que vuelva a España. Andy (vocal) y Johnny (violin) fallecieron hace ya años. Un saludo.

[@thelosthighlander3373]

Thanks for posting this awesome concert, by these awesome artists... this music is simply immortal... and frankly who are the 9 people who gave a thumb down? Shame on them!

[@bycucalarubio2921]

Thanks for your words. A greeting!!!

[@thelosthighlander3373]

No no no ... once again .. thanks to you ... simply awesome! Slainte!

[@TattieB]

Pure gold! Loving it!

[@godzthebest]

This is just epic...

[@paullederer3366]

Love Silly Wizard.

[@ИринаКазакова-р3м]

Я живу в России, в городе Уфе, но я вас знаю, и очень люблю. Энди, вы навсегда в моем сердце.

[@vooides]

Mecagoendiós 🍻🍻🥳🥳 Buenísimo ✊

[@bycucalarubio2921]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ИринаКазакова-р3м]

Я вас люблю, любила и буду любить всегда.

[@Silverbasso]

Thanks for posting. I saw a similar show of theirs in Chicago years ago before they broke up.

[@hrothgleas1]

Thanks for sharing this great concert!

[@lawrencemeekma5357]

I so miss you guys.

[@SopwithPup1916]

R.I.P Andy and Johnny

[@jehouse]

OMG, I was at this show. Unbelievable.

[@Hwyadylaw]

Ten years before I was born :(

[@catherder2008]

I was there too.

[@stevebenfield2962]

+jehouse me too-I was 21. Damn...time goes by.

[@Joyusnes]

Thanks for being part of that great audience, too! @@stevebenfield2962

[@cheryl7634]

By !- there's life in this stuff!

[@kdmill7563]

Thank you for posting this

[@tr4480]

34:34 love learning how johnny lives

[@peromudrac]

i am looking for this a long time ago, thank you

[@deors]

this is *THE* concert

[@bycucalarubio2921]

+jorge hidalgo Toda la razon del mundo.

[@DaiReborn]

Show me the two that gave this a thumbs down, they won't make that mistake again!

[@deors]

+DaiReborn the two thumbs down are actually johnny's and phil's tired after their 'duet'. brilliant!

[@andrewmackay1423]

HAHAHAHAHA! It must just have been someone falling asleep and headering their keyboard.

[@urgentito]

Tremendo video!!!, lo veo una vez por semana...

[@bycucalarubio2921]

+Patricio Ramos Es una pasada. Que lastima que no se edite una version remasterizada.

[@jackfletcher1000]

The Scottish Planxty, in the best possible sense.