The Irish folk band first formed in 2008, but it now consists of Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy, and the newest member Paul OBrien, as they continue to sell out arenas around the world. [5] On 23 September 2013 The High Kings released Friends For Life on the Sony record label. Doors at 7:30 pm, Ticket Prices: We were all in that vibe and that type of headspace, the lyrics just came out of there, and I started writing them down showing them to the boys and we all got a nice little vibe from it. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. In 2008, the High Kings toured the United States with Celtic Woman as the opening act. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. They followed Memory Lane with a Live In Ireland album which received critical acclaim as it showcased the energy that the band brings to the live shows. Darren Holden starred in Riverdance: The Show on Broadway for eighteen months. They flew directly from London where they had already been the headline act for the Lord Mayor of Londons St. Patricks Day concert. He spent two years singing at The Gershwin Theatre on Broadway in New York and as lead vocalist in Radio City Music Hall. The High Kings announced that they would be debuting an album in November 2017, titled Decade: The Best of The High Kings. Many fans became regular faces as they effectively followed the band on their sold out tours many crossing oceans and borders through-out the world just to see their favourite band perform live. Paul himself is a self-taught musician; he plays Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Whistles, Harmonica and of course Bodhrn. The worst part is some of them sing Whiskey in the Jar - its probably the only country in the world you can get kids to sing about loving whiskey and get away with it!, Brian Dunphy continues on: Its really whatever youre brought up with.. "Hand Me Down My Bible" was released as a single in July 2016 and quickly became played on many radio stations in Ireland to much acclaim. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music. They just want to hold onto it - the things they listened to when they were younger. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music. Where/ How Tickets Can be Purchased: He realised early on that the musical path would be the one he would follow. Having just left America, Finbarr found himself back in New York, appearing on hit TV shows The View and This Morning performing with The High Kings. Darren Holden is not only a prolific Songwriter and Musician but a master interpreter of lyrics as well. It easily crosses generations wherever that be parent or school kids or your parents, Brian continues: A lot of these kids have their earphones in listening to these songs while heading off to school or when going to school their mums or dads will have the CDs on in the car and they just listen to it and they like it. His first professional performance was on stage at the tender age of ten singing and playing the banjo with his cousin Eban Clancy (Liams son). The music of the Clancys was integral to Finbarrs musical education and he hopes to continue this strong ballad tradition with The High Kings. In 2012 they performed for President Obama in Moneygall, this led to a personal invitation from the president to perform at the 2012 White House St. Patricks day celebration. To become an IrishCentral contributor click here. It is a tough trick to do and not to venture away from the meaning of the song., Read more:Bringing old and new together this Kerry singer is making waves. Brians biggest break came when he won the Lead singer role in Riverdance The Show, traveling extensively throughout America, Canada, China, Australia and Europe. Memory Lane was released in February 2010 and after a successful Irish tour the album went platinum in June only 4 months after its initial release. Their third album Friends for Life contains both traditional Irish songs, as well as some original songs. Then they want to link onto heritage as well if their Grandparents or Great Grandparents are from Ireland, they have that link through music there isnt really any other outlet they can but through the music, they can. Following Riverdance he joined The Three Irish Tenors and enjoyed huge success stateside, and Europe beckoned next as he took on a role performing as his father in a tribute to the Irish Show-Band stars of yesteryear, Dance Hall Qs And Hucklebuck Shoes. The High Kings flew home specially for the event from their headline US tour, one of three hugely successful tours they completed in 2008. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. Which is the one they do want to hold onto if they do move away from Ireland. paul@paulobrien.ca The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand-new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional . It didnt take long during there first studio rehearsal for them to realise that the way their individual voices blended together, that they were onto something special. In 2011, the High Kings toured the US again, playing in Chicago, Albany, New Haven, Philadelphia, Boston and Atlanta to promote their new album release "Memory Lane," which eventually reached the third spot on Billboard's Top World Albums chart. He sang and played 5 string banjo, electric bass and flute with the group, which consisted at the time of Finbarr's father, Bobby Clancy, his uncles Paddy Clancy and Liam Clancy, and his cousin, singer-songwriter Robbie O'Connell. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. They are about to tour in the States, their biggest one yet starting on the 16th of February and lasting to 23rd of May. In 2012 they performed for President Obama in Moneygall, this led to a personal invitation from the president to perform at the 2012 White House St. Patricks Day celebration. Purchase online using the button on the top right (scroll to the bottom of the page if using mobile), or you may visit or call our box office at 413-584-9032 ext.105. Recorded live at Concert Deck in Dublin, Home from Home is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new. A top ten recording artist in Ireland, Darren toured with Boyzone on their first major tour of Ireland and the UK . As part of this group, Finbarr appeared in the Clancy Brothers' filmed Farewell to Ireland performance in 1996, which has since been released on DVD. Brian Dunphy got his first break as a performer in Riverdance: The Show. In 2016 the band performed at RT's Centenary Concert to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's Easter Rising. In 2015 The High Kings were invited to the Pentagon as guests of General Martin Dempsey, who is the Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff. Towards the end of 2009 The High Kings licensed their second studio album Memory Lane to Universal Music Ireland signifying the fast trajectory that the band had taken in their short lifespan. Indeed, enjoying the exchange. Read more:Billie Eilish releases theme song for new James Bond movie, And then well be heading back over there in the summer. Box Office Hours: 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday Since the inception of the group, it has toured Ireland, the United States, and Europe on several occasions. Originally from Mooncoin County Kilkenny, he is comfortable performing all genres of music from Pop and Jazz to Country and Celtic. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O Brien. Growing up in the Clancy dynasty, Finbarrs was plucking the banjo and playing the bodhran from the age of 5. Its pretty amusing standing there on stage watching these little nippers singing these songs. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O' Brien. The High Kings - ACADEMY OF MUSIC After two years as part of Riverdance, he became a member of The Three Irish Tenors. This article was submitted to the IrishCentral contributors network by a member of the global Irish community. Rita OHare passes a mighty voice for justice is stilled, UPDATE: Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murdering wife and son, WATCH: Irish bishop's funeral held in Los Angeles today, Liam Neeson, Michael D Higgins and Bono among voices featured on "Patrick Kavanagh Almost Everything'", Colin Farrell says Irish people have a strong "sense of civic duty". Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 8:00 pm Paul O'Brien. In 2019 after a 12 year journey The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever-growing army of loyal fans that span generations. $25 - $45 + taxes & fees(Service fees will apply), Tickets Click here to read our health and safety policy. In 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. If you change everything about it, then it is no longer what it is meant to be about, if you stray too far. 2021 sees the release of Home from Home, their brand-new 11 track album. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album 'Friends for Life to Sony Worldwide, another indication of their global appeal. Spring 2023 Tour Dates Added. Brian was born in Dublin. sign up to our newsletter for exclusive promotions and event invitations. Music Contact Blog. And you can put your own little stamp on it, but you dont want to remove the sentiment of the song and what it is about. Although his schedule is hectic, he manages to balance his work and home life, as he has had not one, but two new arrivals to his family since joining The High Kings. His CD of original traditional/contemporary Country songs, Live & Learn, released in 2002 in the US, produced three top 40 airplay hits and Darren was nominated for a 2004 New Music Weekly Award (Best Male Country Artist). While there, he had the honour of performing the American National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens and appearing on The Today Show. They had a top ten hit in France with the album Excalibur, featuring Jean Reno as Merlin. Bohinta released two albums. November 2014 marked another milestone for the band when they recorded Four Friends Live at the Millennium Forum in Derry which was their first joint CD/DVD and the first live DVD recording since the debut DVD Live In Dublin in 2008. [1] As of 2020, the group had released five studio albums, four live albums, and two live DVDs, and one greatest hits album. In late December, the High Kings began their Grace & Glory tour. The event began on 27 December in Belfast, and (as of this edit) has not ended yet. But I wouldve loved to have done a full album with him., Read more:Craic Fest, for the best of Irish film and music in New York City. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. Along with his wife Michelle, Darren revels in home life with daughters Ava and Sophie and son Josh. Call: 413-584-9032 ext.105Tues-Fri 3-6pm, Copyright 2023 The Academy of Music Inc | Site by Itabix, Box Office Hours: 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday, Click here to read our health and safety policy. Finbarr Clancy toured the United States and Ireland in the 1990s with the Clancy Brothers, one of the most successful folk groups in Irish traditional music. He also performed on three albums with this father. Because its almost like these songs are passing through generations of musicians. They flew directly from London where they had already been the headline act for the Lord Mayor of Londons St. Patricks Day concert. Audiences around the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. In 2019 after a 12 year journey. But definitely, that as the older generation would know that., Keep up-to-date with music news on IrishCentral. The High Kings - Wikipedia Memory Lane was released in February 2010 and after a successful Irish tour the album went platinum in June only 4 months after its initial release. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album Friends For Life to Sony Worldwide another indication of their global appeal. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. Throughout his already very successful career, Brian has had the honour of recording with many artists including world renowned violinist Vanessa Mae, Celtic Woman, Bill Whelans Riverdance-On Broadway and Riverdance The 10th Anniversary. Within a few months of moving home, Finbarr joined The High Kings and spent all his time rehearsing and recording a new album and DVD. November 2014 marked another milestone for the band when they recorded Four Friends Live at the Millennium Forum in Derry which was their first joint CD/DVD and the first live DVD recording since the debut DVD 'Live in Dublin' in 2008. [8] Murphy continued to perform with the group from 2017 to 2019 before announcing that he would be "stepping away to focus on his solo career". The event was hosted by US President Barack Obama and attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Their latest Christmas song Christmas the way I remember goes to the melody of Loch Lomond (also used in Red is the Rose), Darren Holden, explains the choice: The melody as you know is from Loch Lomond, it is a melody we have been using for many years with an Irish song, which is, called Red is the Rose. All patrons MUST present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test (within 72 hours prior to showtime) and a valid ID, and wear a mask inside the theater while not eating or drinking. Taking their original songs on the road was a new and exciting milestone for the band and it wasnt long before the likes of Oh Maggie and Irelands Shore were being sung back to them by the audience. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. The band will undertake their most extensive Tour of the US in 2016 with almost 50 shows confirmed. They have had plenty of requests for a song, which they might cover soon, is a song written by Liam Reilly, says Darren Holden: Ive always loved - going back to - The Wolfe Tones it only came into a conversation recently if we could cover one song probably on the next record it would probably be The Streets of New York. Billie Eilish releases theme song for new James Bond movie, Bringing old and new together this Kerry singer is making waves, Craic Fest, for the best of Irish film and music in New York City, How you can learn Gaelic literature and culture online with a top Irish university, All-male Beckett play canceled for only hiring male actors, The story behind Ireland's favorite song, The Cranberries "Zombie". The High Kings continue to set the bar extremely high for Irish Folk bands across the world and are widely regarded to be at the forefront of the genre. So, when we got back, we took a week off to see our families and then we got back into the studio, and we put it out and it has down really, really well for us. The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. Dunphy had also been a member of the band Druid. As we tried to pull him back it was like a tug of war!. Their first three studio albums appeared at number three or higher on the Billboard world music chart,[2] the first two went platinum in Ireland,[3] and all of their albums charted in Ireland. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Irish Rugby anthem Irelands Call the band were asked by the original composer Phil Coulter to record their own version which was subsequently included in the TV3 documentary. Finbarr Clancy added: Probably Whiskey in the Jar or something like that, Brian Dunphy suggests The Rocky Road to Dublin and Darren Holden adds, Yeah, its got the beats for kids and the funny thing is at some of our shows you see the little kids coming along and they know some of our songs, which you wouldnt expect them to know at all. Paul has played music covering Irish Traditional and Ballads, Folk and Country. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. It didnt take long during their first studio rehearsal for them to realise that the way their individual voices blended together meant that they were onto something special. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. About. He continues to perform solo shows when not with The High Kings. The High Kings formed in June 2007 when Brian, Darren, Finbarr and former member Martin Furey were asked to join a brand new Irish ballad group by David Kavanagh after he had noticed a gap in the market for a band specialising in traditional Irish music. The High Kings. Towards the end of 2009 The High Kings licensed their second studio album Memory Lane to Universal Music Ireland signifying the fast trajectory that the band had taken in their short lifespan. In September 2017 the band announced that Martin Furey would be retiring from The High Kings, and that an announcement would be made later regarding his replacement. Its a song we learned and listened to while growing up, it is wonderfully written by Liam Reilly, one of our best songwriters, its just a real story song. Being of a gregarious nature, he enjoys immensely meeting fans of The High Kings after a show and hearing their stories. On 20 March 2012 The High Kings were invited to perform at the Official St Patrick's Day Celebrations at The White House in Washington DC, United States. They followed Memory Lane with a Live in Ireland album which received critical acclaim as it showcased the energy that the band brings to the live shows. Although they sing mostly traditional Irish songs, they are also known to sing arrangements of songs from other genres. Finbarr began touring North America with his Father and Uncles, The Clancy Brothers, in 1995. On 18 March 2012 the High Kings headlined the Mayor of London's St Patrick's Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square to an estimated 15,000 people. Irelands most popular baby names of 2022 - by county! As Darren said, It was the biggest hometown crowd he had ever played for. Despite having such a full schedule, Darren finds time to help out many worthy charities and frequently uses his talents to help others raise funds. Paul O'Brien joined the group in 2019 to replace Murphy. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O Brien. Irish folk band The High Kings have opened up on why they think theyre successful in Ireland and further abroad - no other band can renovate Irish music like them, but they do admit it is a very fine line of pulling it off. The Irish and the High Kings - IrishCentral.com [4], On 6 July 2012 The High Kings were invited to perform at the residence of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. Feb 21, 2020. They performed alongside the US Marine Corps band marking another special occasion for the band. [6][non-primary source needed] In October 2017, they announced that George Murphy would join them on a Canadian tour,[7] and he was later added as a permanent member of The High Kings. The High Kings - the heirs to Irish folk (From left to right; Finbarr Clancy; Brian Dunphy; Daniel Byron; Paul OBrien; and Darren Holden), Take a look inside Dublin's most stylish townhouse, Number 31, JFK's words remind us of the true meaning of St. Patrick's Day, Irish womans poem of emigration will stir your heart. We started their March of 2008 and we go back several times a year for the festivals, there are big summer festivals and St. Patricks Day - we tend to go for February and March, this year we are even going into April, which will be our longest tour over there. Finbarr continued the tradition by touring with Eddie Dillon and Mark Fitzpatrick along the festival route, which included playing at Americas biggest Irish Festival in Milwaukee. Pauls father also played Bodhrn and spoons and his musicality passed itself down a generation. So thats what it descends too. [4], On 12 March 2013 The High Kings announced a forthcoming third studio album produced by Sharon Shannon and John Dunford, consisting of eight original songs and a selection of classic ballads. I think there is 85 million Irish around the world.. Children under the age of 12 that cannot get a vaccine MUST provide a negative PCR test and wear a mask. The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever growing army of loyal fans that span generations. There are loads of decedents Irish-Americans, who are right into their culture. The idea behind this album was to bring our fans on a journey across the world, to some of the places we call home when we tour, via some of the classic folk songs that have inspired us along the way., Show Date/Time: Once a member of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Finbarr Clancy - son of Bobby Clancy added: there is this tightrope and its a problem because it is good to innovate songs and for bands to put their own stamp on a song. They spoke to me on Sunday evening before their Dublin show and the very next night they were awarded the most successful Irish folk band worldwide by the Sunday World. People loved what they were doing; bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. The album spent a total of thirty-six weeks on the chart.[2]. Many fans became regular faces as they effectively followed the band on their sold-out tours many crossing oceans and borders through-out the world just to see their favourite band perform live. A key High Kings moment for Darren was performing at the half time section of the All Ireland Hurling final, which his beloved Kilkenny won. To purchase by phone, Holden played the role of Billy Joel both on Broadway and on a national tour of the United States (January 2004 January 2007), as well as tours of Canada and Japan in 2006. Holden plays the accordion, mandolin, guitar and keyboard with The High Kings. The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. Taking their original songs on the road was a new and exciting milestone for the band and it wasnt long before the likes of Oh Maggie and Irelands Shore were being sung back to them by the audience. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. Brian Dunphy mentions, his father Sean Dunphy - who managed to get Ireland to number two in the Eurovision 1967 just behind the UK - Brian adds: Here is an interesting one I got to record one song as a duet with my dad and not a lot of people have heard it. Copyright 2023 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. The bands 2019 Christmas single is the first recording featuring Paul as part of the band. He typically plays the bodhrn and guitar with the group. So far it has lead him to great accomplishments and also to meeting his wife Ann, with whom he appeared in a stage version of Rocky Horror Picture show. Brian is never fazed by the wise-cracking comments thrown at him from a sometimes raucous audience member. After touring with Billboard chart toppers, Celtic Woman, The High Kings came back to Ireland to do two sell out tours, within months of each other. He regularly performed in Kilkenny City through the Summer season, singing Irish Ballads and Folk music to the tourist audience, with a big American contingent who were highly appreciative. He was lead singer with RIVERDANCE on Broadway and on tour for more than three years. Paul O'Brien [9] O'Brien plays the tin whistle, among other instruments. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O' Brien. Finbarr went on to learn the guitar and flute and began writing songs at the age of 17. Friends For Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. Speaking about the success in America and the rest of the world, Finbarr Clancy, said: We have been touring America since we started as a band, were coming onto our 14th year now. Box Office Hours are 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday. Darren relished the opportunity to join The High Kings, and reach a new audience, singing the songs he had learnt as a child. He usually plays the guitar and sometimes the banjo with The High Kings. Paul OBrien is a singer and songwriter from Rathdowney, Co. Laois. He released a solo album entitled, Timeless, as well, in which Darren helped cowrite some of the original material. [1] As of 2020, the group had released five studio albums, four live albums, two live DVDs, and one greatest hits album. Darren starred as The Piano Man (Billy Joel) in the Tony Award-winning hit Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical Movin Out both on Broadway and on tour for four years receiving unanimous critical acclaim throughout the US, Canada and Japan. [citation needed], The group's first two albums went platinum.[10]. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them, creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. Its a good lyrical and musical coming together and its a song I think well have at our disposal for many years to come., The best song to show a newcomer, wherever that be a Grandparent or a friend, or anyone who hasnt listened to their music before. The newest member Paul OBrien said: Its definitely the song you would sing (he motions towards Darren Holden) Nobodys Child, I dont know who originally sung it. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. Although Brian loves touring, he loves his family life as well and sees no conflict between selling out to a 1000 strong crowd one night and serving up weetabix to his five year old son Sam the next morning, as he feels both roles, Performer and Father are a good fit for him. The album reached number three on the Billboard Top World Albums chart.[2]. Following the passing of his uncle Paddy and later his father, Bobby in 2002. So that would be the one for me, Finbarr adds, I thought you wouldve said Elvis as if you can do it with anyone dead or alive Darren responds, If its that definitely Elvis or Sinatra would be good too, or even The Beatles., In the near-distant future, you never know The High Kings may just get to collaborate Imelda May as Darren jokes Its something we can do in the future do a duet album - find us when were old. When asked about what is the best thing about Irish music that helps it resonates with so many people, The stories, Finbarr says before, Brian Dunphy adds: It is about the stories, the songs, its about I suppose what we have brought the old songs as well as people really want to hold on to their heritage. And its well set up, so we go over there quite a bit and its great.. People loved what they were doing bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. The High Kings - the heirs to Irish folk (From left to right; Finbarr Clancy; Brian Dunphy; Daniel Byron; Paul O'Brien; and Darren Holden) Daniel Byron. Suddenly was released in 1998 and yielded three top 20 singles in Ireland and one top 30 in Finland. The High Kings continue to set the bar extremely high for Irish Folk bands across the world and are widely regarded to be at the forefront of the genre. In 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. The album contains traditional Irish music, ranging from religious songs to pub music. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Irish Rugby anthem Irelands Call the band were asked by the original composer Phil Coulter to record their own version which was subsequently included in the TV3 documentary.