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. 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. 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. paul@paulobrien.ca And its well set up, so we go over there quite a bit and its great.. 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. In late December, the High Kings began their Grace & Glory tour. Friends for Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. Brian, I love you can I get a hug? she said, so Brian went down and when he gave her a hug, she got him by the neck, and his legs were dangling as he came off the stage. 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. 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. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. They just want to hold onto it - the things they listened to when they were younger. 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. Dunphy had also been a member of the band Druid. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Brians biggest break came when he won the Lead singer role in Riverdance The Show, traveling extensively throughout America, Canada, China, Australia and Europe. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O Brien. The music of the Clancys was integral to Finbarrs musical education and he hopes to continue this strong ballad tradition with The High Kings. 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. Their third album Friends for Life contains both traditional Irish songs, as well as some original songs. 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. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. To purchase by phone, 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. 2021 sees the release of Home from Home, their brand-new 11 track album. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. He typically plays the bodhrn and guitar with the group. 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. Roadworks followed in 2006 with success in Japan where it sold 20,000 copies. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. Recorded live at Concert Deck in Dublin, Home from Home is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new. Paul comes from a very musical background, getting his love of music from listening to his dad who played the drums in the Rathdowney Cil band. The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever growing army of loyal fans that span generations. Because its almost like these songs are passing through generations of musicians. So thats what it descends too. Box Office Hours: 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday [4], On 6 July 2012 The High Kings were invited to perform at the residence of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. [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. He released a solo album entitled, Timeless, as well, in which Darren helped cowrite some of the original material. Click here to read our health and safety policy. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album 'Friends for Life to Sony Worldwide, another indication of their global appeal. By 2011 the band had out grown the venues they had been previously playing and had to start playing larger venues not only in Ireland but also in America and across Europe. 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. I think there is 85 million Irish around the world.. As Darren said, It was the biggest hometown crowd he had ever played for. Indeed, enjoying the exchange. 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. The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. But definitely, that as the older generation would know that., Keep up-to-date with music news on IrishCentral. [2] On St. Patrick's Day, they played for an American audience on "Live with Regis and Kelly," and performed on stage in Boston that night. In 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. 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). 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". Brian Dunphy got his first break as a performer in Riverdance: The Show. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O' Brien. After the release of their first album, the new group moved from a highly staged format to a more natural performance style. The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. 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. Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 8:00 pm The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. Since the inception of the group, it has toured Ireland, the United States, and Europe on several occasions. They flew directly from London where they had already been the headline act for the Lord Mayor of Londons St. Patricks Day concert. They flew directly from London where they had already been the headline act for the Lord Mayor of Londons St. Patricks Day concert. The High Kings flew home specially for the event from their headline US tour, one of three hugely successful tours they completed in 2008. The High Kings. He was lead singer with RIVERDANCE on Broadway and on tour for more than three years. While there, he had the honour of performing the American National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens and appearing on The Today Show. 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 High Kings announced that they would be debuting an album in November 2017, titled Decade: The Best of The High Kings. 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. He continues to perform solo shows when not with The High Kings. Originally from Mooncoin County Kilkenny, he is comfortable performing all genres of music from Pop and Jazz to Country and Celtic. 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 . 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. They performed alongside the US Marine Corps band marking another special occasion for the band. 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. [citation needed], The group's first two albums went platinum.[10]. After two years as part of Riverdance, he became a member of The Three Irish Tenors. In 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. Paul O'Brien. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. 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. Children under the age of 12 that cannot get a vaccine MUST provide a negative PCR test and wear a mask. Darren relished the opportunity to join The High Kings, and reach a new audience, singing the songs he had learnt as a child. He realised early on that the musical path would be the one he would follow. 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). Audiences around the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. sign up to our newsletter for exclusive promotions and event invitations. He followed this success by appearing in the Broadway musical Movin' Out. And when we came out and done all the old songs, in the new way weve done them - its a link thats why they hold onto it. 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 article was submitted to the IrishCentral contributors network by a member of the global Irish community. He has gigged around many pubs and local venues in Ireland and also spent 2 years living and gigging in Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria as a one man band ! [9] O'Brien plays the tin whistle, among other instruments. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. He is very happy to share the stage with Darren, Brian and Finbarr and looks forward to more performing and recording as part of The High Kings. 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. People loved what they were doing; bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. The High Kings performing in 2012 in Waterford, Ireland. As we tried to pull him back it was like a tug of war!. 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. The Academy will hold all shows at full capacity. 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. Brian was born in Dublin. About. 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. Service fees always apply with purchase. Holden has also released three successful solo albums. Being of a gregarious nature, he enjoys immensely meeting fans of The High Kings after a show and hearing their stories. 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. Feb 21, 2020. Furey left the band in September 2017. 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. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O Brien. 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. 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. To become an IrishCentral contributor click here. $25 - $45 + taxes & fees. 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. Box Office Hours are 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday. Brian is never fazed by the wise-cracking comments thrown at him from a sometimes raucous audience member. It was when Finbarr decided to move back to Ireland after touring the US that things started moving very quickly. 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. The album reached number three on the Billboard Top World Albums chart.[2]. The album spent a total of thirty-six weeks on the chart.[2]. Paul OBrien is a singer and songwriter from Rathdowney, Co. Laois. 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. The event began on 27 December in Belfast, and (as of this edit) has not ended yet. 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. Live and Learn was released in the United States in March 2003, garnering three top 40 airplay hits on the country music charts. 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. He also performed on three albums with this father. Paul has played music covering Irish Traditional and Ballads, Folk and Country. 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 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. Brian is the son of Sean Dunphy, who represented Ireland in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest. The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. 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. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. 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. If you change everything about it, then it is no longer what it is meant to be about, if you stray too far. Martin Furey, son of Irish folk musician Finbar Furey, formed the band Bohinta with his sister ine in 1992. 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. 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. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. 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. 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. 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. 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. And the lyrics came on our way to the JFK airport, as we had just finished a two-month tour of America and we were all on our way to go home and couldnt wait to be back with our families. 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. A top ten recording artist in Ireland, Darren toured with Boyzone on their first major tour of Ireland and the UK . Finbarr began touring North America with his Father and Uncles, The Clancy Brothers, in 1995. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. Irelands most popular baby names of 2022 - by county! Doors at 7:30 pm, Ticket Prices: 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. 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. 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. Paul was delighted to be asked to join The High Kings in 2019 and eagerly grasped the opportunity. The bands 2019 Christmas single is the first recording featuring Paul as part of the band. 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. Which is the one they do want to hold onto if they do move away from Ireland. "Artists: The High Kings Chart History (World Albums)", "The High Kings Announce George Murphy Joining Them For Canadian Tour", "Laois musician becomes newest member of popular Irish band", "Artists: The High Kings Chart History (Billboard 200)", "Artists: The High Kings Chart History (Independent Albums)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_High_Kings&oldid=1138027986, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 7 February 2023, at 17:02. 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. Irish folk band The High . 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. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. Spring 2023 Tour Dates Added. The band will undertake their most extensive Tour of the US in 2016 with almost 50 shows confirmed. [1] As of 2020, the group had released five studio albums, four live albums, two live DVDs, and one greatest hits album. 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. Following the passing of his uncle Paddy and later his father, Bobby in 2002. By 2011 the band had out grown the venues they had been previously playing and had to start playing larger venues not only in Ireland but also in America and across Europe. 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 performing in 2012 in Waterford, Ireland. Finbarr went on to learn the guitar and flute and began writing songs at the age of 17. He spent two years singing at The Gershwin Theatre on Broadway in New York and as lead vocalist in Radio City Music Hall. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album Friends For Life to Sony Worldwide another indication of their global appeal. People loved what they were doing bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. In 2015 The High Kings were invited to the Pentagon as guests of General Martin Dempsey, who is the Chairman of the The Joint Chiefs of Staff. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. Darren Holden starred in Riverdance: The Show on Broadway for eighteen months. 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.. They had a top ten hit in France with the album Excalibur, featuring Jean Reno as Merlin. Most singers have others theyd love to collaborate with, well The High Kings are the same as Darren, said I think Imelda May - I just think if we were to get in the studio with her wed have a really good collaboration and a really good vibe, with good energy. 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". 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 band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. Friends For Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. 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. 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. Suddenly was released in 1998 and yielded three top 20 singles in Ireland and one top 30 in Finland. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. Copyright 2023 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. 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. Music Contact Blog. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them, creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. [1] As of 2020, the group had released five studio albums, four live albums, and two live DVDs, and one greatest hits album. They are about to tour in the States, their biggest one yet starting on the 16th of February and lasting to 23rd of May. 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.