In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album Friends For Life to Sony Worldwide another indication of their global appeal. They are about to tour in the States, their biggest one yet starting on the 16th of February and lasting to 23rd of May. The album reached number three on the Billboard Top World Albums chart.[2]. The High Kings performing in 2012 in Waterford, Ireland. As part of The Clancy Brothers, Finbarr played all over the world and had many TV appearances, as well as recording credits such as Clancy Sings Along Songs, The Quiet Land and Make Me a Cup with Bobby Clancy and Eddie . As Darren said, It was the biggest hometown crowd he had ever played for. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. 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. Pauls father also played Bodhrn and spoons and his musicality passed itself down a generation. 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. 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. Children under the age of 12 that cannot get a vaccine MUST provide a negative PCR test and wear a mask. 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. 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. Paul has played music covering Irish Traditional and Ballads, Folk and Country. The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever growing army of loyal fans that span generations. 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. Martin Furey, son of Irish folk musician Finbar Furey, formed the band Bohinta with his sister ine in 1992. 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 album spent a total of thirty-six weeks on the chart.[2]. 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. [citation needed], The group's first two albums went platinum.[10]. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O' Brien. After two years as part of Riverdance, he became a member of The Three Irish Tenors. 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. The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. Audiences around the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. [9] O'Brien plays the tin whistle, among other instruments. About. sign up to our newsletter for exclusive promotions and event invitations. 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. 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. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O Brien. Where/ How Tickets Can be Purchased: 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 . Copyright 2023 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. 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. 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. Click here to read our health and safety policy. 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. 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 band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. 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. 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. Finbarr went on to learn the guitar and flute and began writing songs at the age of 17. Box Office Hours: 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday 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. 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. 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. Music Contact Blog. 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. He usually plays the guitar and sometimes the banjo with The High Kings. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them, creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. To purchase by phone, 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. Holden has also released three successful solo albums. They performed alongside the US Marine Corps band marking another special occasion for the band. In 2016 the band performed at RT's Centenary Concert to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's Easter Rising. Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 8:00 pm Being of a gregarious nature, he enjoys immensely meeting fans of The High Kings after a show and hearing their stories. 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. Brian is the son of Sean Dunphy, who represented Ireland in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest. Its pretty amusing standing there on stage watching these little nippers singing these songs. 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. Recorded live at Concert Deck in Dublin, Home from Home is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new. 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. Paul O'Brien. The High Kings announced that they would be debuting an album in November 2017, titled Decade: The Best of The High Kings. The Academy will hold all shows at full capacity. Because its almost like these songs are passing through generations of musicians. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. 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. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. 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. I think there is 85 million Irish around the world.. 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. [citation needed], The High Kings' first album reached number two on Billboard Magazine's World Music chart. 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. 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. The music of the Clancys was integral to Finbarrs musical education and he hopes to continue this strong ballad tradition with The High Kings. Although they sing mostly traditional Irish songs, they are also known to sing arrangements of songs from other genres. They performed alongside the US Marine Corps band marking another special occasion for the band. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. Holden plays the accordion, mandolin, guitar and keyboard with The High Kings. It takes you in at the start and keeps you until the very, very end and beyond., Others have had a different song to add as Finbarr Clancy said: I think the Boston Rose is good too, there are great harmonies in that, Brian Dunphy said, Yeah thats good too, Liam Reilly again., The High Kings performing in Vicar Street, Dublin, While touring and recording albums there is bound to plenty of gaffs or funny moments - so Brian Dunphy had this story to tell: Hahaha, my moment was being dragged off the stage, right here in Vicar Street, Darren interjects no, you threw yourself off the stage, you being pulled off is debatable, Dunphy continues, No she definitely pulled me off the stage, she did have a few drinks on her she didnt do it for any other reason - that has to be one of the funniest moments., Darren: There has just been so many though - but that has to top it. Finbarr explains what happened: So, we came out on stage, and this woman was shouting Brian! 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. There are loads of decedents Irish-Americans, who are right into their culture. Following the passing of his uncle Paddy and later his father, Bobby in 2002. Paul OBrien is a singer and songwriter from Rathdowney, Co. Laois. Indeed, enjoying the exchange. 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 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. In 2019 after a 12 year journey. The band will undertake their most extensive Tour of the US in 2016 with almost 50 shows confirmed. 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). In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album 'Friends for Life to Sony Worldwide, another indication of their global appeal. 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. 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". 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. 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. The High Kings performing in 2012 in Waterford, Ireland. While there, he had the honour of performing the American National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens and appearing on The Today Show. 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. The album contains traditional Irish music, ranging from religious songs to pub music. The event began on 27 December in Belfast, and (as of this edit) has not ended yet. 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. People loved what they were doing; bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. 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. 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 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. Friends for Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. 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. paul@paulobrien.ca 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. The event was hosted by US President Barack Obama and attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. 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. In late December, the High Kings began their Grace & Glory tour. 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. 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". 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). 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. [5] On 23 September 2013 The High Kings released Friends For Life on the Sony record label. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The High Kings. A top ten recording artist in Ireland, Darren toured with Boyzone on their first major tour of Ireland and the UK . 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. 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. As we tried to pull him back it was like a tug of war!. [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. He had numerous chart hits with such songs as After Tonight and More Than I Can Say. His debut solo album, Suddenly produced three top 20 hits. Growing up in the Clancy dynasty, Finbarrs was plucking the banjo and playing the bodhran from the age of 5. 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.