The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O Brien. People loved what they were doing bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. It was when Finbarr decided to move back to Ireland after touring the US that things started moving very quickly. 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). 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. In 2008, the High Kings toured the United States with Celtic Woman as the opening act. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. 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. 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. Recorded live at Concert Deck in Dublin, Home from Home is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new. Pauls father also played Bodhrn and spoons and his musicality passed itself down a generation. Feb 21, 2020. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Their third album Friends for Life contains both traditional Irish songs, as well as some original songs. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. They performed alongside the US Marine Corps band marking another special occasion for the band. Brian is never fazed by the wise-cracking comments thrown at him from a sometimes raucous audience member. 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 . 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. Box Office Hours: 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday The bands 2019 Christmas single is the first recording featuring Paul as part of the band. Roadworks followed in 2006 with success in Japan where it sold 20,000 copies. 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! I think there is 85 million Irish around the world.. 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. This was confirmed when their self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the world Billboard Music chart. 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. Darren Holden is not only a prolific Songwriter and Musician but a master interpreter of lyrics as well. sign up to our newsletter for exclusive promotions and event invitations. 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 . 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. In 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. Holden plays the accordion, mandolin, guitar and keyboard with The High Kings. 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 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 reached number three on the Billboard Top World Albums chart.[2]. 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. The music of the Clancys was integral to Finbarrs musical education and he hopes to continue this strong ballad tradition with The High Kings. 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. After two years as part of Riverdance, he became a member of The Three Irish Tenors. Although they sing mostly traditional Irish songs, they are also known to sing arrangements of songs from other genres. 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. Which is the one they do want to hold onto if they do move away from Ireland. He released a solo album entitled, Timeless, as well, in which Darren helped cowrite some of the original material. 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. Along with his wife Michelle, Darren revels in home life with daughters Ava and Sophie and son Josh. Darren Holden starred in Riverdance: The Show on Broadway for eighteen months. While there, he had the honour of performing the American National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens and appearing on The Today Show. Click here to read our health and safety policy. 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. 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. Dunphy had also been a member of the band Druid. 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. They just want to hold onto it - the things they listened to when they were younger. Darren relished the opportunity to join The High Kings, and reach a new audience, singing the songs he had learnt as a child. Finbarr was born in County Waterford to Moira and Bobby, brother to Liam, Paddy & Tom Clancy. 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. The album spent a total of thirty-six weeks on the chart.[2]. Holden has also released three successful solo albums. 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. Indeed, enjoying the exchange. There are loads of decedents Irish-Americans, who are right into their culture. He usually plays the guitar and sometimes the banjo with The High Kings. Finbarr began touring North America with his Father and Uncles, The Clancy Brothers, in 1995. [5] On 23 September 2013 The High Kings released Friends For Life on the Sony record label. People loved what they were doing; bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. The band will undertake their most extensive Tour of the US in 2016 with almost 50 shows confirmed. 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. They are about to tour in the States, their biggest one yet starting on the 16th of February and lasting to 23rd of May. He was lead singer with RIVERDANCE on Broadway and on tour for more than three years. 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. The event began on 27 December in Belfast, and (as of this edit) has not ended yet. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O' Brien. 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. He continues to perform solo shows when not with The High Kings. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. The album contains traditional Irish music, ranging from religious songs to pub music. 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. Service fees always apply with purchase. paul@paulobrien.ca Where/ How Tickets Can be Purchased: 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. In 2019 after a 12 year journey. 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. The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. Spring 2023 Tour Dates Added. Friends for Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013.