Paul has played music covering Irish Traditional and Ballads, Folk and Country. As we tried to pull him back it was like a tug of war!. The High Kings announced that they would be debuting an album in November 2017, titled Decade: The Best of The High Kings. Growing up in the Clancy dynasty, Finbarrs was plucking the banjo and playing the bodhran from the age of 5. Audiences around the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. 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. In 2016 the band performed at RT's Centenary Concert to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's Easter Rising. 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. [4], On 6 July 2012 The High Kings were invited to perform at the residence of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. 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. 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. The High Kings continue to perform in sell out venues across the globe to their ever growing army of loyal fans that span generations. "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. 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. Friends for Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. 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. 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 High Kings - ACADEMY OF MUSIC Finbarr began touring North America with his Father and Uncles, The Clancy Brothers, in 1995. 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. 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. 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. 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. It was when Finbarr decided to move back to Ireland after touring the US that things started moving very quickly. 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. 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 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. "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. 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. In late December, the High Kings began their Grace & Glory tour. 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 High Kings - Wikipedia 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. 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. He was lead singer with RIVERDANCE on Broadway and on tour for more than three years. 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. He realised early on that the musical path would be the one he would follow. The High Kings play 13 instruments between them creating the unique sound and atmosphere that they still showcase to this day. [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". [5] On 23 September 2013 The High Kings released Friends For Life on the Sony record label. 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 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. Recorded live at Concert Deck in Dublin, Home from Home is a journey through classic folk songs, old and new. 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. 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. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album 'Friends for Life to Sony Worldwide, another indication of their global appeal. Martin Furey, son of Irish folk musician Finbar Furey, formed the band Bohinta with his sister ine in 1992. 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. 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. 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. Paul OBrien is a singer and songwriter from Rathdowney, Co. Laois. 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. 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. Service fees always apply with purchase. 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! Originally from Mooncoin County Kilkenny, he is comfortable performing all genres of music from Pop and Jazz to Country and Celtic. 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 ! In June 2016 the band played all 3 stages at the Isle of Wight Festival, followed by a performance at Glastonbury Festival 2016 on the Acoustic Stage. The bands 2019 Christmas single is the first recording featuring Paul as part of the band. The rest of 2016 and early 2017 was spent extensively touring the new album. 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). The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. Paul O'Brien 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. They performed alongside the US Marine Corps band marking another special occasion for the band. Brian is the son of Sean Dunphy, who represented Ireland in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest. [citation needed], The group's first two albums went platinum.[10]. Paul O'Brien. 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. 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. About. 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. Box Office Hours are 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday. 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. 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. While there, he had the honour of performing the American National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens and appearing on The Today Show. In March 2009 The High Kings played 5 consecutive sold out shows to a packed audience in Dublins Olympia Theatre. 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. Friends For Life featured 8 original songs written and composed by the band and was released in 2013. 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. 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: 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. As Darren said, It was the biggest hometown crowd he had ever played for. 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. 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. Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 8:00 pm 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. Where/ How Tickets Can be Purchased: Spring 2023 Tour Dates Added. 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. 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. Pauls father also played Bodhrn and spoons and his musicality passed itself down a generation. 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. They are about to tour in the States, their biggest one yet starting on the 16th of February and lasting to 23rd of May. 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. He released a solo album entitled, Timeless, as well, in which Darren helped cowrite some of the original material. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. Darren relished the opportunity to join The High Kings, and reach a new audience, singing the songs he had learnt as a child. The event was hosted by US President Barack Obama and attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. 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. Bohinta released two albums. The early part of 2016 was spent back in the studio recording their Grace & Glory album. 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. Brians biggest break came when he won the Lead singer role in Riverdance The Show, traveling extensively throughout America, Canada, China, Australia and Europe. They flew directly from London where they had already been the headline act for the Lord Mayor of Londons St. Patricks Day concert. Brian Dunphy got his first break as a performer in Riverdance: The Show. He usually plays the guitar and sometimes the banjo with The High Kings. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. People loved what they were doing; bringing a new take on traditional Irish ballads to audiences of multiple generations. Copyright 2023 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. 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. In 2008, the High Kings toured the United States with Celtic Woman as the opening act. 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 . 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 album contains traditional Irish music, ranging from religious songs to pub music. The music of the Clancys was integral to Finbarrs musical education and he hopes to continue this strong ballad tradition with The High Kings. The album charted at number 1 on the Irish Indie charts and was very well received by critics and fans alike. A top ten recording artist in Ireland, Darren toured with Boyzone on their first major tour of Ireland and the UK . 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. To become an IrishCentral contributor click here. The band will undertake their most extensive Tour of the US in 2016 with almost 50 shows confirmed. Their third album Friends for Life contains both traditional Irish songs, as well as some original songs. The event began on 27 December in Belfast, and (as of this edit) has not ended yet. [1] As of 2020, the group had released five studio albums, four live albums, and two live DVDs, and one greatest hits album. The Academy will hold all shows at full capacity. 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. Brian was born in Dublin. In 2017 they released a compilation album Decade which celebrated 10 amazingly successful years together and also included 5 brand new recordings. Irelands most popular baby names of 2022 - by county! They had a top ten hit in France with the album Excalibur, featuring Jean Reno as Merlin. [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. This article was submitted to the IrishCentral contributors network by a member of the global Irish community. And its well set up, so we go over there quite a bit and its great.. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O Brien. 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 album spent a total of thirty-six weeks on the chart.[2]. Although they sing mostly traditional Irish songs, they are also known to sing arrangements of songs from other genres. 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. Dunphy had also been a member of the band Druid. paul@paulobrien.ca Live and Learn was released in the United States in March 2003, garnering three top 40 airplay hits on the country music charts. He continues to perform solo shows when not with The High Kings. [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. Roadworks followed in 2006 with success in Japan where it sold 20,000 copies. 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. Darren Holden starred in Riverdance: The Show on Broadway for eighteen months. 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. Over the past 12 years The High Kings have released 4 studio albums, 2 live albums and 2 DVDs. Paul O'Brien joined the group in 2019 to replace Murphy. In 2013 the band licensed their forthcoming album Friends For Life to Sony Worldwide another indication of their global appeal. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy Paul O Brien. They just want to hold onto it - the things they listened to when they were younger. The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O' Brien. He spent two years singing at The Gershwin Theatre on Broadway in New York and as lead vocalist in Radio City Music Hall. Its pretty amusing standing there on stage watching these little nippers singing these songs. The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. 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. He typically plays the bodhrn and guitar with the group. [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. Holden has also released three successful solo albums. 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 2019 after a 12 year journey. They flew directly from London where they had already been the headline act for the Lord Mayor of Londons St. Patricks Day concert. Box Office Hours: 3pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday The album reached number three on the Billboard Top World Albums chart.[2]. 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. Feb 21, 2020. Paul himself is a self-taught musician; he plays Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Whistles, Harmonica and of course Bodhrn. After the release of their first album, the new group moved from a highly staged format to a more natural performance style. Furey left the band in September 2017. 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. Click here to read our health and safety policy. 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 .