Tuesday 24 May 2011

Moneygall, Donegal, and Very Sad Times

Hi Everyone

The visit of Barack Obama to Ireland this week has been a very welcome opportunity for The High Kings to turn their thoughts to a happy and historic occasion after what had been a very sad and difficult time, especially for Brian.

We bring you now all the latest news, both happy and sad, from the last few days.



"Fantastic day. Moneygall was buzzing for the visit of President Obama, and we were proud to be part of such a historic event. Ireland is back in the world news headlines, for all the right reasons. I will be chatting to Billy McCarthy on WLR FM tomorrow morning at around 10.15am, and sharing our memories of the day."

Darren did a short telephone interview with Sue Nunn of KCLR just as they were arriving in Moneygall. The following morning he was chatting to Billy McCarthy at WLR and then with again with Sue Nunn on KCLR to share the memories of Moneygall. You can listen to all the interviews on the player on Latest News page of Darren's Official Website by clicking the 'Radio Interviews' link below.


Enniskillen

The High Kings performed at the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen on 14th May. They were supported by 13 year old Mark Boylan.

"Enniskillen! A sellout crowd brought the love in a big way! Brilliant night! Loved it."




Photos courtesy and copyright Donnie Phair

Donegal Live - Dublin

"We are live at 3pm at The Iveagh Gardens Dublin as headliners for Donegal Live.
That is unless we drown or take off in the wind and rain!!!!"


Darren making friends at Donegal Live in Iveagh Gardens Dublin 22 May 2011





Photos courtesy and copyright William Murphy

"The sun came out for our set today in the Iveagh Gardens and the crowd were loving it! The biggest cheer of the day was lovingly given for Brian, who paid tribute to his dad, before he sang The Rare Auld Times. What a trooper!
Tomorrow we head to Moneygall to play for President Obama! Should be fun!"


Rest In Peace Sean Dunphy


30 November 1937 - 17 May 2011

We were very shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Sean Dunphy and our thoughts and prayers are with Brian and his family at such a sad time.

At the request of the family, Darren, Finbarr, and Martin, went ahead with their planned performance on RTE R1's Pat Kenny show the following morning. They performed a very touching version of Brian's Fields of Athenry, which they dedicated to the Dunphy family, and a lovely version of Green Fields of France. We have recorded both the songs and can share these special moments with you. Click the links to listen to the songs with an option to download and keep these very special performances.



A few words from Darren.....

"What a send off for the master. A beautiful ceremony filled with music, memories, smiles and tears. Sean would have been so proud of his family today. Brian bravely joined us for Red is the Rose, and himself and me performed our own "God be with those Days", one of his dad's favourite songs. A massive void has been left, but the memories will live forever."

A few words from Brian.....

"Once again thank you so much for all ur support at this time he was much loved and adored by people around the world as his voice and charisma touched so many. Dad was laid to rest in a celebration of his life his final show, his final standing ovation and his final curtain call"

_____________________________________________________

Back with more news soon.

Thanks for your continued support.

Darren and the DH Team

Monday 16 May 2011

New Darren Press and Video.....

Hi Everyone

While in Donegal for the High Kings show, Darren was on hand to help TV3's Noel Cunningham and Donegal Mayor, Cllr Cora Harvey, launch Donegal Live. Here are two articles from the press. The first is the Metro Herald, the other is The Daily Star national.







New official Newsletter launched....

Darren launched his brand new official Newsletter on 7 May which has been very well received. If you haven't signed up to receive a copy yet, why not do it now? Sign up using the form on the left hand side of this page and your subscription confirmation will give you a link to the first edition!

We will be issuing the second edition before the end of May, so sign up now to be assured of receiving your copy!


New video added to YouTube.....

It's All About Ally, another original song written by Darren with Denny Blake, from the 2004 show at LA's Whiskey a Go Go. The song was later released on the Darren's 2006 Roadworks album.


This is the third of 7 parts of a live gig Darren performed with his band Wanted, in Dublin, in 1993. Part 3 has performances of the songs The Race Is On, Rattled, a very energetic Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town, and Rock 'N Me.


Finally from Darren.......  

"Kids dropped off, gym done, now it's off to spend the day writing songs.
I love new adventures."

"Very productive day! Really enjoyed working with a new songwriting pal. Much more to come!"

"Gym done, getting ready to head to Belfast for our concert at Mandela Hall tonight at 8pm!"

"Belfast!! Amazing crowd. Loved it. Wildest crowd in ages!"

"Enniskillen! A sellout crowd brought the love in a big way! Brilliant night! Loved it."

"Mullingar!! Pandemonium at it's wildest!! Yet again the Midlands rocked hard!
Judging by the amount of teenagers in and the sheer volume of them all night, HK have a long road ahead!"
 

Thanks for your continued support.

Darren and the DH Team

Monday 9 May 2011

Vicar Street, what a night!!!

 
Listen to Darren on KCLR


Darren was on KCLR talking to Sue Nunn about Jedward's chances in Eurovision and rumours of a possible high profile appearance for the High Kings. 9 May 2011.

Listen to what he had to say on the audio player on the Latest News Page of his official website!



 
 The High Kings at Vicar Street
 
"We have found our Dublin home.
Vicar St rocked harder than the others and totally blew our minds. Loved it.
Great to see so many friends out and about after. Gonna feel it tomorrow but.......it's all good!"








Platinum Kings! Memory Lane

These photos haven't previously posted. The High Kings were presented with their platinum discs for Memory Lane by Sile Seoige at the Newstalk Studios back in December.








Other News from DH World........

Na Fianna

This month's Irish Music Magazine is running a feature on Na Fianna a young up and coming Irish folk group who are soon to be releasing their new live CD and DVD. Darren was very supportive of them when they were competing in the All Ireland Talent Show in 2009 where they reached the finals. The group mentioned Darren during the interview and acknowledged his support by saying that he had given them a lot of help and advice.


The Promise


Some time back, Darren wrote a song called 'The Promise' with Marc Roberts which Marc subsequently released as the title track of his second album in November 2009. To have your song chosen as the title track of an album is an honour, but it hasn't stopped there. The Willoughby Brothers a six piece Irish folk group of six brothers, have just released their new album and have also included 'The Promise' written by Darren and Marc as their title track.


Thanks for your continued support.

Darren and the DH Team

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Darren Holden Newsletter coming soon...... and more!!

Hi Everyone

Since Darren launched this new official website at Christmas, we have been very keen to compliment it with an official blog and a newsletter for the fans who have signed up to our mailing list.

This official blog was launched at the beginning of April, with Darren's wrap up of the US Tour, and we are pleased to announce that we are close to finalising the first 'Darren Holden' Newsletter! This should be issued in the next couple of days. If you have already signed up as a member of www.darrenholden.net or have joined our mailing list on Reverbnation, you will automatically have been added to the newsletter mailing list.

If you haven't signed up and would like to receive our newsletters by email, it's not too late. Just complete and submit you details on the form below. The newsletter will be powered by Mail Chimp.






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Listen to Darren & The High Kings on South East Radio



Darren chated on the telephone to Stephen Dee at South East Radio on his morning show 4 May.

The High Kings chated with Alan Corcoran and performed Dirst Old Town, The Auld Triangle and Joe Hill live in the studio 5 May.

You can listen to the interview on the Latest News page of his official website.



The High Kings at Limerick Live in The Park Riverfest 2011

The High Kings perform an afternoon set at the Limerick Riverfest at Arthur's Quay before setting off to Carlow for their evening show.

All photos are courtesy and copyright Cian McNamara / CMN Images Limerick 30 April 2011
www.cmnimageslimerick.yolasite.com




The weekend summed up in a few words from Darren……

“Just finished a cool outdoor gig on Arthurs Quay in Limerick for HMV. Beautiful weather, brilliant crowd, and now on bus back to Carlow for tonights show. Great to catch Roysevens set before us! What a group! And Paul what a singer!!”

“Carlow! Fantastic night with the loudest crowd yet this year! Amazing fun!
On to Letterkenny for tomorrow nights show!”

“Letterkenny!! Holy sweet mother!!
Unreal, deafening and huge crowd that as always made it so worthwhile!
Brilliant night!!”


Thank you for your continued support

Darren and the DH Team