Thursday 19 January 2012

Darren Archives - Movin' Out Tokyo

Darren performed 1300 shows as Pianoman in Movin' Out, for the most part in the USA and Canada. But one of the highlights was taking the tour to Japan for a 6 week run from 27 July to 2 September 2006. They performed to great reviews and enthusiastic audiences at the Tokyo Koseinenkin Kaikan throughout.


"Darren Holden truly holds Movin' Out together and pumps out song after song with great passion. He's not imitating Joel, he's a star in his own right. He's sexy, breathy and really rocks."

-Amy Matsuoka, The Daily Yomiuri , Tokyo August 2, 2006

This photo slide has a full cast and crew photo from opening night, photos from the show, as well as some other personal performances from Darren with some of the Movin' Out band at Shinjunku station and Crawdaddy's Bar.





Darren, along with other members of the Movin' Out cast, were interviewed for a Japanese television station.

We have just added two videos of unseen footage of Darren's two interviews. Please note that these were actually filmed in Boston.

The first video shows Darren at the theatre with an opportunity to see him back stage and climbing his 30ft ladder to his piano up on the platform above the stage! The second interview is a rare opportunity to see Darren relaxing with his wife Michelle and their young son Josh, who were with him throughout the tour.



Screenshots from the videos





Darren's solo album Roadworks was released while he was in Japan and received an amazing reaction from the Japanese fans, selling over 20,000 copies. Here he is with a group of fans happy to have met Darren and got their copies signed!


We hope you have enjoyed sharing Darren's experiences of Japan in what was a very special and memorable time in his career.

STOP PRESS!!!!!!

The High Kings have just announced US festival dates!

Check the Tour Dates page for details


Darren is about to head of back to the UK with the High Kings to rejoin the Young Voices tour at the MEN Arena in Manchester.


Thanks for your continued support

Darren and the DH Team



Monday 2 January 2012

Happy New Year and Irish Tour

“Had a really nice Christmas spent with family in Dublin and yesterday in Kilkenny. Kids had a ball with all their cousins and both nana's and grandad's.
Just about to head to Newry to kick off 4 nights in the north. Last 4 shows of a great year.”

“There are nights I'm reminded of why I love to do what I do. Being onstage in front of an incredible audience tonight, was a massive reminder. Holy baby Jesus, they rocked hard and never let up from start to finish. Loved it.”

“Gym done, coffee on. Ready to hit the road to Derry to play a sold out concert at The Millenium Forum. If it's anything like last night, we are in for a treat.”

“Derry....Thanks so much. Another incredible night. What a way to finish off this year! A sold out Millennium Forum and a brilliant crowd.
2 more shows to go before we appear on RTE 1 for the New Years Eve show on Saturday night!”


“Castleblaney! Loudest audience of 2011!
600 strong and very much part of making tonight one to remember for a long time.
What a night. What a week. Last concert of the year tomorrow night at The Strule Theatre in Omagh.”


"Well, the final concert of this tour and 2011 is over. What a year for HK. Incredible crowds and support throughout. We are always grateful. Tomorrow night we will ring in 2012 alongside Jedward, Declan O' Rourke etc on RTE 1. Should be an absolute blast.”


Happy New Year

“Hey everyone. I mightn't get a chance later, so let me now wish you all a very Happy 2012, filled with health, happiness and lots of luck! Hope it's a good one for us all. See ya'll on the flip side. D”

Darren says a few words from the RTE rehearsal.


The High Kings were proud to be invited to perform on RTE 1's New Year's Eve Live show, hosted by Miriam O'Callaghan. The show launched TV50 as Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) celebrates 50 years of Irish television. They performed Finnegan's Wake early in the show and were then joined on stage by Miriam and many of the other performers and guests as they gave a rousing performance of Whiskey in the Jar to close the show. Their first live performance of 2012.

Watch both performances below.






Fantastic New Year's night here with family. Lot's of fun had as usual. Hope you all have a brilliant 2012. So far so good."


Young Voices

The High Kings with Connie Talbot at the Royal Albert Hall


That's all the news for now, the Darren and the lads are taking a much needed break before they rejoin the UK Young Voices Tour in Manchester later this month.


Thanks for your continued support

Happy New Year to you all

Darren and the DH Team