TV, Radio, and Irish Tour Round Up

Bryan Adams Tribute 

“Bryan Adams is back in Dublin so I thought I'd upload a little piano & vocal version of 'Heaven'”

Billy Joel

“After all these years we hooked up again on Saturday night. Billy Joel taught me so much about music, gave me invaluable advice and the most magical years of my career on Broadway and touring the USA. To catch up after his concert and sing a few songs together again was priceless and reminded me how blessed I've been and how incredible those days were.”

"Last night in NYC, my former boss and mentor Billy performed at Madison Square Garden for a record breaking 100th time! The man is not only a great guy, but an absolute legend.

Can you imagine the volume when 'The Boss' showed up!” #billy #bruce #nyc 

RTE Recording

“Good Morning.”

“National TV cameras invaded our home today to shoot footage of us for a really cool brand new television show.” #family #highkings

Radio Interviews

Listen to Darren chatting with Alan Corcoran on South East Radio ahead of the show Gorey Show.

CLICK HERE

“Listen to me chatting to Fran Curry on Tipp FM about The High Kings nomination for Best Irish Album at the Irish Post Awards in Killarney and our concert at The Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe.”

CLICK HERE

Listen to Darren chatting to Geoff Harris on WLR FM's Lunchbox ahead of the Waterford show.

CLICK HERE

Listen to Darren chatting to John Keane at KCLR.

CLICK HERE

From the Archives

“#tbt 20 years ago this week, my debut album 'Suddenly' was RTE 2FM Album of the Week. Those years flew by.” 

Darren in Moscow performing one of his own songs, later released on the 'Suddenly' album, 'When Dreams Come True’. Darren is performing in Moscow competing in the Graddus Ad Parnasum Song Festival. He won the 1st Prize of $10k.

“#tbt On a day off from touring in Turkey. 1998” #belindacarlisle

Irish Post Music Awards

"He's so happy to be stuck with me" Darren and Brian on route to the INEC in Killarney for the Irish Post Music Awards The event was broadcast live on TG4, as well as being streamed worldwide online.

“What an honour to have Phil Coulter play piano with us on "Hand me down my Bible" last night. A song he wrote in 1971 for The Dubliners, with a brand new third verse written in 2016 for The High Kings.”

The High Kings: “Darren Holden closing out the #ipmusicawards show with the wonderful Phil Coulter. Huge congratulations to Phil on winning the Lifetime Achievement award tonight.” 

“An honour and a pleasure.”

Darren was honoured when Phil Coulter asked him to accompany him on accordion for his performance of 'Thank God This is My Life' at Irish Post Music Awards. The song closed the show following Phil's acceptance of an Outstanding Achievement award.

The High Kings performing Rocky Road to Dublin.

Late Late Show

“Tubs? Yes I think I remember him” #newjob”

A few video stills from the High Kings performance of Rocky Road to Dublin.

The High Kings performing Rocky Road to Dublin on the Late Late Show.

RTE Radio 1

The High Kings: “Soundcheck in RTÉ Radio 1 this morning. We're joining Miriam O’Callaghan”

The High Kings performing Rocky Road to Dublin in the RTE R1 studio.

Irish Tour Round Up

Gorey

“Summer in Gorey.”

“Gorey! That was some night. What a great crowd. Thanks a million for singing your heads off with us tonight.

We won't forget that show anytime soon.”

Killaloe

“Amazing night in Killaloe, thanks to everyone for coming up in such big numbers to see us. Onwards to Bantry today.” #HK18

Bantry

“Hats off to an absolutely incredible audience last night in Bantry. Loved it.”

Cappoquin

“Cappoquin. What a night. What a crowd. Great to see you out in such huge numbers on a beautiful Saturday night.”

Vicar Street

“Every High Kings concert is special. Sometimes once in a while, things align and we are whisked away on an extra special show. We sold out Vicar St for the 3rd time in 6 months last night and it will go down as one of the most memorable shows in our 10 year history.

The crowd, the volume, the craic, the guests, the heat.....oh man the heat!!!

Thank you to everyone for coming out to spend a glorious July night with us, including those who flew in for the gig from Germany, UK, Poland, Argentina, and Brazil.

Definitely one to savour.”

Watch Darren perform Town I Loved So Well.

The High Kings performing 'The Parting Glass', joined on stage by Celtic Woman, at Vicar Street.

Fantastic review of the High Kings Vicar St show by the Irish Echo.

Click the photo to read the article.

Rocky Road to Dublin live from Vicar Street. 

Athenry

“Great High Kings show in Athenry last night Another sold out cracker with a super crowd.

Jumped offstage and into the car to get back to Dublin to play the official Michael Buble after show party at Lillies.”

Castleblaney 

“Big thanks to a super crowd in Castleblaney last night. We will see you again.” #hk18 #decade

Killarney

“INEC Killarney That was incredible tonight. What a crowd! Just brilliant throughout. See you guys next time.” #gleneagle #hk18

Ballylanders GAA

“Ballylanders! Incredible!

What's in the water down here? 

Just like last time we played for you, this a show that will never leave our memory. Raw energy, huge excitement and soaring voices. 

And that's just the crowd! 

Great to return to one of my old stomping grounds and see so many of the old gang again. Great to relive all the shenanigans & memories of many years ago. 

I couldn't have been that mad! No way”

Carrick on Shannon

“Holden & Dunphy on route to Carrick on Shannon for tonight's High Kings concert.”

Carlow

“I need new ears after tonight Carlow. WTF! That was unbelievable. Sold out and bursting with energy and volume from you all for more than 2 hours. Crazy crowd. Thank you!” #highkings

Ballyboffy

"When this is the view from your room in Ballybofey." #donegal #hk18

Next Stop USA

The High Kings: “Iowa Irish Fest - we're back! Looking forward to performing at this year's Iowa Irish Fest next Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of August! See you there!.” #hkusa #decadetour

Tour Dates

The High Kings have some dates in Ireland and Holland as well as tours in US and UK this year. Please see www.thehighkings.com for full schedule with ticket links and for any new dates being added.

These are the US and UK dates.

TV Couch, Irish Tour, Irish Post Awards,

Right Here Waiting

A classic from Richard Marx. #pianoman

Six O’Clock Show

Watch Darren chatting on the couch on TV3's Six O'Clock Show, broadcast 5th April 2018.

Video stills from Darren's appearance on the couch.

Tribute to ‘Big Tom’

“Four Country Roads now lead to Heaven. The greatest is gone.

We had the pleasure of him sitting in the front row of many High Kings concerts in Castleblaney, and a finer gentleman you couldn't meet.

Rest in Peace Big Tom.

They won't make 'em like you anymore.”

#legend

Listen to Darren chatting to Sue Nunn on KCLR FM, earlier this evening, about Irish country singer 'Big Tom'.

CLICK HERE

KCLR Interview

Listen to Darren chatting to Sue Nunn on KCLR 96 FM.

CLICK HERE

Sad News

“I am so very sad today. Our manager and great friend Dave Kavanagh has passed away. The High Kings only exist because of Dave and his vision.

We will miss him always. I'll be forever grateful to him and I'll miss the chats on the phone and his sharp wit. I'm glad we both had a great catch up recently at the office.

God speed Dave. Thank you.

My deepest condolences to his family.

This weekend will be very tough, but we will do our best.”

“A beautiful gathering, a beautiful send off for our fearless leader, manager and friend. His legacy will live on through ourselves and every other artist who he worked his magic on. Following beautiful tributes from his family, music from Maeve, Bono and The Edge from U2, The High Kings sent Dave on his way with The Parting Glass. Just as he would have wanted it.

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.”

#highkings #u2 #clannad #celticwoman

Some beautiful media tributes to HK manager Dave Kavanagh.

CLICK HERE

Irish Post Music Awards

Announcement from HKHQ: “Thrilled to announce that we will be appearing at The Irish Post Music Awards hosted in INEC Killarney June 7th 2018!” #irishpostmusicawards

CLICK HERE to read article.

“Really looking forward to seeing our many friends at The Irish Post Awards at INEC Killarney on June 7th.

Should be a big night. Broadcast live as it happens on TG4.” #hk18

Irish Tour Round Up

Ennis

“Glor, Ennis. Amazing crowd last night. Sold out and buzzing throughout. Great way to kick off the tour! Big thanks to you all.” #hk18

Maynooth

“Maynooth! The loudest and funniest audience in ages. The gags were fast & furious tonight. Great craic. See you all again!”

Photos copyright Carol Billett.

Killarney

“Best crowd ever at the INEC Killarney. What a great night. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us tonight." #hk18 #decade #elvis

Clonmel & Carrickmacross

“Clonmel and Carrickmacross.....2 amazing shows and massive crowds.

Huge thanks to everyone for coming out to see us. Tonight it's back to Vicar St in Dublin, where we will raise a song and celebrate our Boss DK.”

Dublin

“Vicar St, Thank you so much for coming out in full force tonight for our show. An incredible reaction that floored us completely.

We thank you for honouring our friend and manager Dave Kavanagh with a huge round of applause during our tribute to him and his legacy.

We will all miss him but the dream and his vision goes on. Tomorrow we will help send him on his way with a song.

Goodnight and God Bless.”

Loughrea

“Loughrea that was amazing! What a crowd and what a night. Sold out. Great fun. You guys were brilliant. Hope our friends from Nevada got a kick out of 'Viva Las Vegas'

Hope to see you all again.” #hk18

Kilkenny

“On the home turf in Kilkenny tonight.

Massive night ahead at The Hub.”

#hk18 #decade

“Kilkenny! That was savage! Brilliant crowd and great fun! Loud as folk! Always good to be home and see my Mam and family at the show. Maybe we'll see you again on the road.”

Castlebar

“The Royal Theatre in Castlebar has long been a sort of spiritual home for The High Kings. Last night, the welcome back was fantastic, humbling and really special. Thanks a lot to everyone who made it one to remember.”

#hk18 #decade

Sligo

“Sligo! Rammed to capacity and buzzing big time. That's was one of the better nights. Massive thanks to a super crowd.” #hk18 #decade

Photos Copyright Carol Billett.

Cavan

“Cavan! Loudest and craziest crowd this year so far! Absolutely brilliant night. Ears are still ringing after that.

You guys know how to do Friday night.”

Donegal

“One of the best High Kings crowds on this tour so far last night in Donegal. Absolutely incredible volume and fun.

Good to wind down this morning on my way home with this magical scene.”

#lovedonegal #hk18

“Huge thanks to the many people who helped make the Irish Tour such a big success. Signed off last night with a full house in Charleville. Superb crowd.

Thanks to our ever present road crew who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep us up and running.

Some down time now. Finally!”

Tour Dates

Please keep visiting www.thehighkings.com for all dates, venues, and ticket links, as they are announced and added.

Don't forget dates have already been announced for Holland and a UK Tour in Novemeber.

Just Announced tours!

Ireland Summer Dates

US Summer and Fall Dates

Backstage Performances and US Tour Round UP

Graceland

"Graceland. Don't know what it is about the place. Totally inspiring and always a jaw dropping experience. The massive new exhibit across the street just happened to open 1 year ago yesterday. Bumping into the worlds greatest Elvis impersonator Shawn Klush was a bonus. Brian, Finbarr and myself sang Galway to Graceland for him. A very cool day.” #elvis #graceland

“Darren mentioned they sang Galway to Graceland at Graceland? Well it just so happens someone recorded it, so here it is! Enjoy!”

Live From Backstage

“New York State of Mind. Live from a snowy NYC before the High Kings New York City Winery show 7th March 2018.” #killingtimebackstage #hkusa18

“Backstage today in Virginia, as a little tribute to the late Thom Moore, here is his beautiful song 'Cavan Girl'.”

Happy St Patrick's Day From Darren

“Hope you are having the best St. Patrick's Day and wearing your shamrock with pride. The High Kings are sold out tonight at The Forbes Performings Arts Center in Harrisonburg VA. Bring it on.”

“Backstage before tonight's show in Virginia for the day that's in it. A very impromptu and unrehearsed Danny Boy with Brian.” #stpatricksday

Happy St Patrick's Day From the High Kings

HKHQ: “Happy St. Patrick's Day to all our fans, friends and families around the world! We will be celebrating tonight at Forbes Center for the Performing Arts in Harrisonburg, Virginia - All our love from Finbarr, Brian, Darren and George xxx" #DecadeUSA

On the 18th March 2012, the High Kings headlined the Lord Mayor of London's St Patrick's Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square. This is their performance of a couple of old set favourites from earlier in the 'Decade'. They left London after the event to fly to Washington DC and the White House!

US Tour Round Up

Memphis

“Good morning Memphis.”

Photos from the High Kings show at in Memphis during the first week of the tour. Photos copyright Charlie Brock, thanks for sharing Charlie

Nashville

“Great to be back in Nashville. Broadway is hopping and it's only 3pm!”

#musiccityusa #hkusa18

“Saturday night in Nashville...Sold out, what can I say! Unbelievable. You guys were incredible. So many special moments during the show. Goosebumps when you raised the roof with "Oh Maggie". To write a song and have it sung so loudly in Music City USA...no words. Thanks for indulging us "That's Alright". Gotta have some Elvis. Memphis on Friday night....beautiful. What a great audience. We just rolled into Asheville, North Carolina on a sunny Sunday morning.”

The High Kings performing Black Velvet Band in a SOLD OUT Nashville!

Photos from the High Kings show at in Memphis during the first week of the tour. Photos copyright Charlie Brock, thanks for sharing Charlie

Asheville

“Tonight it's The Isis Music Hall, Asheville, North Carolina.” #hkusa18

NYC Winery Take 1!

“Back in the old stomping ground.”

“New York, New York. It always feels like coming home. Thanks to you all for braving the snow to be here. We had a blast. So great to come back here again.” #citywinery #nyc #secondhome #hkusa18

Old Saybrook

“2 great sold out nights in Old Saybrook Connecticut. Thanks to everyone for coming out to see us at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Center.”

Photo copyright Lehan Sullivan

  

Syracuse

"Could be worse, but I'm pretty done with snow at this stage."

Cumberland

Photos copyright Ruth B Fogarty

Ann Arbour

“Ann Arbour, Michigan just might have been the show of the tour last night. What a crowd. Loud as folk. Totally fun show. Thanks to the huge crowd who came out to see us.” #hkusa

NYC Winery Take 2!

“New York City. You broke my heart last night during "Town" and lifted it higher that you could imagine.

Beautiful to hear an audience reaction throughout the song.

Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to sing such a classic. Last night we dedicated it to the memory of Liam O Flynn.” #coulter

You've seen Darren's status about the Town I Loved So Well at the City Winery in NYC last night. This is the performance, thanks Jennifer Leary for recording and sharing it.

Columbus

“Columbus Ohio! Wow! What an incredible crowd tonight. That was ridiculous. Loved it.

Massive thanks to everyone for a brilliant night.” #hkusa18

Leaving of Liverpool live from Columbus.

Harrisonburg

“St. Patrick's Night in Harrisonburg Virginia. What a fantastic crowd. Great fun! Thanks to everyone for coming out last night.” #hkusa18

Alexandria

Irish Pub, live from the Birchmere Alexandria.

  

Kansas City

HKHQ: “Our show in Kansas City Irish Center has become the 16th sold out show on our 18 date tour!!” #DecadeUSA #Proud

Chicago

“Random pic. Chicago alleyway behind tonight's venue.” #sunset

“Chicago. As always... brilliant. What a fantastic show last night at City Winery. One of the loudest and funniest crowds of the tour so far. Thanks to everyone for coming out to see us.”

Cedarburg

“Ready to rock another sold out show tonight at Cedarburg PAC Wisconsin. 

Penultimate concert of this US tour.”

#hkusa

“Cedarburg! What a super crowd and a great night. Tonight had a bit of everything thrown in. Elvis, Riverdance....way too much fun. 

One show to go on the US tour!”

#hkusa

Batavia

“End of US tour.”

“Batavia, Illinois. What a great way to finish the US Tour. Amazing crowd to send us on our way. Too much fun.

Thanks to every single person who came out to see us in America over the last 3 and a half weeks. Huge thanks to our super crew Bobby Vivien Paddy and to our fantastic bus driver Patrick.”

From the Archives

On St Patrick’s Day, Ireland, already confirmed as the 2018 Six Nations rugby champions, took on England at Twickenham. The convincing win saw them completing the Grand Slam for only the third time in their history, the last in 2009. Back in 2014, the High Kings got to perform Ireland's Call at Twickenham before the England Ireland game, they didn't win that day, but this win certainly made it a very Happy St Patrick's Day 2018 for Irish rugby and their supporters.

Tour Dates

The High Kings are back home in Ireland, just!!! There's no break in sight as they hit the road to kick off the Irish Spring Tour.

So Irish fans, or those wanting an excuse to visit the Emerald Isle, time to get your tickets if you haven't already! It would be nice to see those Sold Out signs up on their home turf! 

UK Tour November, ON SALE NOW! Venue websites generally have a better ticket choice than ticket outlets and often have the option to select your own seats.

Please visit www.thehighkings.com regularly for the up to date full list of dates and venues as they are confirmed. Dates are often announced first on the High Kings Facebook page.