US Tour Round Up and More..

National Concert Hall Fundraiser

“Tonight at the National Concert Hall, Brian Dunphy and I will perform as a duo, alongside Paul Harrington, Brian Kennedy, Johnny Logan, Rebecca Storm, Charlie McGettigan and more, as part of the fundraising show " Paul Harringtons Irish Jukebox Heroes". It's in aid of Haven, a charity helping to build sustainable communities in Haiti. Should be a great night!”

“Good job nobody can hear us!!”

“Backstage at the Concert Hall with Johnny. Great night so far.”

Climb for Kids Kilimanjaro - 5th Anniversary!

On October 15th 2010, Darren reached the summit of Kilimanjaro as part of 'Team Crumlin' to raise money for Crumlin Children's Hospital and CMRF. They were accompanied by an RTE film crew and the documentary 'Climb For Kids' was broadcast the following summer, watched by an estimated 365,000. This video is an edited version of the documentary concentrating on Darren's Kilimanjaro experience. He was one of a number of celebrities, including Kathryn Thomas, Sile Seoige, Jenny Buckley, and comedians Alan Shortt and Karl Spain. Their target to raise €250k was reached before they had even returned to Ireland.
 

Machu Picchu Trek - 6th Anniversary

It was 6 years ago, 9^th October, that Darren left the comfort of his Cusco hotel in Peru and set off on Day 1 of a 4 day trek on the Inca Trail. He was part of a challenge to trek to Machu Picchu, led by his friend Keith Duffy of Boyzone, in aid of Irish Autism Action.

Ireland's Call 20th Anniversary Documentary

Unfortunately, we cannot currently share footage of the documentary due to licensing restrictions for viewing outside of Ireland. If this changes we will do so at a later date.
These are a few stills from the documentary.

US Tour Round Up

Michigan

A little clip of the High Kings as they take to the stage in Michigan!

“Last night might just have been the loudest and craziest crowd we've played to in the USA!
And that's saying something after the week we've had. Never heard "Oh Maggie" sung like that! Unreal. Thanks Michigan.
This one will be remembered for a long time.”

Great action shots of Darren and Brian in Michigan by official Michigan Irish Music Festival photographer Tom Reilly! Sounds like it was an amazing night!

“Michigan. Insanity tonight. Literally.
THANK YOU!”

“Concert shot from last night in Muskegon, Michigan.
Homeward bound today!”

 
  Baltimore

“Looking lovely tonight Baltimore.”

“You'd think after 7 years of post show cd signings with HK that we'd heard it all.
Within the space of one minute last night, a gentleman told me that I "emanate light and leadership and that I have been anointed by God".
Directly followed by a lady who looked at me and said "You have the devil in your eyes'!!”


Norfolk CT

“Norfolk CT! What a crowd. Great buzz! Thank you so much for the massive welcome!”

Photo copyright Deena LeDuc

Somerville, Boston

“Boston. Biggest one yet. Sold Out! Can't wait.”

“Boston. Epic. That is all.
Thank you and Good Night.”

Thanks to Joe Chin for recording and sharing Darren and the lads performing at the Somerville Theatre in Boston.

Settersville

“Sellersville Pennsylvania, What a crowd. A total sellout and the best fun we've had with an audience in ages!
Thanks for the massive welcome.
Next stop, Nashville TN for a few days off before 2 more sold out shows.
Twang!”


Nashville

 “Rolled back into Nashville Tennessee last night. Spent a lot of '02 and '03 recording "Live and Learn" there and spent many great nights jamming on Broadway with some very cool players who I'll hopefully see this week.
Haven't been back since we did a few weeks with "Movin' Out' there.
We have 2 sold out shows on Wednesday and Thursday which in Music City USA, is pretty cool.”

“Possibly...The best laugh ever!
Nashville TN. Way too much fun.”

“Night 1 in Nashville done and dusted. Full House, crazy crowd and some great fun onstage.
Threw in Folsom Prison Blues, just 'cos.
Really nice to see our friends The Willis Clan in the audience and also our fellow countryman Colm Kirwan, who joined us onstage for a song.
Tomorrow night we do it all over again.”

Photo courtesy of thehighkings.com

 
“Nashville. What a blast we had tonight. Another sold out show, plenty antics and a brilliant audience. Loud as folk!
One of my favourite Country singers, Tim Rushlow and his lovely wife, sat directly in front of me! No pressure.
Big thanks to our crew, Ronan Bobby Paddy and Vivien for making it happen.
A truly memorable couple of shows.
Also to Sean and Paula for the huge welcome.”

Photo copyright Charlie Brook/Lyndy Nothstine

“Backstage after our Nashville show with Country singer Tim Rushlow, his wife Mary Jane and Brian.
Pic courtesy of Charlie Brock.”

 
 Some more great photos from McNamaras in Nashville copyright of Charlie Brock. Thanks for sharing Charlie.

After the first show in Nashville, Darren's status included the words "Threw in Folsom Prison Blues, just 'cos." Would you like to see it? We found a recording on You Tube, although the poster has called it Ring of Fire! We have told them it's wrong, but as yet it is unchanged!
SO FOLSOM PRISON BLUES HK Style!

 

Cleveland

“Hello Cleveland.”

  
 “Show number 1 done in Cleveland. Now enjoying a beautiful sunset.”

IBAM Chicago

“Huge thrill when these guys joined us tonight!"

"Things to do in Iowa!"

"Things to do in Nebraska"

 
Denver

“Thanks to another sold out audience in Denver, Colorado tonight. Buzz was electric. We are down to the final 2 American concerts this year for HK after a massive 6 leg tour.
Next stop…….Vegas.”


Henderson - Las Vegas

“Vegas”

“Definitely good to be back in Vegas “
 

"Tonight's venue. Henderson Pavillion, Nevada."

 

Update from HKHQ: “This was just taken before showtime with our good friends Solas at The Henderson Pavillion”

San Francisco

“Last day of what has been a huge US tour, and so many great memories come flooding back as we wrap up in beautiful San Francisco. Home to Michelle and I for 3 months in 2004.
What a summer we had."

 “What a way to finish off the US tour in San Francisco. One of the loudest audiences we've had. Seriously great night rewarded with pints of the black stuff. No money, just the black stuff. : )”
 

 

Other Updates from Darren

“Our friend General Martin Dempsey retired yesterday from service.
FOX News coverage showed tributes from President Obama and colleagues, before General Dempsey sung The High Kings version of The Parting Glass.
A true gentleman.”

 “Maureen O' Hara. RIP.”

That's the round-up of all the news for now. The High Kings are currently back in Ireland having a well deserved short break before going back out on the road. The next stop will be a 6 date tour of the UK at the end of November, before heading back home to Ireland to kick off their Irish Winter tour with dates throughout December and January.

The High Kings HQ have promised that they will be back in the US again in March next year, so US fans keep an eye out on the official High Kings channels for the dates and venues to be announced soon. We will share them as soon as they are publically confirmed.

As always thanks for your continued support

Darren and the DH Team