The Gathering, Up for the Match, Friendship Ball

    EXCITING UPDATE FROM DARREN

20th September!

"Day 2 of of 3 day recording session done here in Galway. Really getting excited now about the new High Kings album. So much happening and the material sounds really great, and different!

In other news, I will be doing a live phone interview on KCLR FM this Saturday at 1.25pm with my buddy, and mentalist extraordinaire Keith Barry, who is the guest dj for the 12-2pm show. Should be fun.

On Saturday night at 9.55pm on RTE 1, The High Kings will be appearing on "Up For The Match" to celebrate the eve of The All Ireland Football Final.

Then on Monday, I will be doing a live phone chat with Sue Nunn on KCLR FM at 11.20am, to talk about my role as an ambassador for Kilkenny to kickstart "The Gathering" 2013!!

As most of you will have heard, next year is a major national event dedicated to bringing our Irish abroad, home to celebrate everything about our heritage. So please come along at 7pm next Monday, Sept 24th to The Newpark Hotel Kilkenny where Brian Cody and myself will interact with the public to hear and put the best ideas forward for next years proceedings.

I would like to deeply thank The Gathering committee from Kilkenny for approaching me to be a part of this very special year long event."    

Sunshine between takes in Galway

* Listen to a recording of Darren's interview on KCLR with his pal Keith Barry

CLICK HERE

Up For The Match

The High Kings were honoured to be asked to both open and close the RTE 1 Up for the Match Programe on Saturday night. They opened the show with Step It Out Mary, and played out at the end with the very appropriate Rocky Road to Dublin. The programe was a celebration on the eve of the All Ireland Football final at Croke Park between Donegal and Mayo.

You can watch a few words from Darren from the soundcheck at RTE, and both their performances, on the videos below.

The Gathering Ireland 2013

Darren is proud to have been asked to be an ambassador for his county along side Brian Cody, the manager of his beloved Kilkenny Cats.

You can read a Kilkenny People article about Kilkenny's plans for The Gathering Ireland 2013, including Darren's involvement, on the link below.

CLICK HERE

Listen to Darren talking to Sue Nunn on KCLR about The Gathering 2013 for Kilkenny


CLICK HERE


Kilkenny People article following The Gathering meeting

CLICK HERE to read the online version

"Had a great time back home in Kilkenny last night. I am honoured and proud to be an ambassador for Kilkenny for The Gathering 2013. It promises to be a fantastic year not only for KK but Ireland. There were some great idea's offered for event's in the city and county that will need organizing soon. I have one in the pipeline that will require a huge effort so stay tuned for details.
Huge thanks to Mayor Seán Ó HArgáin for the very nice introduction that he gave me.
It really was a great moment."

We will of course bring you more news about Darren's role as ambassador, and the The Gathering Ireland 2013 plans for Kilkenny, once the planning of events gets underway.


The Friendship Ball - London

"Tomorrow night we play a very special show at The Grosvenor Hotel in London in aid of Our Lady's Children's hospital and Great Ormonde St Hospital.
We close out the gala event that will also include Alexandra Burke and the legendary Bryan Ferry from Roxy Music."

"London calling."

"About to head back to the Grosvenor Hotel for tonights event. We close the show and share the bill with Alexandra Burke and Bryan Ferry. Plus there is a very famous guitarist from the worlds biggest band in attendance!"

"Chatted to The Edge after he duetted with Bryan Ferry on Carrickfergus and just before our slot at The Friendship ball in London. Amazing night!"

"Thanks to everyone in Athy for a great night tonight. Stormer from start to finish.
Finally we are off the road for a while and wrapping up the busiest summer since we launched. Very grateful to everyone who came to all the concerts and festivals. Next week we spend more time on the new album which we can't wait for you to hear!"

Cat That Got The Cream!

"Heading to Croker in a bit to see 2 great teams go at it for the 3rd time this year. Hopefully this evening we will be victorious. COME ON THE CATS!!!"

"The greatest hurling team of all time just got greater. Epic. Stunning. Unreal. Legendary cats.
So totally proud. All Ireland champs 2 years in a row!! Yessssssssss!!!!!!!
Might teach Joe to be quiet from now on! : )"

"Omg. A bus load of KK fans just screamed out ' Go on The High Kings' outside Trinity College. What an amazing day!!"

 

That's all the news for now.

Dates for the tour will be posted just as soon as they are confirmed on the official High Kings website.



As always, thanks for your continued support.

Darren & the DH Team

Newcastle WestFest, Sweden & Denmark

Newcastle WestFest

"One of our final summer concerts takes place tonight in Newcastle West Co Limerick.
Should be a blast. Looking forward to seeing some good friends there."

"Some of tonight's crowd in Newcastle West."

"Newcastle West. Fantastic!!!
Gig of the summer. Literally thousands in the square and an unbelievable atmosphere.
Thanks to the organisers who looked after us so well.
Thanks as always to the legend that is Adam O'Sullivan for rocking the finale with us!"

All photoslide photos courtesy of Charlie Brock

Clips of The High Kings singing Dirty Old Town, Red Is The Rose, Star of the County Down, and Rare Old Times at the show in Newcastle West.

News from Sweden and Denmark Tour

"Arrived in Gothenburg Sweden to a great day, with a massive buzz around the city. Big music festival takes place this weekend. We are onstage tonight at 8pm. Tomorrow we rise early to take the ferry to Denmark where we kick off 4 shows there. Hope I can grab some of the game online.
Come on The Cats!"

"After 5 years of touring with The High Kings, tonight we walked onstage to a tornado of noise for our very first Swedish show. Possibly the loudest and greatest audience we have had to date. And that's saying something considering we have just had 6 amazing German show. Incredible stuff. A very young crowd which is even more positive for future tours. Thanks Gothenburg. One to cherish forever."

All photoslide photos courtesy of Emma Broberg 

Denmark

Aarlborg! 

"Aalborg! Amazing crowd. Great show again tonight. Loved it.
Great craic at The Irish House afterwards. Really looking forward to a day off tomorrow and counting the days 'til I see my little family at home!"

"Best lunch in town.

Sat outside and chilled with the locals." 

"Now that's a big one!
Irish house last night."

"My home for tonight in Skive"

"Tonight's theatre in Skive. Sold out. The stage is set"

"Fantastic crowd tonight in Skive. Amazing theatre and brilliant atmosphere.
On to Copenhagen tomorrow morning."

"Pulled over my curtains to this view at 7am"

"Tonight's Venue"

"Thanks for a great night Copenhagen. We will be back next year.

One more show to go!"

"Strolling around Viborg"

"Viborg Press"

 "Front of House"

"What a fantastic way to end this tour. Viborg.....thanks you. Brilliant crowd that demanded 3 encores. Great night.
Denmark, Sweden and Germany...thank you!
See you in 2013."

That's all the latest news from Sweden, Denmark and the Newcastle Westfest. The High Kings are now back in to the studio to continue recording original material for their new album, which is expected to be released during the first half of 2013

We will be back with more news soon!


Thanks for your continued support.

Darren & the DH Team

German Tour Round Up 2012

"Good Morning Berlin!"

"Dresden!! Thank you so much. Amazing crowd and the best welcome ever to Germany.
On to Berlin tomorrow for the second show.”

"The great Dresden audience asking politely for an encore tonight."

“This is the most amazing Cake I have seen and tasted. Yes folks....cake! Baked by our friend Karin Loffel. Unreal. Thomas and Karin have been unreal to us for 4 years and we are so grateful to them for everything.”

"Tonight's venue for show. Beautiful old church in Berlin"

"Berlin on an Autumn Sunday afternoon. Just had a very nice stroll among the locals who sure know how to chill out. Fantastic vibe."

"Fantastic crowd in Berlin tonight. Beautiful venue and the craziest crowd in ages. Loved it. 

Overnight drive now to Mannheim where we perform tomorrow night."

Thought we would share some photos of the High Kings from their Berlin concert.
These are Getty Images which are protected.

Getty Images - High Kings in Berlin 

"Just arrived in Mannheim to a beautiful sunny day. Another lovely vibe at the venue. Chilling' with a coffee before going outside to explore the neighbourhood."

 

"Courtesy of Karins brother, genuine High Kings Ale brewed in Germany." "Chilling for after tonight's show which we have just been informed is a sell out. " 

 

"Mannheim!! What an incredible night. Always a good sign when the show is held up for 20 minutes to fit more people in. Really great audience and the loudest crowd do far. Overnight drive to Hannover and a day off. : )"

"Holden's Ale. Brewed only in Germany" 

"Hamburg venue. Looks like something out of Sherlock Holmes."

 

"Incredible audience tonight in Hamburg. Massive volume all the way through and that was from them!

Night to remember."


Photo courtesy of Marcus Jaap

"Local press today in Bielefeld" 

 
"Bielefeld"

"Bielefeld, thanks for an amazing night! What a crowd, what a vibe. Full throttle.
On to Dusseldorf for the final German show tomorrow."

"Dusseldorf Savoy Theatre" 

"What a way to wrap the German leg of our European tour. Incredible crowd tonight in Dusseldorf Savoy Theatre. Mental craic.
Up in 5 hours to go to airport and fly to Gothenburg Sweden.
Thanks Germany. We won't forget it!"

Special thanks to the fans that have shared their photos with us.

We hope you have enjoyed all the news from the German tour.

Thanks for your continued support

Darren and the DH Team 

The Gathering - Notre Dame - A Welcome Home

 Darren relaxing before the show with Brian, Brian Kennedy, and Damian Dempsey.

 

Darren with Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns

“Amazing and memorable night at the O2 for the Notre Dame pep rally. Blinds of great friends old and new there, and it was fantastic to witness the most amazing marching band and choir ever! Loved it all!
2 hours sleep later and I am arriving at the airport to meet the guys and fly to Germany.
Thanks to everyone who made last night so great.
Go Irish!!”

 

Photo copyright Demotix images www.demotiximages.com

The High Kings rendition of The Parting Glass was amazing at the Notre Dame - A Welcome Home concert. So how would you like an MP3 recording of their performance? You can listen and download here with our compliments! Enjoy!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PARTING GLASS

CLICK HERE to watch the video on Darren's Facebook page.

   

We hope you enjoyed sharing The High Kings special night at Dublin's O2 The lads are now in Germany. Having had a fantastic welcome for their first show in Dresden last night, they are looking forward to more of the same in Berlin tonight. We will bring you all the news from Germany, Sweden and Denmark in a European Special soon.

Thanks for your continued support

Darren and the DH Team 

RTE, US Festival Round Up, and Irish News

***NEWS FLASH***

"Some of you may have seen the ad on RTE 1 about the pre Notre Dame football game show being broadcast on Friday. The High Kings will be performing along with various other Irish artists.
Check it out and join in the fun.
Should be a blast"

The programe is being live streamed on Friday 31st August at 9:30pm Ireland time on both the RTE Live Player for worldwide viewing, and the RTE official Youtube channel.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Round Up from the US Festivals

Cleveland Irish Festival

“Landed in Philly on route to Cleveland. Good to be back in the USA”

“I think I am in the exact same room in the hotel as last year here in Cleveland! Weird. : )”

“Wow! Unbelievably great crowd tonight at our first show in Cleveland. Totally behind us from the off, and never let up. Great to see so many familiar faces and friends, and lots of new ones too. Really loved it. Can't wait for tomorrow night!”

“We had 2 set's tonight in Cleveland. The first was great fun, although we almost melted from the heat, and the crowd really got into the show and gave us a great welcome.
The second at 10pm, will forever remain one of the most insane shows we have done. Incredible reaction from a massive crowd, that were terrific fun all the way through.
No doubt about it.....CLEVELAND ROCKS!!!”

“Just wrapped up an amazing weekend here in Cleveland. These have been some of the best crowds we've had to date, and we wish we could stay longer. Great to see so many really good friends and fans who mean more to us than they know. Heading upstate NY tomorrow. : )”

Great American Irish Festival Frankfort 

"Road Trip"



"Hanging with Dunphy, listening to Rascal Flatts and checking out the most amazing lightning storm I've seen in a long time. Nature rules!"

"Syra-snooze.........would be more apt."

"How excited am I?"

"About to head to The Frankfort Festival in upstate New York, where we are onstage this evening at 6.45pm. Looking forward to a great night!!"

"Wow! Frankfort NY brought the party tonight! Fantastic crowd at tonight's show and the amount of people that came up to me beforehand to say they had driven 5, 6 or 7 hours to get there to see us was incredible! What an atmosphere, and what generosity from people who came bearing gifts! And cookies! : )
Can't wait for tomorrow's show!" 

"So, I am sitting in my 5th floor room just now, when I hear some kid verbally abusing a driver in a car on the street below. I go to the window to see what's going on, when the kid looks up and spots me, picks up a rock, and with amazing precision, launches it through my window. Yes, I am 5 floors up!! He then fled on his BMX bike.
Utica PD in m room. Hah"

"So the 2 policemen just left my room as fans of The High Kings after they asked me what I do. lol Played them some tunes and hey presto!"

"Another amazing crowd and gig tonight at the Festival. Huge numbers that came out in torrential rain and made the show into the biggest party once more. Another great weekend comes to a close as tomorrow we set off back home to Ireland. Thanks to all our Stateside fans for making it so very special."

Milwaukee Irish Fest

"Packing tomorrow for The States on Thursday. Milwaukee are you ready?!!"

"I know today that a large amount of Stateside HK followers are flying in or taking mammoth roadtrips to be with us in Milwaukee. Please travel safe and get there in one piece, so we can all share what should be a really great weekend. See you soon. DH."

"Aboard American Airlines to Chicago" 

"Bored in Chicago"

"Another Road Trip to Milwaukee"

"Wow, Viva Last Vegas, Speedway, and Spinout are next up on TCM. As much as I'd love to stay up all night and watch them, I have a 10.30am soundcheck to attend. Looking forward to kicking off the weekend tomorrow night!"

 "Unbelievable first night here in Milwaukee. Huge and very loud crowd turned out to Folk 'n' Roll with us, and make this a memorable night. Great to see the entire front row inhabited by HK peeps. You guy's know who you are, and we are so grateful for the support. Great hang afterwards with said peeps. Tomorrow, I'm lying in. : )"

"Milwaukee! Are you ready for show number 2?
We are onstage at 8.30pm. See ya there!"

"Unbelievable turnout tonight for the second show here in Milwaukee! 8, 000 people rocked with us in one of the best and loudest show's to date. Loved it. One more to go tomorrow. Bring it on.
Early start tomorrow. Gotta watch The Cats take on Tipp in the semi final with my buddy Jon Kiger.
Won't be easy but I hope we can do it! Come on KK!"

"Was just about to call it a night an hour ago, when who should walk up to me for a chat, but Henry Healy. Haven't seen Henry since we played his cousin's house in Washington DC in March. : ) Great laugh."

"Just wrapped up an amazing weekend here in Milwaukee. Another great crowd despite the wind and rain. We are so grateful to our USA HK gang for all that they do for us. We promise not to leave it so long 'til we see y'all again.
Heading back to the aul sod tomorrow and looking forward to seeing herself and the munchkins. X"

After the High Kings returned home to Ireland there was agreat interview with them in the Milwaukee Examiner. 

CLICK HERE TO READ

Irish News

“To all HK fan's in Wexford, we are live in Gorey at the festival tonight at 9.45pm. Should be a great craic to kick off the bank holiday weekend!”

“In a total downpour tonight in Gorey, a huge crowd stayed with us and sang every song with gusto. On the road home now before heading north tomorrow.”

“Castlewellan. Thanks for a fantastic night! Mayhem in the best sense.”

“On the road to the INEC Killarney later for a 9.30pm show tonight. Should be a blast. Last night in Castlewellan was unreal. Fantastic crowd. Day off tomorrow...yay : )”

“Killarney!! As always Unreal! Brilliant night with a fantastic crowd. Loved it!!”

“Heading to The Clonmanny festival up north later today. Sold out concert so should be absolute mayhem. : ) Onstage at 9pm.”

“Concert of the year so far at The Clonmany festival in Donegal. A perfect summer evening for an outdoor show and 5,000 people turned out to folk 'n' roll with us. Magic night.”

“Really great crowd tonight in Belfast. The only thing missing was a mosh pit!! Seriously mental. Way too much fun. Last few shows we pulled back in some of the oldies we haven't done in a while too, which is great craic. Day off tomorrow!”

“Ready to kick off 2 nights at the Fleadh in Cavan! Great vibe here. Should be a blast”

“Amazing crowd tonight in Cavan! Great atmosphere. Roll on tomorrow night.”

“Just spent a great day so far in Cavan with the hometown boy himself Jimmy Cahill and the gang. Great fun. Looking forward to doing it all over again tonight for the second show which kicks off at 10pm. Sold out again, so it's gonna be a stormer!”

“Cavan.... Immense! 'Nuff said.
Nah, I have to say more........Best, loudest, rowdiest, funniest crowd in ages. Brilliant night, and a really great 2 days.”

More Irish News after Milwaukee

"Back after a 4 hour delayed flight on Irish soil. : )"

"Oh goody. Back to thunder, lightning and rain. : ("

"Heading to Timoleague in West Cork in a while for the festival tonight. This was mayhem the last time we did it, so tonight should be no exception. We are onstage at 9.30pm."

"Amazing night in West Cork. Brilliant crowd and great vibe. Nights like this make it worthwhile!
Thanks Timoleague."

That's all the news for now. We hope you have enjoying catching up with all the news from the US festivals and Irish shows.

Next stop Germany, Sweden, and Denmark!





Thanks for your continued support


Darren and the DH Team

Voice, Norway, Aras, and National Concert Hall

Hi Everyone,

Time to bring you up to date with all the latest news and happenings for Darren and the High Kings. Unfortunately, we have to start with some bad news from Darren.

Important News - Darren Voice Issues

"Unfortunately this piece in Today's Daily Star is true, all except for the age! : )
Not that old yet.
I am hoping to come back stronger after treatment and vocal rest.
I will still try to sing at all High Kings concerts this summer but in the event of vocal tiredness will hold back completely and let the lads do their thing"

PLEASE NOTE: Due to an ongoing vocal nodule problem, Darren may not sing at some HK concerts this summer. He has also been instructed to rest his voice after shows, so if his voice is tired he may be forced to miss a CD signing and apologises in advance to any fans who don't get to meet him. 

Rock of Ages Premiere

“Looking forward to the premiere tonight!”

 

“Hey kiddies......If like me, you grew up listening to Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Journey, Reo Speedwagon, Night Ranger etc.......then do yourself a favour and go see 'Rock Of Ages' in your local cinema. Hugely cheesy, impeccably timed, and the biggest laugh I've had for ages. A stellar cast including Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough and Mary J Blige.....but it's worth it alone just to see Cruise play the quintessential rock god with aplomb! Brilliant performance.”

 Off to Norway!

“Another productive day in the west of Ireland. Heading home now to pack for 3 days in Norway with HK.”

“Just arrived in Floro, Norway where it is almost midnight and we have complete daylight!! Oh, and I have the coolest room, complete with a boat for a bed! : - )
Its been 13 years since I toured here with Michelle and I forgot how beautiful it is here. Tomorrow is a fun packed day before we take to the stage at 11.30pm for our show.
Only got to see the first half of the match in the airport, so I gather we were spared the rest!!”

"See I wasn't lying!
Meet my boat bed!"

"Just spent a fantastic day with our promoters and lots of new friends. After breakfast this morning, we boarded an amazing boat, and in glorious sunshine sailed to a really cool island, inhabited by lots of deer, and after an amazing meal, sang an accoustic set for the locals, along with "Young Folk" who are also on the bill tonight! The vibe here is really good, and we are looking forward to taking the stage later tonight for our very first sold out show in Norway."

"Great crowd tonight in Floro! Way loud and really into the show. They know how to party up here for sure.
Open air show tomorrow!!"

"Just back from a beautiful barbecue at promoters place after today's open air show, which again was hugely attended.
We have been so well taken care of here and it's been a great weekend.
Brian even had his birthday marked by a Nordic version of " Happy Birthday" lol
Heading home tomorrow to see my little gang!!"

 

"Back in Dublin!"

Áras an Uachtaráin

"Tomorrow The High Kings have a very busy and special day lined up. We will sing at a garden party in a big white house, for a very important man and his family. Details tomorrow evening. : )"

"Heading over to the Presidents house in a few minutes to sing at his Garden Party today at 2pm. Very excited and honoured to be going back to the great house once again, and hopefully the rain will stop. Yeah.....like thats likely! : )
Our buddy Declan O Rourke will also be there so looking forward to catching up."

"Wow! Incredible day at the Aras with President and Mrs Higgins. Lovely reaction to our performances. Thanks to the staff for looking after us do well and really great to see my 'ol pal Kathryn Thomas there who who recollected our Kilimanjaro experiences to the President.
Declan O' Rourke was sublime as usual and it was great to catch up.
Great day!"

Photos copyright www.thehighkings.com

 National Concert Hall

"Morning everyone. Last reminder that tonight The High Kings take to the stage of The National Concert Hall for the very first time. Tickets are almost sold out, so should be a fantastic event!
Once again, Thanks a million for all the messages yesterday, really appreciated it!"

"My view tonight!"

"Fantastic and very memorable show tonight in The National Concert Hall. Amazing crowd and brilliant atmosphere all the way through.
Great to see so many friends and HK fans there. Huge thanks for always turning up.
On to the INEC tomorrow!"

Busy Weekend!

"INEC! Amazing once again. Fantastic night with a great crowd that wanted to have the biggest party! : )
Our 5th High King Adam O' Sullivan joined us amidst huge applause to reprise "Whiskey in the Jar". What a legend.
On to Athlone tomorrow night."

"Athlone.....immense! 'Nuff said!
Loudest and roudiest crowd in ages. Fantastic fun."

"Loading the car for a roadtrip to play Strabane "Rockin' by the river" Festival tonight!"

"Crazy Crazy night in Plumbridge. 750 very loud and enthusiastic people that sang every note and cheered do loud! Loved it! Thanks everybody for a seriously memorable night!!"

Photo copyright of Glenellyvalleypost.com Click the link to read the article for the Plumbridge show glenellyvalleypost.com

Next Stop USA!

"All packed a ready for glass of vino with the wife before flying to USA tomorrow morning to play Cleveland and Frankfort NY . Looking forward to folking up the States!"

Cleveland have been looking forward to The High Kings arrival and they were featured on the cover of the July edition of the Ohio Irish American News.

 We have a lot of fans excited about The High Kings return to the USA for the Irish festivals this summer so will bring you all the news, photos, and videos that are made available to us soon. For regular daily updates direct from the festivals, including status updates from Darren, please make sure you drop by and 'like' Darren's Official Facebook



That's all for now, back soon with more news!

Thanks for your continued support


Darren & the DH Team