New Album, US Tour Round Up, Tour Dates....

Hot Press 'Hotties' Award Nomination

“Hey everyone.
I am very humbled and grateful to have been nominated in a solo capacity by Hot Press Magazine for this years 'Hottie' Awards, in the Trad/Folk category. I'd really appreciate if you'd click on the link below and give me your vote. I'm halfway down the list. Thank you so much, and thanks to all who voted so far.
Darren.”
“Hey everyone, don't forget you can still vote for me as a solo artist and also HK in the Hot Press Magazine Hottie Awards.
So grateful to have 2 chances to win in the Trad/Folk section.
Very funny to be competing against myself”

TCR FM 'Raise The Rafters'

Listen to Darren chatting about his career, both solo and with the High Kings, on TCR FM this evening.

CLICK HERE

From The Archives

Watch and listen to Darren performing a little bit of The Beatles, Billy Joel, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Buddy Holly, Elvis, a little Irish Rover and a Rock'n'Roll medley. Filmed at a corporate solo show back in 2008.

A video montage of Darren performing as lead vocalist in the Broadway production of Riverdance in February 2001, with female lead vocalist Sara Clancy.

As the High Kings performed their first Canadian show, Darren was last in Toronto 10 years before with the Movin' Out Tour. Here he is, on his night off, performing both the US and Canadian Anthems at the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks in Toronto, December 3rd 2005

 

News From The Recording Studio

Update and photos from HK HQ: “Day #5 in the Studio, looking forward to a rare weekend at home with our families!! The Production Suite ‪#‎makingprogress‬”

 

“Album. Week 2. ‪#‎highkings‬”

“Same day, different studio."

‪#‎rte‬ ‪#‎norestforthewicked‬

“Just wrapped a 10 hour day in the studio on this beast!”

 

Photos from the final week of recording copyright www.thehighkings.com

Update and photo from HK HQ: “The recording is complete! Now it's time the Producers got busy with mixing and mastering! We expect our new record to be available by mid-May! Sincere thanks to Chris O'Brien and Graham Murphy from The Production Suite and David Montuy from Cauldron Studios for their dedication to this project”

 

 US and Canada Tour Round Up 

Madison

“Not everyday you get have breakfast overlooking a completely frozen solid lake." 

‪#‎Madison‬ ‪#‎Wisconsin‬ ‪#‎HKUSA‬

“Out and about in Wisconsin. State Capitol. War Veterans Museum.” ‪#‎collegetown‬

“Thanks Madison. Storming start to the tour.”

 

Chicago

“Chicago, we have waited a long long time to play the famed City Winery, and tonights show made it worth every second. Sold out and seriously the best and loudest crowd in ages! Way too much fun for one band. Thanks to all of you for coming out and also for purchasing the limited edition "High Kings red wine" in such large numbers.”

“Sometimes a truck inspires the need to belt out a Beach Boys classic” 😊 ‪#‎Chicago‬ ‪#‎HKUSA‬
‪#‎brianwilson‬ ‪#‎mikelove‬

Northampton

“Finally played the legendary "Iron Horse" Northampton last night.
Full house. Great atmosphere.
Still deaf from the volume of you lot! WHAT?.....”

Photo copyright Margaret Cowen

Albany

“Things you find in a cool record store." ‪#‎georgemartin‬ ‪#‎albany‬

Saybrook

“Hanging out in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.”

“What a great night at The Katherine Hepburn Theater in Old Saybrook, CT. Sold out and loud as Folk. Thanks to a really great crowd for coming out to party with us.”

Update and photo from HK HQ: “What a great night at The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Centre last night! We will be back!! Today we head for Watertown NY and the Dulles State Office Building, doors at 7pm and showtime is 8pm, The St Patrick's Day celebrations in the US & Canada are well under way!! Here is a pic from the show in Old Saybrook last night. Photo Credit Stephen Fritzer/Live at The Kate.”

Watertown

Press article for this weekend's show at the North Country Goes Green Irish Festival in Watertown, including an interview with Darren, Brian and Finbarr.

CLICK HERE

“Thanks Watertown NY. That was one great night!”

 

Oakville, Ontario, Canada 

“Roadside phone interview for radio show in Canada.”

‪#‎upstateNewYork‬. ‪#‎lifeontheroad

 

Listen to part of Darren's 'roadside' telephone interview with Mark O'Brien on Toronto's 1430AM Irish Music show yesterday. Apologies we missed the start, it was a few minutes earlier than expected.

CLICK HERE

Ann Arbor

“Ann Arbour Michigan. Very cool place to perform in last night."

‪#‎michiganstate‬

 
Cleveland

“HELLO CLEVELAND.”

 

“Cleveland! What an amazing crowd and show tonight. This is why we kept doing what we do. The loudest audience of the tour so far. Thanks to so many of you for the countless gifts of food, souvenirs, tee shirts etc.....Too kind.
Loved singing for ya tonight.
4 hours sleep I hope, then 2 flights to Long Island, New York for tomorrow nights sold out concert.”

Photos copyright Vera MacKelly

Long Island NY

"Southampton LI, NY on a beautiful Spring day. "

"Tonight's view." ‪#‎NewYork‬

“Sometimes a show is too special to put into words. Great venue. Great crowd. I had a ball. Thank you Long Island, NY.”

Dubuque

“Stopping off at our offices on route to Dubuque Iowa.”

“After a nightmare travel day, cancelled flights, delays etc, we just about made it in one piece for the show of the tour tonight in Dubuque, Iowa. What a brilliant crowd, and what a welcome back. Unbelievable, and when the biggest cheers of the night are for HK original songs...."Oh Maggie" "Irelands Shore" etc...you know you're doing ok.
Massive thanks to our fantastic crew for pulling out all the stops to ensure tonight happened. Ronan, Bobby, Vivian and Paddy. We simply could not do this without those guys.
Dubuque...you blew my mind tonight.
Onwards to Wisconsin tomorrow for the final show.”

Cedarberg

"Vivian Casagrande. Our soundman extraordinaire."

"What an amazing way to finish another successful US tour. A beautiful night and crowd. Getting a standing ovation in Cedarburg Wisconsin for 'The Town I Loved so Well' is pretty cool.
Proud to sing it. Proud to stand onstage with the boys and deliver this show night after night.
Thanks USA and Canada.
Special thanks to our crew and to all of you who came out to see us over the last 2 weeks."

  

Tour Dates

Germany Calling

Update from HK HQ “Update from HKHQ For German fans:
"Good morning Germany - We are coming back to play for you in November/December!!

On Sale Now!"

CLICK HERE

UK Dates

Good afternoon UK!! Delighted to announce these shows in November, we promise to add more UK shows in early 2017. Tickets on sale now.

Tickets The Stables from Venue or Eventim

Tickets Union Chapel from Venue of Eventim

US Festival Announcement

Update from HKHQ: “Chicago Announcement!!! Following our sold out show at City Winery Chicago last night, we are delighted to announce we will be headlining IRISH FEST CHICAGO AT THE IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTRE on Sunday 10th July at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now!”

CLICK HERE


Other Updates From Darren

“I've performed around the world to countless amounts of people, but hearing 450 local schoolchildren belt out "Irelands Call" with me again today as part of "Seachtain na Gaeilge" is just incomparable. Thats what its all about. The future.”

“He saw their potential when others didn't. He signed them when others passed.
He believed in 4 lads from Liverpool and changed our musical landscape forever.
He was the Fifth Beatle.
Genius. Visionary. Producer extraordinaire.
Rest in peace Sir George Martin.”

“Wishing you all a very Happy St Patricks Day wherever you are.
‪#‎tbt‬ Few years ago on this day at The White House with the Obamas.”

 

That's all the news for now. Following the very successful US Tour, the High Kings only get a few days break to recharge their batteries and spend a little time with their families, before hitting the road again for a short tour of Ireland.

See the www.thehighkings.com for dates, venues, and ticket links.

We'll be back with more news as soon as we have it!


Thanks for your continued support.

Darren and the DH Team

Irish Tour Round Up, Tour Dates, Kilkenny, and More.....

Kilkenny Gospel Choir Festival Launch

“Very proud to be launching The Kilkenny International 'Gospel Choir Festival 2016' at City Hall Kilkenny, tomorrow evening at 5pm. I will be joining Mayor Joe Malone, local dignitaries and press, and of course the wonderful Kilkenny Gospel Choir, led by the brilliant Fr Willie Purcell.”

“I will chatting live on KCLR FM after the 10am News and Weather this morning in advance of this evenings International Gospel Fest launch at City Hall.”

Listen to Darren chatting with John Masterson on KCLR FM ahead of the Gospel Fest launch in Kilkenny.

CLICK HERE

 “Great evening spent at home in Kilkenny launching the 2016 International Gospel Festival.
Thanks to Mayor Malone and his staff at City Hall for the lovely welcome and to Willie Purcell for looking after us so well.”

“Picture from last Wednesdays International Gospel Festival Launch at City Hall Kilkenny in today's 'Kilkenny People' newspaper.”

Darren’s Official Website 5th Anniversary

Christmas Eve 2010, we were very proud to launch Darren's brand new Official Website. 5 years on, we continue to keep it updated with all the news and to develop the Press, Photo, and Video pages as a comprehensive record of Darren's career both with the High Kings and as a solo artist. We're now approaching 280,000 views! Thanks for your support everyone! 

www.darrenholden.net

High Kings in the Recording Studio!

Update from HKHQ: “Day 1 in the Studio! At The Production Suite with Chris & Graham.”

Photo copyright www.thehighkings.com 

National Concert Hall Fundraiser

Update from HKHQ: “We are honoured to be a part of this very special evening in the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Wednesday. This very worthy cause deserves your support. We promise a very unique HK performance on the night. The array of talent on show on the night is truly astounding!”

“In advance of 'The High Kings' joining an array of Irish talent for the 'Walk a mile in my Shoes' event tomorrow night at Dublin's National Concert Hall, I will be joining the shows organiser Tommy Mcarthy and the team from 'Ireland Am' on TV3 tomorrow morning after 8am, to discuss our involvement vas why this charity continues to be so very important and crucial.”

Darren on the couch of Ireland AM promoting the second annual fundraising concert in aid of St Patrick's Hospital at the National Concert Hall (including a little vocal treat of Red Is the Rose). Sitting along side him was organiser of the event Tommy McCarthy, and Musician Edel Fox. The High Kings were one of many artists performing at the event later that night. 

“Shenanigans at The Concert Hall with this guy.”

What’s On Magazine Artist of the Year Award

Update from HKHQ: “We were honoured to be presented with Whats On Magazine 'Artist of the Year 2015' Award at the Cork Opera House on Saturday night. Publisher Jamie Sinclair made the journey from the UK to make the presentation in person. Many thanks Jamie!”

Photo copyright www.thehighkings.com 

Presentation of the What's On Magazine Artist of the Year award to the High Kings in Cork 

Irish Tour Round Up

Glin Co, Limerick

“Tonight's beautiful venue. Church of the immaculate conception, Glin Co Limerick.”

“Big thanks to another sold out audience last night at The church of the immaculate conception, Glin. An incredibly warm welcome and a night to remember.
Tonight, it's the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.”

Omagh

Last night at The Strule Arts Centre Omagh, was very special. A wonderfully festive crowd, loud as folk!
Brilliant.”

Photo copyright www.thehighkings.com

Cookstown

“2 fantastic sold out concerts at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown, completes the pre Christmas tour dates. Thanks to the huge amounts of folks who came out to see us over the weekend!
Driving home for Christmas.”

Letterkenny

“Big thanks to a fantastic Letterkenny crowd last night on our first post Christmas concert. Great night.
Tonight, it's the big one. The Ulster Hall in Belfast.
Last time I performed there was on December 26th 1995, on the Boyzone UK and Ireland tour.
20 years and 2 days later........”

Belfast

“The old lady. Ulster Hall. Ready to Folk and Roll at 8pm”

“Belfast! Incredible. The volume from you guys was scary. We've found our spiritual home in your city at The Ulster Hall. Massive thanks for a great night.”

Photos copyright Thomas Loffel

Enniskillen

“To the sold out audience at The Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen tonight....thank you. Not only did you brave the elements of a wild night to be there, you brought a folkin' party! Great stuff.”

Armagh

“After 106 concerts in 2015, we wrapped it up for this year at a sold out 'Market Place Theatre' in Armagh. Fantastic crowd. Some brilliant banter and laughs. No more shows 'til next year!
Thanks to everyone who caught a show somewhere in the world this year. We couldn't do it without you.”

 

Roscrea

“Kicked off 2016 tonight with an absolute stormer at Racket Hall in Roscrea. What a crowd. The place was wedged and the atmosphere electric. Thanks to everyone who again braved the weather to come out for the show. Much appreciated.”

Photos copyright Thomas Loffel

Derry

“What more can we say about Derry audiences? Mere words never do these folks justice. The very best of the best. Another sold out Millennium Forum concert, and the loudest crowd so far on this tour. As I've said many times before, 'The Town I've Loved So Well' is your song, and it's my pleasure to sing it, but tonight's reaction and standing ovation almost floored me. Truly, one of the best nights we have had so far. Thank you Derry!”

Newry

“Newry. Epic. Thank you for giving us another fantastic night. Tonight's 'Whiskey in the Jar' was definitely heard by Philo!”

Photos copyright Thomas Loffel

Wexford

“Playing this beauty for the first time tonight!
The National Opera House in Wexford.”

“Wexford! One to remember.
Thank you!”

Tullamore

“Tullamore Court Hotel. Sold out. Good night ahead.”

“Tullamore last night was just off the scale. Tremendous volume and great atmosphere. Thanks to Michael Duignan and co for taking care of us so well.
On route to Galway to play at Seapoint Tonight.
Last gig there was a complete sellout. Onstage at 8.15pm.”

Galway

“Scene is set.”

“Galway. You were incredible. The West was awake tonight!”

 Waterford

“I will be chatting to Geoff Harris on WLR FM at 12.30pm today ahead of tonight's sold out High Kings concert at The Theatre Royal, Waterford.”

Listen to Darren chatting to Geoff Harris on WLR FM ahead of the show at the Theatre Royal Waterford.

CLICK HERE

“Waterford. Epic. Fantastic night. Always a pleasure to return to the old stomping ground.

Ashbourne

Photos copyright Anja Mueller

Carlow

“Carlow blew us away last night. Easily the loudest crowd in ages.
Great fun, brilliant show.”

Photos copyright Anja Mueller

Cork

“Cork Opera House. What a way to finish a tour. Completely crazy audience. Best fun we've had on these dates.
Big thanks to our crew Ronan, Bobby, Vivien, Paddy, Jamie, Alan and co for a stellar job throughout as always!”

Tour Dates

Dates have now been formally announced for the early part of the year, with more promised for Germany, UK, US and more... Keep watching the High Kings official website and Facebook page for more dates to be added.

Our first ever Canadian Show!!

"As part of the Toronto St Patrick’s Day Celebrations, our good friends at IUOE Local 793 are hosting our very first show in Canada on Sunday 13th March, check out the story HERE and how to get tickets. Be quick, they are selling to fans from all over Canada!"

See www.thehighkings.com/tour-dates for ticket links

Sad News and Memories……

Sadly, aside from the news from the recent events and Irish Tour, Darren's updates have been mainly sharing memories or sad news.

“Hard to believe it's been 30 years since the sun went down on our greatest Rock Star.
Irreplaceable. Icon. Rocker. Wild one. Black Rose. Irishman. Dubliner. Philo. RIP.”

“Beyond shocked! Can't believe it. Very sad news.
David Bowie. RIP.”

“It's all becoming just way too much……So sad about this one. RIP Glenn. Rip Eagles. Thank you for the soundtrack to our lives.”

"HK had the pleasure of meeting this true gent at BBC Radio a few years ago. A quality Irishman who went for it, and made it in a big way.

He will be missed.
RIP Terry Wogan."

"2016 continues it's apparent clean out of music legends.
Willie Moore and I are gonna be sad about this one though.
'Earth Wind and Fire' leader Maurice White has passed away.
There are no words to describe what a genius he was.
Sublime artistry has rarely reached such heights.
'75 to '79 they couldn't be touched. Along with Philip Bailey, and his brother Verdine, EWF raised the game forever.
Rest in Peace Maurice."

That's all the news for now!

The High Kings are currently back in the studio working on a new album, which HKHQ have announced in their latest newsletter will be released early summer if all goes to plan!

March sees them head back on tour in the US! Busy and exciting times ahead!

Thanks as always for your continued support.

Darren & The DH Team