The High Kings are an Irish ballad group. They were formed in Dublin by Celtic Woman manager Dave Kavanagh in 2008. After their first album they moved from the ‘staged’ format and created a «re-energized folk group.» The band consists of multi-talented performers Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden. Together they play thirteen different instruments. They have released two studio albums, one live album and one DVD. They have toured Ireland, USA and Europe. Their motto is «Folk ‘n Roll.»
Finbarr Clancy participated and toured the United States and Ireland with the The Clancy Brothers. The band line up was Bobby (Finbarr’s Father), Paddy, Liam Clancy and nephew Robbie O’Connell. Finbarr also appeared in the Clancy Brothers » Farewell to Ireland» live DVD.
Brian Dunphy started in Riverdance-The Show. He was then a member of the Three Irish Tenors. Dunphy was also a member of the band Druid. He released a solo album titled ‘Timeless’. Brian is is the son of Sean Dunphy who represented Ireland in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest.
Martin Furey, son of Finbar Furey, formed Bohinta with his sister Aine. They had a top ten hit in France with the album «Excalibur», featuring Jean Reno, as Merlin. Bohinta released two albums Sessions and Belladonna, on major labels. Martin released Howl and concentrated exclusively on production and creative writing skills,working with Stuart Bruce (Feed the World), Paul White (SOS) and Martin Swan (Mouth Music).
Darren Holden, made a name as a solo artist from the early 90’s and starred in Riverdance-The Show on Broadway for 18 months following up with the Broadway musical «Movin’ Out». Holden played the role of Billy Joel both on Broadway and originated the role for the US National tour (Jan 2004-Jan 2007) and tours of Canada and Japan in 2006. He also released three successful solo albums. ‘Suddenly’ was released in 1998 and yielded 3 Top 20 singles in Ireland and one top 30 in Finland. ‘Live and Learn’ was released in the USA in March 2003, garnering 3 Top 40 Airplay hits on the country music charts.
‘Roadworks’. followed in 2006. Featuring joint production by Bryan Steele and Tommy Byrnes (Stray Cats, Billy Joel), the album was a success in Japan.
The High Kings’ first album quickly climbed to the top of Amazon music charts worldwide. The self-titled release also reached number 2 on Billboard Magazine’s World Music chart.
The High Kings toured the United States in 2008 with Celtic Woman as the opening act.
The High Kings toured the US again in March 2011 stopping in Chicago, Albany, New Haven, Philadelphia, Boston and Atlanta to promote their new album release «Memory Lane» in the United States. Their live performances included «Step it Out Mary», «Black Velvet Band», «The Ballad of Joe Hill», and «Whiskey in the Jar.»
On Thursday, March 17, 2011 The High Kings played for a US audience on «Live with Regis and Kelly,» then performed on stage in Boston, MA that night.
On March 18th 2012 The High Kings headlined the Mayor of London’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square to an estimated 15,000 people.
On March 20th 2012 The High Kings were invited to perform at the Official St Parick’s Day Celebrations at The White House in Washington DC, United States. The event was hosted by US President Barack Obama and attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
On July 6th 2012 The High Kings were invited to perform at the residence of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
On March 12th, 2013 The High Kings announced a forthcoming third studio album produced by Sharon Shannon and John Dunford, consisting of eight original songs and a selection of classic ballads.
