Darren Holden

Darren Holden is not only a prolific Songwriter and Musician but a master interpreter of lyrics as well. Audiences around the world continue to praise his exceptional vocal talents. Originally from Mooncoin County Kilkenny, he is comfortable performing all genres of music from Pop and Jazz to Country and Celtic.

Darren starred as The Piano Man (Billy Joel) in the Tony Award-winning hit Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical Movin’ Out both on Broadway and on tour for four years receiving unanimous critical acclaim throughout the US, Canada and Japan. He was lead singer with RIVERDANCE on Broadway and on tour for more than three years.

A top ten recording artist in Ireland, Darren toured with Boyzone on their first major tour of Ireland and the UK . He had numerous chart hits with such songs as “After Tonight” and “More Than I Can Say.” His debut solo album, “Suddenly” produced three top 20 hits. His CD of original traditional/contemporary Country songs, “Live & Learn,” released in 2002 in the US, produced three top 40 airplay hits and Darren was nominated for a 2004 New Music Weekly Award (“Best Male Country Artist”).

Darren relished the opportunity to join The High Kings, and reach a new audience, singing the songs he had learnt as a child. A key High Kings moment for Darren was performing at the half time section of the All –Ireland Hurling final, which his beloved Kilkenny won. As Darren said, It was the biggest hometown crowd he had ever played for. The High Kings flew home specially for the event from their headline US tour, one of three hugely successful tours they completed in 2008

Although his schedule is hectic, he manages to balance his work and home life, as he has had not one, but two new arrivals to his family since joining The High Kings. Along with his wife Michelle, Darren revels in home life with daughters Ava and Sophie and son Josh.

Despite having such a full schedule, Darren finds time to help out many worthy charities and frequently uses his talents to help others raise funds.

Finbarr Clancy

Finbarr was born in County Waterford to Moira and Bobby, brother to Liam, Paddy & Tom Clancy. Growing up in the Clancy dynasty, Finbarr’s was plucking the banjo and playing the bodhran from the age of 5.

His first professional performance was on stage at the tender age of ten singing and playing the banjo with his cousin Eban Clancy (Liam’s son). Finbarr went on to learn the guitar and flute and began writing songs at the age of 17.

Finbarr began touring North America with his Father and Uncles, The Clancy Brothers, in 1995. Following the passing of his uncle Paddy and later his father, Bobby in 2002. Finbarr continued the tradition by touring with Eddie Dillon and Mark Fitzpatrick along the festival route, which included playing at America’s biggest Irish Festival in Milwaukee.

As part of The Clancy Brothers, Finbarr played all over the world and had many TV appearances, as well as recording credits such as Clancy Sings Along Songs, The Quiet Land and Make Me a Cup with Bobby Clancy and Eddie .

It was when Finbarr decided to move back to Ireland after touring the US that things started moving very quickly. Within a few months of moving home, Finbarr joined The High Kings and spent all his time rehearsing and recording a new album and DVD.

Having just left America, Finbarr found himself back in New York, appearing on hit TV shows The View and This Morning performing with The High Kings. After touring with Billboard chart toppers, Celtic Woman, The High Kings came back to Ireland to do two sell out tours, within months of each other.

The music of the Clancy’s was integral to Finbarr’s musical education and he hopes to continue this strong ballad tradition with The High Kings

Brian Dunphy

Brian was born in Dublin. He realised early on that the musical path would be the one he would follow. So far it has lead him to great accomplishments and also to meeting his wife Ann, with whom he appeared in a stage version of Rocky Horror Picture show.

Brian’s biggest break came when he won the Lead singer role in “Riverdance The Show”, traveling extensively throughout America, Canada, China, Australia and Europe. He spent two years singing at The Gershwin Theatre on Broadway in New York and as lead vocalist in Radio City Music Hall. While there, he had the honour of performing the American National Anthem at Madison Square Gardens and appearing on “The Today Show”.

Following Riverdance he joined The Three Irish Tenors and enjoyed huge success stateside, and Europe beckoned next as he took on a role performing as his father in a tribute to the Irish Show-Band stars of yesteryear, “Dance Hall Qs And Hucklebuck Shoes”.

Throughout his already very successful career, Brian has had the honour of recording with many artists including world renowned violinist Vanessa Mae, Celtic Woman, Bill Whelan’s Riverdance-On Broadway and Riverdance – The 10th Anniversary.

Brian is never fazed by the wise-cracking comments thrown at him from a sometimes raucous audience member. Indeed, enjoying the exchange. Being of a gregarious nature, he enjoys immensely meeting fans of The High Kings after a show and hearing their stories.

Although Brian loves touring, he loves his family life as well and sees no conflict between selling out to a 1000 strong crowd one night and serving up weetabix to his five year old son Sam the next morning, as he feels both roles, Performer and Father are a good fit for him.

Paul O'Brien

Paul O’Brien is a singer and songwriter from Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

Paul comes from a very musical background, getting his love of music from listening to his dad who played the drums in the Rathdowney Céilí band. Paul’s father also played Bodhrán and spoons and his musicality passed itself down a generation. Paul himself is a self-taught musician; he plays Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Whistles, Harmonica and of course Bodhrán.

Paul has played music covering Irish Traditional and Ballads, Folk and Country. He has gigged around many pubs and local venues in Ireland and also spent 2 years living and gigging in Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria as a one man band ! He regularly performed in Kilkenny City through the Summer season, singing Irish Ballads and Folk music to the tourist audience, with a big American contingent who were highly appreciative.

Paul was delighted to be asked to join The High Kings in 2019 and eagerly grasped the opportunity. The band’s 2019 Christmas single is the first recording featuring Paul as part of the band. He is very happy to share the stage with Darren, Brian and Finbarr and looks forward to more performing and recording as part of The High Kings.