DECLAN O’Rourke returns to Dolan’s on Friday April 17. Accompanied by cello and violin, this is Declan’s own preferred stage line up.
This show has all the flavour of an orchestra without taking away from the subtle intricacies of Declan’s unique voice, guitar work and wonderful songs. Declan O’Rourke began his career on the Dublin singer-songwriter circuit in 2000. He released his debut album under an independent Irish record label in 2004.
Declan’s debut album, Since Kaybram, went straight in at fifth position in the Irish charts. It very soon achieved Gold, Platinum and then double-Platinum status. Even now, almost four years after its release, it continues to sell steadily. Declan’s songs have gained him much interest both here and abroad with a number of the industry’s top names.
When asked by Q Magazine which song from the past twenty years he most wishes he’d written, Paul Weller chose ‘Galileo,’ a song from Since Kyabram. Jonathan Ross, Britain’s top chat show host and foremost radio DJ, plays him regularly on his Saturday morning show. Declan’s songs have been recorded by a number of artists, including Brian Kennedy and Maura O’Connell, among others. Eddi Reader’s latest studio album, due for release in April 2008, covers Declan’s “Love is the Way,” the album’s title track.
Declan released his long-awaited second album, Big, Bad, Beautiful World, in late 2007 which reached fourth position in the Irish charts. Big, Bad, Beautiful World has also been critically acclaimed. In April 2007, Declan toured the record with great success, including a small Australian tour in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
He returned to Australia for an extended tour of New South Wales and Victoria throughout March 2009. Declan is praised for his heartfelt, intimate performances as well as his larger, energetic concerts. In 2006, Declan supported Snow Patrol on their European tour, where he played Wembley Stadium and the Odyssey Arena among others. He has also made a number of special guest appearances on stage with the band.
In February 2009, Declan shared a Belfast stage with Nancy Griffith. Declan’s popularity continues to grow steadily, with a vast amount of sell-out performances in Ireland’s most prestigious venues. Declan has also toured in England and mainland Europe, supporting such notable names as Paul Weller, The Cardigans, Paulo Nuttini, Paul Brady, The Beautiful South, Nizlopi, while appearing on the same bills as Planxty and Bob Dylan. Catch him live at Dolan’s on Friday April 17.
