The High Kings - Discography (2008-2014)

The High Kings, the true heirs of Irelands Folk heritage, is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden. By February 2015, the group had released three studio albums, two live albums, and two live DVDs. All of their studio albums appeared at number three or higher on the Billboard world music chart, the first two went platinum in Ireland, and all their albums charted in Ireland.

After the release of their first album, the new group moved from a highly staged format to a more natural performance style. Since the inception of the band, The High Kings has toured Ireland, the United States, and Europe on multiple occasions. Together they play thirteen instruments during their performances. The group's motto is "Folk 'n Roll," and their singing is especially noted for its close harmonies.

Essentially the male version of Celtic Woman, the High Kings are a mass-marketed contemporary Celtic quartet under the musical direction of David Downes of Riverdance fame. Debuted in 2008, the High Kings are a supergroup comprised of Irish natives Finbarr Clancy (born in Carrick-an-Suir, County Tipperary; formerly of the Clancy Brothers), Martin Furey (born in Dunmore East, County Waterford; formerly of the group Bohinta), Brian Dunphy (born in Dublin; formerly a cast member of Riverdance), and Darren Holden (born in County Kilkenny; formerly a cast member of Riverdance, among other Broadway productions, and a successful solo artist as well). Their debut album, The High Kings, sold very well in the United States for world music (peaking at number 150 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart and number two on the world music albums chart), thanks in significant part to a PBS television special (also released on DVD) broadcast nationally in commemoration of the St. Patrick's Day holiday. The High Kings subsequently toured their homeland.

Coming from accomplished musical pedigrees, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey, Darren Holden and Finbarr Clancy grew up in households soaked in the Irish musical tradition and each member of the band witnessed first-hand the power of well-crafted Irish music on an audience. They have sold out hundreds of shows in Ireland and the US, made numerous TV appearances, and achieved platinum status with both of their self-released albums. The High Kings showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between them. The High Kings exploded onto the Irish folk music scene in 2008 and bring a rousing acoustic flavour to brand new songs and well-loved favourites.

‘FOUR FRIENDS LIVE’ was filmed and recorded live at The Millennium Forum, Derry in May this year and features for the first time, live versions of songs from their recent successful album ‘Friends For Life’. The album and concert DVD also contain well known favourites such as ‘The Parting Glass’, ‘McAlpines Fusiliers’ and ‘The Town I Loved So Well’. Having spent the past year touring the world, the band felt this was the right time to capture this performance.