DECLAN O ROURKE

Declan O’Rourke returns to Belfast in December in support of Gold Bars In The Sun, his first album in more than four years, set for October release. Last seen in the city performing his best known song 'Galileo (Someone Like You)’ at the BBC ‘Proms in the Park’ with the Ulster Orchestra, the Dublin based singer is internationally acclaimed for his astute song writing abilities and warm showmanship.

Gold Bars in the Sun will be Declan's fourth studio album and incorporates the songs of his ‘Howlin’ Lowly Moons’ project, which is seeing him deliver a new song each month directly to his fan base since, with contributions thus far from John Prine, the Philadelphia-based Lancaster Bible College Choir, the RTE Concert Orchestra, Sarah Siskind and Roesy.

Debut album Since Kyabram, released in October 2004 , was launched over three sold-out nights in Whelan’s, Dublin and was broadcast live on national radio. It went on to achieve double platinum status in Ireland. Big Bad Beautiful World followed in October 2007, consolidating his appeal, debuting at number 4 in the Irish charts, and included hit singles in the title track and 'Whatever Else Happens'. It saw Declan nominated for Best Irish Male at the 2008 Meteor awards. O’Rourke released Mag Pai Zai, his third album in October 2011, and ‘A Little Something,’ gave him a number 2 single. He joined a stellar line up of artists that included Alison Krauss, and Amos Lee for Transatlantic Sessions, broadcast on BBC2, BBC4 and RTE1, and toured throughout culminating in a full-house performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre which was filmed for DVD release in 2012.

Declan O’Rourke has headlined shows around the globe in his own right; supported a wide range of international names on tour including Paolo Nutini, John Prine, The Cardigans, Badly Drawn Boy and Planxty; has moonlighted as occasional band member with Snow Patrol, Bic Runga and Paddy Casey among others; had his songs recorded by the likes of Eddi Reader, Jacqui Dankworth, Josh Groban and Brian Kennedy: and has Ronnie Wood, Chris Rea, Jonathan Ross and Louis Walsh, among his fans, with many of his peers publicly singing his praises:

Paul Weller, (in Mojo) “He writes the sort of classic songs that people don’t write anymore, songs that sound like they’ve been around forever. Listen to Galileo, which is possibly the greatest song written in the last 30 years.”

Paul Brady: "Declan’s a most talented singer-songwriter, possessing a rich, soulful, musical voice and a brilliant instrumental ability"

Glen Hansard: “He's a timeless troubadour with a voice that breaks through all your defences and gets to the heart of the matter. One of the true greats of our island.”

Brendan Graham (in Hot Press): “He is a sorcerer of songs, with a Dickensian skill for finding the moment that details some aspect of our humanity.”