Derek Ryan

From the age of twelve Derek Ryan had showbiz aspirations in his DNA. From his first foray into the music scene performing regularly at socials with his brother Adrian as the Ryan Brothers right through to a pop career with an international band he has now become one of today’s biggest Irish Country artists.

Although his early exposure to the live scene was modest, not even he could have predicted what lay ahead - a career that many can only dream about standing in front of the dressing room mirror strumming a beaten-up acoustic guitar.

Having grown up in Garyhill near Carlow town in Ireland, Derek was bred into loving Irish traditional music by his family, attending fleadh ceoils on a regular basis with his Father. It was not long before Derek was himself a winner, picking up two all-Ireland titles in both bodhran and ceili drumming.

Having caught the bug it was all his parents could do to persuade him to finish his schooling with the promise if he completed, they would do all they could to help him follow his showbiz dream and dreams do come true as Derek has proven.

Joining a boy band called D-Side in 2001 Derek had success with them achieving a number one in Japan as well as numerous top 10 hits in Ireland, UK, France, Germany and China. After his time in D-side, Derek returned to Ireland in September 2009, after several years of gigging on the London function scene, Derek took time to consider many offers that were coming his way. Unable to shake off the sounds that resonated from his Mother’s kitchen radio, Derek got hooked on Nashville greats; like Brooks, Jackson and Strait and so the plans were laid to go for it.

Having spent a couple of years studying as an accountant he also started writing his first songs. Following many competition victories including 'A Song for Carlow' and the 'International Song of Peace'

Derek’s love and passion for country are best measured in his song writing ability as was seen in his debut single ‘God’s Plan’.

Derek has undeniable talent and ability, receiving enormous airplay and a deafening call from fans to get on the road to play his hits live. From that moment Derek rarely has a day off, travelling across Ireland playing in crowded Irish dance halls and most recently performing at sell out concerts in England and Scotland.

Derek’s most recent album, “The Simple Things” topped the Irish charts, overtaking some big names for the top spot. The album includes hit singles “Flowers in your Hair” and “Hold Onto Your Hat” featuring Sharon Shannon.

His rise to stardom on the country scene has been phenomenal and there are few country stars who can claim to have made such an impact in just over two years. Not only has Derek’s concert tour this year sold out in venues across the country, he recently took home not one, but two awards recently from the ceremony, held by Ireland’s biggest selling newspaper, The Sunday World. Derek was awarded with “Entertainer of the Year” and “Album of the Year” for his number one album, ‘The Simple Things’.

Derek is well ahead of his dream. He has recently celebrated his fourth year on the road with his band in Ireland, four years in which he has gained a huge following up and down the country. Not only is Derek a star in the Emerald Isle, he also has a huge fan base in the UK, where he often tours, and even in Australia, where Derek and the band travelled to last year for their first international tour – which was a huge success.

Look out for Derek when he passes through your town. It will be one of those defining moments in your life when you spend a few hours of non-stop exhilaration at one of his shows.

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