BRIAN KENNEDY  “Performing live is what it’s all about”

If there were a special award for being multi-gifted, then Brian Kennedy would surely walk away with it.  A critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, and proven radio/television presenter, he is now also acknowledged as an author of considerable worth.  The common denominator of all his talents is easy to spot. 

Brian was born in Belfast in 1966, and moved to London at the age of 18, and made a breakthrough on the music scene in 1990 with his debut album The Great War Of Words, including the highly successful singles Captured and Town, both of which are still firm favourites at his concerts. 

Spotted by Van Morrison, he was invited to join Van’s renowned  Blues and Soul World Tour for a period of 6 years, which gave him the opportunity to perform with some of the world’s legends in the music industry, including Joni Mitchell, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan.  He also backed Van on several albums including Days Like This and Back On Top. 

In 1996, Brian returned to his solo career and released the album A Better Man which achieved quadruple platinum status in Ireland, and included the hit singles A Better Man, Life Love & Happiness, and Put The Message In The Box.  The next album to follow was Now That I Know What I Want released in 1999, and saw the reunion of Brian collaborating with his long-time friend Calum MacColl 

The new Millennium burst in with an unexpected twist to Brian’s musical journey, when he accepted the role of lead singer in Riverdance on Broadway with songs written especially for him by Bill Whelan.  The show opened in March 2000 and Brian starred in the leading role for 290 performances. 

Whilst singing in Riverdance On Broadway, Brian spent his evenings off doing his own live show @ Arlene’s Grocery. It was here he showcased the tracks he was writing while living in New York, which went on to become his next album Get on With Your Short Life.  The 17 tracks featured on the album are an intimate and personal journey with Brian from Killaloe to Broadway!  The Ballad Of Killaloe, Christopher Street, and New York all give a vivid impression of Brian’s personal journey. 

When Brian returned from New York he was approached to present a 6-part TV series for BBC Northern Ireland, shot in stunning locations throughout Ireland and featuring the history of such popular music tracks as Mountains Of Mourne, I Dreamt I Slept In Marble Halls, The Curragh of Kildare and Whiskey In The Jar.   Brian collaborated with Calum MacColl, Sinead O’Connor, and Adrian Dunbar amongst others, and twoalbums were released from these series On Song and On Song 2

 In November 2003 Brian returned to the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, when he recorded Live In Belfast CD and DVD featuring a collection of 22 tracks spanning Brian’s 15 year career in music. In 2004, Brian’s career took another turn when he published his debut novel, The Arrival Of Feargal Flynn and went into the Irish Best Sellers List at Number 3, followed by the sequel Roman Holiday.  Brian is currently working on the third novel in this trilogy. 
 
 Few people will forget the power of Brian’s moving performances of You Raise Me Up and Vincent  at the funeral of George Best which was broadcast worldwide.  The CD was later released as a charity single George Best – A Tribute and reached No 4 in the UK charts. 

2006 saw Brian represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest where he achieved 10th place.

 In March 2008, Brian released his latest album, Interpretations.  The album is full of great surprises, as Brian effortlessly crosses musical genres and eras – songs from the past and the present, including Clifford T Ward’s Gaye, Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl, and Cole Porter’s Night And Day.   

Quite simply, Brian Kennedy is a natural communicator.  No more so than in his live concerts.  In the firm belief that ‘music is the language of emotion’ he takes his audiences on a roller coaster ride for a full two hours, and still finds the energy to meet up with his fans after each show.  

One fact remains – first-timer, or seasoned fan, nothing can prepare you for that moment when the lights go down, and Brian appears on stage.  You see that smile, and hear that voice, labelled ‘ a voice to charm the angels’  and there’s no turning back.  

Brian is currently touring Ireland which is followed by a UK tour in September.  He will return to Ireland which will see him touring throughout the country until the New Year!