The High Kings are an Irish ballad group. They were formed in Carrick-on-Suir by Finbarr Clancy and Martin Furey. Brian Dunphy (son of Sean Dunphy, who represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1967), and Broadway/pop/country singer Darren Holden were later recruited having wowed the world with their own solo careers on broadway in musical reviews, such as Riverdance and Moving Out.
The High Kings went on a 30 day tour of the United States, [March 2011] stopping in Chicago, Albany, New Haven, Philadelphia, Boston and Atlanta to promote their new release of "Memory Lane" in the United States. Their live performances included "Step it Out Mary", "Black Velvet Band", "The Ballad of Joe Hill", and "Whiskey in the Jar."
On Thursday, March 17, 2011, (St. Patrick's Day) The High Kings played for a US audience on "Live with Regis and Kelly," then performed on stage in Boston, MA that night.
On Monday, May 23, 2011, the High Kings played for United States' president, Barack Obama while he visited Moneygall.
Darren Holden previously starred as The Pianoman (Billy Joel) in the Broadway musical blockbuster "Movin' Out". He was cast for the role by Joel himself. Holden originated the role for the US National tour which ran from Jan 2004-Jan 2007 and tours of Canada and Japan in 2006. His 2006 release "Roadworks" sold more than 10,000 copies in Japan. Prior to being invited to join the High Kings, he performed regularly with Billy Joel's touring band across the US.