In our conversation with Paul O’Brien and Darren Holden of The High Kings we discuss arriving in Australia after an intense run of international touring, and what Australian audiences can expect from the band’s shows.
The group had just travelled from Newfoundland and Canada through several parts of the United States before flying to Australia. Although the constant travel is tiring, Darren said the band takes care of their voices through plenty of sleep, hydration and looking after themselves physically. Their soundcheck also doubles as their rehearsal and vocal warm-up, with the band running through several songs before each show.
For the Australian tour, The High Kings have built a set around a combination of well-loved traditional favourites and newer material. Songs such as Will You Go Lassie Go remain important crowd-participation moments, while Darren’s own song 77A and the band’s new single The Irish Roar add more contemporary, energetic material. They describe The Irish Roar as a foot-stomping number that is guaranteed to get Australian audiences going.
A major part of the Australian experience for the band is the strong connection between Irish and Australian audiences. When The High Kings first toured Australia in 2023, they estimate that their crowds were around 80% Irish and 20% Australian. On subsequent visits, however, the Australian component has grown significantly. Irish fans living in Australia often bring their Australian friends and partners to the shows, helping the band build an increasingly diverse audience ranging from babies to people in their 90s.
Darren and Paul also spoke about the band’s connection with Irish musical heritage, particularly The Pogues and Shane MacGowan. The High Kings have recorded Streams of Whiskey for the Shane MacGowan tribute album 20th Century Paddy, and Darren described appearing on the album as one of the band’s greatest honours. He said The Pogues fundamentally changed Irish folk music by combining its traditions with punk energy, and that their influence is impossible to escape for a band working in the genre.
The interview also touched on the band’s recent international exposure. Their recording of The Rocky Road to Dublin featured in the film Sinners, alongside Will You Go Lassie Go. Darren said the soundtrack introduced The High Kings to a much larger American audience, with people who had never previously heard the band subsequently turning up to their shows.
Despite their demanding touring schedule, the musicians try to find time to experience the places they visit. Paul particularly enjoys walking around Australian cities, mentioning Perth’s parks and ocean views as a favourite. He sees getting out of the hotel as important for maintaining their sanity during long tours.
Their hope is that Australian audiences leave the shows exhilarated and feeling as though they’ve experienced a little piece of Ireland. They recognises that many Irish people in Australia may not have been home for years, so The High Kings see it as their job to bring a sense of home to them through the music.
The Australian shows, they promise, are designed to be a high-energy, two-hour roller coaster, combining singing, dancing, foot-stomping and plenty of audience participation.
A Celebration of Irish Folk on a Global Stage
MELBOURNE – Hamer Hall – Friday October 9
GEELONG – Costa Hall – Saturday October 10
BALLARAT – Civic Hall – Sunday October 11
FRANKSTON – Frankston Arts Centre – Monday October 12
BRISBANE – Princess Theatre – Wednesday October 14
TWEED HEADS – Twin Towns – Thursday October 15
ADELAIDE – The Gov – Friday October 16
PERTH – PCEC Riverside Theatre – Saturday October 17
WOLLONGONG – Anita’s Theatre – Wednesday October 21
CANBERRA – Canberra Theatre – Thursday October 22
SYDNEY – Enmore Theatre – Friday October 23
NEWCASTLE – City Hall – Saturday October 24
WYONG — The Art House Sunday October 25