Arts Events Archive

A unique Irish voice, Damien Dempsey is a much-loved figure on the Irish music scene and Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge is delighted to announce that the talented singer will play for one night only on Saturday October 2nd.

Born in Donaghmede on Dublin’s Northside in 1975, Damien Dempsey is the voice of that underclass and the quintessential Irish singer songwriter. Described as ‘the Bob Marley of Ireland’ (The Times), Dempsey was influenced by Christy Moore, Luke Kelly, Shane McGowan, Bob Marley and Elvis Presley.

Having won six Meteor Awards to date, Damien Dempsey’s live performances are something special indeed. He has become the most vibrant and vital Irish live performer working today. He has played with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, U2 and The Pogues and Dempsey’s stage craft and voice is so powerful that it prompted Bono to say “when he opens his mouth - it's like the end of the world."

Since his first concerts in 1995 Dempsey has come to be regarded as the pre-eminent Irish singer songwriter. The Irish Examiner wrote that “he now stands as one of the most important and evocative Irish singers of all time.” Morrissey, who was deeply moved by Dempsey, declared that “to hear him sing is to realise the magnitude of his astounding voice and heart. The songs are true, and his is the best and often the saddest voice of this generation.” And it’s a generation that Dempsey is compelled to speak up for: “the kids have no religion now, nothing to look up to. I try to teach them about their history and lead them towards spirituality, give them some light and some purpose”

Yet Dempsey’s music and vision extend far beyond Ireland itself. He speaks to Africans, Aborigines, the dispossessed and underprivileged. Dempsey has travelled with his guitar throughout Australia, and America and his empathy for the people he's seen is palpable. “Those people [the aborigines] have a spirit that we have almost lost. They have kept a spirituality that we’re not preserving.”

Dempsey’s music has the power to move, motivate and inspire all those who hear him. Given the intimate and personal nature of the Riverbank venue, Dempsey’s fans will be treated to a very special evening indeed.

Riverbank Arts Centre has just launched a packed new Autumn programme for October to December 2010 and, as the first event in the new programme, Damien Demspey’s show will certainly get the season off to a flying start.  Tickets are selling fast, early booking advised; contact Riverbank Arts Centre box office 045 448327 or buy online www.riverbank.ie

An opportunity to see Damien Dempsey in a fully seated, intimate venue setting- Unmissable! 

"A phenomenal voice..." - Sunday Times

 "...one of the greatest songwriters of his generation" - Irish Abroad (USA)

 "...whip-smart lyrical tours de force...his songwriter's eye for detail astounds.." - HOT PRESS

For more details or to download Riverbank Arts Centre’s new Autumn programme visit www.riverbank.ie

 

 

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