Live

O'Rourke's live performance at the National Concert Hall will leave you in anticipation of his next album.

Jackie Hayden, 03 Dec 2008

It’s a credit to O’Rourke that his songs can come alive in the hallowed surroundings of the National Concert Hall. His style encompasses that of both storyteller and troubadour, and all his best numbers are insantly catchy. There’s more than a touch of Jackson Browne in the tunesome ‘A Little Something’ and the sweeping panorama of ‘We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea’, but O’Rourke has the versatility to go from the tortured soul of the majestic ‘No Place To Hide’ to the after-hours intimacy of ‘We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea’ via the breezy froth of ‘1 Way Minds’. ‘Birds Of A Feather’ retains its wistfulness, and the setting here gives ‘Galileo’ even more emotional depth, but ‘No Brakes’ seems uncomfortable and never quite settles. There’s an irresistible warmth to ‘Sarah’, but the closing ‘Love Is the Way’ is an anti-climax, because in spite of cajoling the audience doesn’t quite climb aboard.

O’Rourke’s Big Bad Beautiful World album didn’t match Since Kyabram in its intensity or originality, and he’s going to have to go some to eclipse ‘Galileo’. But this live album buys him a little time for another shot. We’ll be waiting, watching and cheering him on.

Jackie Hayden

Declan O'Rourke and The Flaws among others for Sligo weekender

2011-03-30

The fourth of July weekend seems the right fit exactly for the opening of Captain America's new live venue in Blanchardstown.

2010-07-28

Other tour stops include Dublin and Limerick in addition to the Cork City gig on December 3.

2009-11-04

To celebrate their 10th birthday, The Ruby Sessions have organised four weeks of celebrations including performances from some of the best acts Ireland has to offer.

2009-09-23

Singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke will debut new material at his gig in the Academy tomorrow, (May 22).

2008-05-21

With a voice like his, and some remarkable songs to match, Declan O'Rourke's ascension to the international frontline is no surprise.

2007-09-24

The listener intuitively gets the thrust of what O'Rourke is saying, but feels unmoved by the fuzzy manner in which he says it.

2007-09-10

Beating off strong competition from the Electric Penguins and The Flaws, Single Of The Fortnight goes to O’Rourke’s haunting ‘Big Bad Beautiful World’. O’Rourke’s effortlessly deep voice is captivating, and if this track is any measure of his forthcoming album, then we are in for a treat come August.

2007-08-08

Declan O’Rourke has confirmed the September release of his second album, Big Bad Beautiful World, which was recorded in the same Westmeath studio used recently by Bloc Party, Editors and Michael Jackson, Grouse Lodge.

2007-07-05

Declan O'Rourke has confirmed that he's no longer part of the V2 roster, but insists that contrary to rumours, he was not dropped.

2007-04-20

Declan O’Rourke plugs the UK release of his Since Kyabram album with an acoustic tour of London’s finest drinking establishments.

2006-10-05

To make up for the frustration of having to wait until next year for a new album, Declan O’Rourke fans can bag themselves a Special Edition version of his Since Kyabram album.

2006-05-02

Got New Year's Eve plans? Well you may want to reconsider them as Declan O'Rourke heads up a suitably spectacular line up at Vicar St.

2005-11-14

Twelve months ago, Declan O'Rourke was almost unheard of. Since then, his record has acheived platinum status. On the eve of his biggest tour ever, O'Rourke talks about a year in the maelstrom.

2005-10-24

Fresh from his extremely well-received visit to the Hotpress chat room at Electric Picnic, Declan O’Rourke takes to the road.

2005-09-15

2005-09-15

It may be called the Electric Picnic, but Declan O’Rourke’s acoustic sounds are bound to be a highlight – both for the crowd and for him.

2005-08-22

In what may well prove to be one of the most astute signings of recent years, Declan O'Rourke has inked a worldwide deal with V2 records.

2005-08-19

O'Rourke's third single from the platinum-selling Since Kyabram is exactly the record a guy would put on after the woman he’s besotted with agrees to marry him. It’s a joy barely restrained, and warms the heart of anyone lucky enough to witness it. Had anyone else played this song, it wouldn’t have the same effect – there’s something about the acoustic simplicity next to Declan’s deep, masculine vocals that makes it shine. Genius.

2005-08-02

There will be a special free concert on Tuesday June 21, at the Café En Seine on Dublin’s Dawson Street, to mark The International Day Of Music.

2005-06-17

Declan O’Rourke, The Revs and Paul Brady will entertain the masses of Wexford this summer

2005-05-19

Not content with scoring a UK support tour with Paul Brady, Declan O'Rourke plays large-scale gigs in Kildare and Dublin

2005-04-26

Despite sharing a home with fellow troubador Paddy Casey, singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke isn’t one for late-night acoustic sessions. You’re far more likely to find him kicking back with a Coen brothers box-set and musing on the early exploration of Antarctica.

2005-01-25

Having sold-out all of his pre-Christmas shows, Declan O'Rourke embarks on a major nationwide tour in March.

2005-01-04

Paul Brady and Eddi Reader are raving about his work, and his album is surging up the charts – but Ireland’s latest singer-songwriter sensation Declan O’Rourke is still making his own breakfast.

2004-11-08

It’s getting rather crowded round at Singer-Songwriter Towers, but Declan O’Rourke’s first full album suggests he’s too good not to be given his own room.

2004-10-18

The first fruit from Declan O’Rourke’s forthcoming debut album, Since Kyabam, was certainly worth the wait.

2004-09-27

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