Posted by:
Heather on
August 10, 2007 at
4:25PM EST
Damien Dempsey of Dublin, Ireland, will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at McAuliffe’s Pub, 3700 Meachem Road. The cover charge is $10.
Dempsey is from Donaghmede on Dublin’s north side. His earliest musical influences were the post-pub singsongs that his parents used to have at their home when he was a toddler. Good, bad or indifferent, everyone had to sing. Today his unique sound reflects the influence of traditional Sean-Nós as well as his musical heroes; Bob Marley and Elvis Presley.
After completing his secondary education Dempsey went on to the Ballyfermot “Rock School” for two years where he studied musical performance as well as the practical side of the music industry. The school had its own small record label and star students were awarded a release on the label. Dempsey was chosen for that honor and the EP, “The Contender,” was released in 1995.
In 2002, his “Negative Vibes EP” featured Sinéad O’Connor on the title track and led to an invitation to support Sinéad on her 2002-03 European tour.
Dempsey’s second album, “Seize the Day,” was released May 2003 in Ireland and entered the charts first week of release at No. 5. It has since achieved double-platinum sales.
During 2004, Dempsey toured extensively headlining his own shows as well as supporting Bob Dylan during the Irish leg of his European tour.
Damian Dempsey
Dempsey has earned the passionate support of his peers, including Morrissey, who invited Dempsey to support him on various UK and Irish dates as well as his autumn 2004 U.S. tour. Morrissey went on to sign Dempsey to his Attack label, and “Seize the Day” had its U.S. release in October 2004.
His third album, “Shots,” simultaneously released in Ireland and the UK in March 2005, entered the Irish album charts at No. 1 and achieved platinum status in December 2005. The album was also released in the U.S. in June 2006 and Dempsey undertook a coast-to-coast tour.
Racine is teeming with awesome local music. Check out some of the bands that are tuning up, plugging in and singing out in our area. Get your band promoted on Center Stage by contacting the Journal Times today!
Leave a Message
Leave a Comment
Request a Friend
