Music with Eddie Rowley
SOMETIMES teenage dreams can spring a surprise by exploding into life.
Growing up in the small town of Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny, wannabe singer Darren Holden’s childhood hero was Billy Joel, who plays Dublin’s Aviva Stadium this Saturday, June 23.
Holden, who tours internationally with The High Kings, now counts the American superstar among his close friends.
Holden was head-hunted by Riverdance mogul John McColgan back in 2000 to sing in the stage extravaganza.
“I ended up being a lead vocalist in Riverdance on Broadway, which was an incredible experience. It opened up doors for me and led to me being auditioned by Billy Joel for his show, Movin’ Out,” Darren reveals. “I’ ll never forget that moment. I went in for the audition and Billy’s whole band was there.
“And then I saw Billy and I was a little bit freaked out because he’d been my idol for many years.
“But he was great. He made me feel at ease. He said: ‘Do what you do. I just wanna hear ya.’ I sang five songs — his songs — with the band and at the end he said that he loved it, that it sounded great and I had the job.
“I never wanted to do an imitation of him as there is only one Billy Joel. I learned that Billy’s lyrics speak to people from all walks of life, whether we are rich or poor, black or white.”
Darren, once managed by Louis Walsh, has a favourite memory of Riverdance going back to opening night on Broadway. “I guess my most special memory is the first day I performed the lead role, and as I turned to the audience during ‘At The Edge Of The World’ I spotted my mum. Her face told it all.”