'So Hard to Beat' - BBC One Northern Ireland (TV)

'So Hard to Beat' is the story of Northern Ireland's rock and pop scene over the last four decades, featuring exclusive interviews with Brian, Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, Gary Moore and more.

This is a two part documentary the first of which goes out on Tuesday 27th March. Brian's interview will be broadcast in Part Two on Wednesday 28th March at 10.40pm. Van Morrison's interview is included in Part One, of which he also mentions Brian.

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Two Shows Planned for the England

The two shows for Milton Keynes and London are now confirmed and tickets are already on sale.  No other shows in April are planned at this stage.

Saturday 14th April:  The Stables, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes.
Tickets available from stables.org.  Box Office: 01908 280800

Sunday 15th April:  Dingwalls, Middle Yard, Camden Lock, London
Tickets available from ticketmaster.co.uk : 0870 534 4444 or Ticketweb.co.uk: 0870 771 2000
Venue Info from dingwalls.com

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The Singer and the Song

This book offers readers a unique insight into the origin of well-known popular songs in Ireland today and will uncover the real story behind the favourite songs of some of Ireland`s most well-known composers. In a unusual and thought-provoking collection this group of recording artists tell us why they decided to record a certain song and invites readers to listen to the songs in a whole new light.
 
Covering all genres, it includes a contribution from Brian and other artists such as Luka Bloom, Christy Moore, Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, Johnny Logan, Mundy, Liam Lawton, John Spillane and many many more.
 
The Singer and the Song is out now.  Publisher:  Hodder Headline Ireland. ISBN: 0340924071.
Half of the royalties from this book will go to Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association.

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Short Stories

Following on from Brian's short story appearing in 'Breaking The Skin' a few years ago, Black Mountain Review have published another short story of Brian's -  Everybody's Married Now.  The short story appears in Issue 13 of the magazine Black Mountain Review.

If you missed Brian's short story - 'The Value of Flames' in the 'Breaking The Skin' issue, then good news as they have published it again in Issue 14 of Black Mountain Review.

Copies can be purchased from Black Mountain Review, PO Box 9, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, BT39 0JW.
Issue 13 - £4.00 each plus £1 p&p in the UK.
Issue 14 - £7.50 each including p&p in the UK.

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Homebird - Brian's new CD

At last, Brian’s much anticipated new album has been released! 'Homebird', the new double disc CD includes 14 new studio tracks and a bonus disc of remixes and bonus recordings. It is out now in Ireland and the UK so make sure you have ordered your copy

The track listing below includes 'Go With My Heart', Brian’s brilliant new single, 'Every Song Is A Cry For Love' which represented Ireland at the recent Eurovision Song Contest and 'Homebird' which Brian has been trying out on his recent tour of Ireland.

The CD will be released on the Curb Records label and the Catalogue Number is CURCD217. It is available to purchase now from carolinemusic.com - priced at £14.99 plus P&P.

Listen to the soundbytes below and get a little taster of what to expect.  Click on the underlined titles below

CD 1	CD 2 BONUS ACOUSTIC DISC
1.  If You Don't Believe In Me	1: WHAT YOU WISH FOR
2.  Destination	2: EVERY SONG IS A CRY FOR  LOVE
3.  Turn To Me	3: GO WITH MY HEART
4.  What You Wish For	4: DESTINATION
5.  Every Song Is A Cry For Love	5: HOMEBIRD
6.  Coming Home	6: WEST
7.  Let Me In	7: IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN ME
8.  Homebird	8: YOU ARE
9.  For Once In Your Life	9: SILVER HEARTS ON CHAINS
10. Go With My Heart	10: SEA OF STARS
11. West	11: COMING HOME
12. All Over The World	12: FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE
13 You Raise Me Up	13: LET ME IN
	14: TURN TO ME

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2006 Eurovision Song Contest

The 51st Eurovision Song Contest final took place on Saturday 20th May. Brian's own composition 'Every Song Is A Cry For Love' qualified for the final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest and made a piece of Eurovision history by being the 1000th act to perform in the competition at the semi-final show.

Lordi representing Finland were the winners on the night, with Ireland claiming tenth position. Brian wishes to thank you for all your support and votes!  View the fans reactions here.
 

Eurovision 2006 - Brian out and about in Athens!! Photos by Kyran O'Brien/Kobpix - click on photos for slideshows

Click for more Eurovision news

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'Roman Song' - Brian's novel is out NOW!

'Roman Song' is the much anticipated sequel to Brian's novel 'The Arrival of Fergal Flynn'. 

When Fergal Flynn's remarkable singing talent is discovered by world-renowned opera star Alfredo Moretti, the young man sets out from his native Belfast for Rome, to study under the famous singer.

This new, sophisticated world is a far cry from working-class Belfast. But Fergal soon finds out that escaping from a troubled past is not just a matter of geography. The more he tries to disguise his rough edges, the harder it becomes for him to unearth his true voice. He must dig deep if he is to rise to the challenge.

Moving back in time to the glamour of 1950s Venice, Roman Song also tells
the story of three leading lights of Tosca - Alfredo, Marla Davis and Brendan Fiscetti - and of Amelia, the beautiful widowed countess, whose entrance stage-left creates a bitter rift between the three companions. When, three decades on, Alfredo gets word that Brendan Fiscetti is starring at the Teatro where Fergal works backstage, it becomes clear that Fergal is not the only one running from his past.

'Roman Song is an enchanting and funny tale of coming to terms with your true self, and of how facing your demons can open the door to the fulfilment of dreams. 

Due for release on trade paperback in Ireland on 29th October 2005 through Publishers - Hodder Headline Ireland.  ISBN: 0340832312 

Order here your copy of 'Roman Song'!! 'Roman Song' - out on Trade Paperback priced £10.99   Postage and packing is £2.00 within the UK, £3.50 for Europe & £3.95 Worldwide.  Credit card payment accepted by completing the order form here or send your details by email to jane@briankennedy.co.uk.   Cheques should be made payable to ‘These Days’ and sent to the fan club address:  Brian Kennedy - These Days, PO Box 7777, Edinburgh, EH9 1YX, Scotland.  Detail clearly your name and address.