Declan O’Rourke Marks 20 Years of Success with Since Kyabram Tour

Declan O’Rourke celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Since Kyabram, with a special tour across Ireland and the UK. After its initial release in October 2004, the album faced a lukewarm reception but soon achieved double-platinum status, thanks to hits like “Sarah,” “Marrying the Sea,” and “Galileo.” O’Rourke reflects on the album’s journey and the profound connection it has fostered with fans over the years.

Initially, O’Rourke felt disappointed after the album’s debut, wishing for a number one spot on the charts. However, he quickly learned to appreciate the album’s success. “My manager said to me: ‘Are you mad? Do you have any idea what you’ve achieved?’ And that was the end of that conversation, I took it on board,” he recalled. This perspective shifted his focus from disappointment to gratitude, allowing him to embrace his newfound status as a recording artist.

Touring for Legacy and Celebration

To commemorate the anniversary, O’Rourke is set to perform in 19 shows, kicking off at the Watergate Theatre in Kilkenny on October 2, 2024. After a limited series of performances in 2023, demand from fans led to this expanded tour. “It’s just a nice closing of a circle on this record, the fun around the music and people’s connection to it,” he said. He expressed his excitement for returning to Kilkenny, describing it as a wonderful location to launch the tour.

This celebration serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as a way to connect with fans who have supported him throughout his career. “In a way, it’s taking stock and celebrating it with people who have stayed the course all that time, thanking them, having a bit of a party,” he added, highlighting the emotional significance of the event.

New Discoveries and Nostalgic Reflections

Alongside the tour, O’Rourke has re-released Since Kyabram with an additional disc featuring previously unheard material. This collection includes alternate takes and studio banter that O’Rourke had not encountered until recently. “I presumed it was just the recording of each song that we used. I had no idea there was all this other stuff,” he explained. The rediscovery of these recordings has allowed him to experience the album from a fresh perspective.

Reflecting on the passage of time since the album’s release, O’Rourke noted that the distance has given him a new appreciation for his work. “Even when you’re listening to it you go, ‘was that me?’ The 20 years gave me the opportunity to step aside and just be a passenger from that perspective,” he said, emphasizing how the years have allowed him to reconnect with his music.

O’Rourke’s upcoming tour and album re-release mark a significant milestone in his career. With seven more albums, two novels, and various screen appearances since Since Kyabram, he has evolved as an artist. Yet, he remains deeply connected to his debut work, viewing the anniversary as a chance to celebrate not only the album’s success but also the community that has supported him throughout his journey.

As he prepares for his first concert in Kilkenny since the pandemic, O’Rourke reminisces about the emotional experience of returning to the stage. “I played a song on the piano and it was so emotional to be back on stage again that I started filling up,” he recalled. The audience’s encouragement during that performance remains a cherished memory.

With the tour set to last nearly two months, O’Rourke invites fans to join him in celebrating two decades of Since Kyabram, closing a chapter while looking forward to the next 20 years of musical exploration.