From an early age, Derek Ryan was destined for stardom. Having grown up in Garyhill near Carlow town in Ireland, Derek was bred into loving Irish traditional music by his family, attending fleadh ceoils on a regular basis with his Father. It was not long before Derek was himself a winner, picking up two all-Ireland titles in both bodhran and ceili drumming. Having caught the bug it was all his parents could do to persuade him to finish his schooling with the promise if he completed, they would do all they could to help him follow his showbiz dream and dreams do come true as Derek has proven. Derek’s most recent album, “The Simple Things” has topped the Irish charts, over-taking some huge names for the number one spot. The album includes hit singles, Scottish favourite, “Will Ye Go Lassie Go”, “Flowers In Her Hair” and “Hold Onto Your Hat” featuring Sharon Shannon. Sharon Shannon is a well known artist,for her many different musical collaborations ranging from Shane Mac Gowan of The Pogues to Imelda May, not to forget her number one hit “Galway Girl” with Steve Earle. His rise to stardom on the country scene has been phenomenal and there are few country stars who can claim to have made such an impact in just over two years. Not only has Derek’s concert tour sold out in venues across the country, he has also swept the board at award nights earlier this year receiving “Best Live Performer of the Year” from the Sunday World and was also honoured to be awarded with “Album of The Year” for his fantastic fourth album, Country Soul, by Irish Country Sound. Derek is well ahead of his dream. He has recently celebrated his fourth year on the road with his band in Ireland, four years in which they have gained a huge following up and down the country and further afield. The international star has just recently returned home from a tour of Australia, which was hugely successful and has already been talking about returning down under to visit his Aussie fans once again! Derek will be hopping back onto a plane very soon, this time he is will be returning to the highlands of Scotland! From the 29th October to the 2nd November, Derek will be travelling to different venues around the country with his band, bringing their own brand of country music back for all his Scottish fans, with support from Janey Kirk. The Derek Ryan band will be playing in the following venues: WED 29TH OCT – The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr (o1292 288 235) THURS 30TH OCT – The Town Hall, Airdrie (01698 403 120) FRI 31ST OCT – The Assembly Rooms, Wick (01955 602 211) SAT 1ST NOV – The Strathmore Hall, Forfar (07786 086 512) SUN 2ND NOV – The Ryan Centre, Stranraer (01776 703 535) For any further enquiries please contact Pinetree Promotions on 01776 705150.