Daniel O’Donnell needs little introduction. With a career spanning decades, a hit in every year since 1988, and a devoted fanbase around the globe, he is one of the most successful performers of the modern age. A proud son of Donegal, he’s flown the flag for the Emerald Isle and its most beautiful county (My wife is a native – I may be a little biased) on thousands of stages in hundreds of countries. Another successful album in 2022 ‘I Wish You Well’ gives its name to Daniel’s 2023 International tour which arrives in Edinburgh this May 20th.
Daniel was kind enough to talk to The QR about his music, his fans, and the family ties that bind him to Scotland, and Edinburgh.
“It’s been a while” Daniel says, ” since I’ve been in Edinburgh, which would be before COVID.”
He’s speaking to me from Colchester in England, where he’s attending an annual function held by fans to raise money for charity.
“I’ve always valued people, it’s probably something to do with where I grew up – I enjoy the interaction. I suppose this has worked in my favour professionally.”
This will be Daniel’s first trip back to Edinburgh since May 2018, but not for lack of family ties to the Saltire nation.
“I have quite a few Scottish relations. I had two uncles living in Scotland. One was in Bridge of Earn and the other in Perth itself.”
Daniel’s schedule might be less full-throttle than in past years, but it remains busy by any measure.
“I’m doing well. I was in Tenerife for a wee while, then I came back for a few functions, including one in Blackburn, then back to Ireland where I have a show next Tuesday in Letterkenny. Then I’m filming the Late, Late Show, and in April I’ll be playing Derry for a week.”
Coming to the Tour, audiences can rest assured their favourite numbers have every chance of airing.
“We go from the beginning to now, I do a lot of the songs I’ve been singing for years: the ones that got me here. You know, when I go to see someone I like, I want to hear the songs I know. New songs are fine in moderation, but I’ll get to know them after the concert. I suppose familiarity is what brings you in the door in the first place though.”
Does that familiarity ever wear him down? Not in the least!
“I do get pleasure from my catalogue. I’ve been singing ‘My Donegal Shore’ for 40 years, and never tire of it! I do write the odd song, but I’m generally happy recording other people’s music. You see, the thing I most enjoy is the singing.”
Daniel assures me that he’s cut down on the amount of touring.
“I have more time off. The majority of my shows now are between August and December. I needed more time off to spend at home with my wife Majella and my family. I still do an international tour once every couple of years though, and next year will be Australia/New Zealand through February and March.”
Daniel’s concerts remain prone to selling-out wherever he goes…
“It’s a nice situation: I’ve been very fortunate to have a bit of success. People do make a great effort to come to the show. Of course, there always a few coming along for the first time, but before a show is announced, there are so many people who already want to be there.
And does he notice any changes in his audience, over time or between venues or countries?
“Even if you’re in the same hall for one or two nights, you’ll find from the first night to the second, the atmosphere changes! It’s hard to say why, but it’s true. In America and Canada, I suppose you could say they listen more than sing along. In Ireland, Scotland and England they sing with you all the way through. In Scotland or at home, I could just start, and go away for a cup of tea, and they’d take care of the concert for me!”
Thoughts of home are never far from Daniel’s mind though.
“I’m still thinking of the time I’ll be home, and what will I be doing, and hoping for a good day to get to Cruit for the Golf.”
I ask Daniel about his more recent status as a champion of inclusivity in Ireland, and winning new fans…
“Ah yes, during the same-sex marriage Referendum? Well, we’re in a world where it’s very important to be inclusive. All too often we’re exclusive, be it the church, business, work, wherever it might be. You have to think of what people need to make their lives work. You know, just because something might not affect me, I need to be open to see how it affects someone else.”
Returning to his date in Edinburgh, it turns out his connections are more than a little local…
“In Edinburgh I had two aunts, and an uncle living in Edinburgh, one off the Dalry Road, the other in Morrison Street. I used to go stay with Aunty Mary regularly – my godmother on Morrison Street. I’d start in Glasgow, staying with cousins on Bath Street, then go up to Edinburgh, and from there up to Perth with my Uncles and other relations. So, you do surely get a wee spark when I’m back in the city. If I get the chance, I’ll take a walk down Princes Street looking up at the castle, or pop down into the Gardens.”
The Usher Hall rates highly with Daniel also…
“It has a lovely atmosphere: even though it’s a good size, the people are not a mile away from you! I’ve done the Playhouse as well, which is great and huge, but I suppose the Usher Hall being circular helps you to be closer to the fans.
Fans really are the lifeblood of Daniel O’Donnell’s professional life, and there’s surely few artists more thankful for the end of COVID restrictions.
“I was thinking that on the plane coming home, looking at people sitting side by side and not having the fear. We’re less fearful now. I always meet people after the show and it’s just wonderful to be able to do so again”
Daniel O’Donnell’s – I Wish You Well Tour will play the Usher Hall Edinburgh on Sat 20 May 2023.
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