Frankie Gavin & The New De Dannan

For many years traditional super group De Dannan were the forerunners in the Irish traditional music world but after 33 years, 14 albums and a number of changes in the line up, the group disbanded in 2003. This July, original founding member and world famous fiddle player Frankie Gavin unleashed a new De Dannan which in his own words "will reflect a De Dannan of the 21st century". The official launch of the new band took place at an exclusive De Dannan Celebration Concert at the 2200 capacity Royal Theatre & Events Centre in Castlebar on August 5th during The World Fleadh Festival where former members of the band including Mary Black, Dolores Keane & Máirtín O Connor came together with the new members for a celebration of the band's history. The show was deemed an unprecedented success and audience and critical reactions to the new band have been tremendous.

The new De Dannan line up is led by original De Dannan member Frankie Gavin on fiddle, flutes & whistles with Michelle Lally on vocals, Damien Mullane on accordian, Mike Galvin on bouzouki & guitars and Eric Cunningham on percussion, flutes & whistles.

Frankie Gavin, who himself has performed with a whole host of musical luminaries from Stéphane Grappelli to the Rolling Stones, said of the launch of the new De Dannan:

"This is a very exciting time in the life of De Dannan. The band has in the past been responsible for launching the careers of many of Ireland's best known traditional performers who are now enjoying successful solo careers. Following a period where a De Dannan unit was no longer actively performing I believe it's time now to write a new chapter in the De Dannan story. I have put together a team of musicians to form the new De Dannan who are tremendously talented performers and who I know will restore the De Dannan name and sound to its former glory. We have also at the same time developed our own approach which will reflect a De Dannan of the 21st century."

Frankie Gavin & the new De Dannan will be releasing an album this Autumn featuring a number of well known special guests. Following this Autumn's Irish tour, the band will embark on wide-spread international touring throughout 2010.