Declan O’Rourke will play at the Academy in Dublin this Thursday, May 22. This gig is one of the first solo appearances for O’Rourke since sellout Olympia gig last Christmas.

O’Rourke has been busy since December, recording his new album, Big Bad Beautiful World. The album was recorded in Westmeath at Grouse Lodge studios. The residential studios are famed for spawning musical offerings from Muse, Bloc Party and even Wacko Jacko himself.

Earlier this year Declan O’Rourke collaborated with LA based composer Brian Byrne. The pair played in the Helix in April with the RTE Concert Orchestra. O’Rourke has brought Byrne and the RTE Concert Orchestra in again to work with him on string arrangements for the new album.

O’Rourke is sure to be feeling the pressure with this record, after the success of his double platinum debut album, Since Kyabram.

Tickets cost €30.00 and are available from usual outlets.