Music
01 Sep 21

Neil Hannon announces The Divine Comedy greatest hits compilation and Irish tour dates

Following the release of Charmed Life in February, The Divine Comedy will play shows in Dublin Cork and Belfast.

There's a new greatest hits album on the way from The Divine Comedy – as well as some exciting Irish tour dates.

Charmed Life – The Best Of The Divine Comedy will be released on February 4 2022, featuring 24 tracks of hit singles, fan favourites and some new tracks as a celebration of 30 years of The Divine Comedy. The album was compiled by Neil Hannon and remastered at Abbey Road Studios.

The compilation record includes ‘National Express’, ‘Something For The Weekend’, ‘Songs of Love’, ‘Our Mutual Friend’, ‘A Lady of A Certain Age’, ‘To The Rescue’ and ‘Norman and Norma.’ Brand new track ‘The Best Mistakes’ is also featured on the album, which is available for preorder now

When talking about the decision to call the album Charmed Life, Hannon said:

“I’ve been luckier than most. I get to sing songs to people for a living and they almost always applaud. So when asked what to call this collection I thought of Charmed Life. I like the song and it rather sums up how I feel about my life.”

The album will arrive in a number of different formats including a 24 track standard 2CD, a double heavyweight black vinyl and a limited edition double heavyweight colour vinyl. A limited edition 3CD containing the 24 Best Of tracks and a Super Extra Bonus Album and including new and unreleased recordings will also be available.

“It felt right to celebrate thirty years of The Divine Comedy,” said the Northern Irish artist when discussing the bonus album. “I can’t give you an overview of these songs. They’re a crazy mixed up bunch. Some are strangely seasonal, some relate to what we’ve all been going through recently, some are just nuts. Enjoy!”

The Divine Comedy will head out on the road in 2022 – playing Cork’s Opera House on May 17th, Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on May 19, and Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on May 21. Tickets go on sale September 10 at 10am.

“I am so looking forward to playing live again,” said the songwriter. “The last couple of years have been a reminder of how much it means to me personally. It really is my favourite thing. And it seems fitting that we’ll be coming back with a greatest hits set. You know, in case everyone’s forgotten who I am and what we do!”

Check out the tracklist for Charmed Life below.