IT has been six years since Dominic Kirwan last toured Australia.
Now the Irish entertainer is back to complete a 30-date tour which will bring him to Newcastle Panthers on Tuesday evening.
``We had a fantastic tour last time, it went well,'' Kirwan said.
``But while I was in Australia, my manager of some 10 years passed away, so when I came back to Ireland it took a lot of time getting restructured and set up into new management.
``But here we are again six years later and really up for it.'' For the past three decades Kirwan has remained one of Ireland's most enduring performers and he continues to enjoy success thanks to chart- topping albums and constant tours.
He fondly recalls growing up in Omagh, Ireland, in a home full of laughter, music and traditional dancing.
It was as a four-year-old that Kirwan took his first steps on the road to fame, receiving encouragement from his mother and four sisters as he pursued his hobby of Irish dancing.
Kirwan's talent as a dancer was recognised by the Seamus Kerrigan School of Irish Dancing.
The lessons soon paid off and Kirwan began winning competitions in Ireland, Scotland and Norway.
But Kirwan learnt things the hard way as a musician.
After finishing school he worked as a car parts storeman by day while at night he followed his dream and fronted a variety of local bands including his own group The Melody Boys. The band became popular on the live scene, catering for all tastes with their wide range of songs, featuring rock, pop, R&B, ballads and country.
After six years of performing and honing his talents as a live entertainer, Kirwan decided to release his first single, Alice In Wonderland which he paid for himself. The positive response was quickly followed with the recording of his debut album, The Green Fields of France , which came about after Kirwan won the top prize in a local radio singing competition.
He signed to independent label Ritz Records and released an EP titled The Green Hills Are Rolling Still , followed by the album Try A Little Kindness. His live shows brought him to the attention of many people, including country legends Charley Pride, Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette, who all invited Kirwan as special guest on their tours.
Kirwan found mainstream success with The Music's Back, an album mixing original songs with modern interpretations of classic hits.
It secured him his highest position in the UK pop charts.
Tickets to Kirwan's show at Newcastle Panthers are on sale now. Bookings can be made at the club.
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