Dermot Kennedy, the busking legend from Dublin, is back in Ireland to perform to his dedicated fans.
The Power Over Me singer will first perform in Kerry on June 6 before heading to St. Anne’s Park, Malahide Castle and then concluding in Cork.
But who is he and how did he rise to fame?
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How old is Dermot Kennedy?
Dermot was born on December 13, 1991, making him 30 years old.
Where is Dermot Kennedy from?
Dermot Kennedy is from Rathcoole in the capital county.
Speaking to Billboard, Dermot said: "Being Irish means so much to me. I’m so proud to be an Irish artist and songwriter, following in the footsteps of incredible people like Phil Lynott, Sinead O’Connor, Hozier, Van Morrison.
"I think being Irish helps me to stay grounded too. There’s no room for big egos and self-centeredness when you’re dealing with Irish people, so I’m very glad my friends and family help me stay grounded."
How did Dermot Kennedy get famous?
Dermot learned to play guitar at 10-years-old and began writing songs at 14-years-old, but he's said he didn't begin to take it seriously until he was 17.
Dermot has praised his parents for their support. His dad used to drive him into the city centre to perform at open mic nights, and he studied classical music at Maynooth University for three years - so he definitely has plenty of experience.
He then busked for many years around Dublin and then went on to win first place at The South County Song contest that's attended by music industry workers.
He went on to being spotlighted on Spotify Discover Weekly when it was launched back in 2016 - and the rest is history.
Dermot recently revealed that he actually auditioned for the Late Late Toy Show when he was a child, but was rejected.
Speaking on the Late Late Show’s 60th anniversary special, Dermot said he sang the song Hallelujah, but was unsuccessful.
Dermot laughed: “I was pushing the boat out though. I’d say I was 14 or 15 years old [laughing].”
“No that was a fun day. I remember playing. I used to be paranoid at stuff like that. I remember the first time a camera was on me, I think…”
“So, I was in one of the studios and I just couldn’t believe I thought cameras were so high tech, right? It was a fair challenge for me.”
His influences?
Dermot told Forbes magazine that Glen Hansard, Bon Iver, J. Cole, Stormzy and poet Black Ice are his musical inspirations.
He also admires The National, Elbow, Damien Rice and Ben Howard, according to the Evening Standard.
The first piece of music that he bought for himself?
Dermot told Billboard: "A CD of 50 Cent’s first album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. I first heard 50’s music at a friend’s house, and I was instantly in love with it.
"The storytelling, the delivery of his vocals, I loved it straight away and I still do."
His first concert?
Believe it or not, Dermot's first concert was Westlife. His sister was a giant fan, so he claims that he was dragged along.
If he wasn't a musician, what would he be?
Dermot previously spoke of how he'd love to work in sports if he wasn't a singer. He says that the power of people having your back and supporting you is a beautiful thing.
A piece of advice he'd would give to his younger self?
He told Billboard: "Be patient. It’ll all be worth it. Remember, a career of substance built over time is the goal.
"Not fame, not a quick rise and fall, not a random hit song. You want to be special. You want to be different."
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