Red Hurley - End of An Era & New Beginnings

End of An Era & New Beginnings

Towards the end of the 1970s and into the 1980s, the Irish pop music scene underwent a period of significant change. Established artists like Hurley, whose careers had begun in the showband era, were making way for rock groups like "U2" and others who were changing the music map in Ireland and internationally. Despite this, Red managed to maintain his career in Ireland throughout this time, albeit at a lower profile. In the 1990s, little was heard from the man whose voice had once ruled the Irish charts. In the 1990s new Irish pop acts such as Boyzone and Westlife emerged onto both the Irish & International scene. Both acts were managed by Hurley's one-time manager X-Factor's Louis Walsh. Throughout this period, while his previously glittering chart career declined at home, Red Hurley moved to the United States, where he gradually made inroads into the market there. He would have to wait until 2003 for a return to the music charts with the release of a new album/CD "You're Still You". The album was a surprise success in Ireland, eventually leading to a successful comeback in the Irish market and a string of new recordings, as well as the international success (in both the UK and USA) which had previously eluded him.(See below). Now regarded as an Irish Music Legend, Red Hurley's public returned to a new-found appreciation of the now more mature and self-assured artist, seduced once again by his majestic voice. Gradually record sales increased, as did attendances at his live concert performances and Red managed to re-establish himself as a major live concert and cabaret artist. Regular appearances on high profile TV and radio shows in Ireland, the UK and USA followed. His most recent Irish tour in 2012, where the singer was accompanied by legendary Irish musician Paddy Cole, played to sell-out audiences across the country.