Derek, who writes his own music, describes his new album as a “return to his roots”, inspired by the traditional music and songs that were passed down to him through generations of his family. Co-writing ‘Pure & Simple’ with some of Ireland’s best songwriters and long-time collaborators Gerry Carney, Eleanor McEvoy and Eoin Glackin, he has also recently written songs for other artists on the country scene including Daniel O’Donnell, Philomena Begley, Foster and Allen and many more.
‘Pure & Simple’ features Derek’s special arrangement of traditional Irish songs which he attributes to his dad for introducing the melodies to him growing up and will be exciting new additions to the setlist of Derek Ryan’s nationwide concert tour starting in January. “‘Colcannon’ is one of the first songs I ever learnt when I was 7/8 years old, Dad brought home a book of lyrics of old Irish songs, and I remember learning it word for word. I called it 'the little skillet pot'! I've had it in my mind for a long time to record and I just thought it would suit this style of album. The ‘Mingulay Boat Song’ is another song Dad passed on to me and the minute I heard it, I fell in love with the melody. I can't wait to perform this one live, especially at our Scottish shows!”
“I’m so looking forward to the ‘Pure & Simple’ concert tour – it’s going to be our biggest tour yet with more dates added than ever before. We are touring it from January to the end of April, with Scottish shows on St Patrick’s week in March as well, which is all really exciting for me and the band. We get to visit more places and play these new songs live to the fans and that’s what it’s all about, seeing their reaction to your music and singing along to every word is the best feeling.”
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Enjoy an intimate night of music from Nathan Evans & Caity Baser at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket on Saturday 10th May in aid of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
READ MOREGrab your glow sticks and join Sophie McCartney at the Old Fruitmarket as she embarks on life's next big chapter with sequins, snorty laughs, and a pair of killer orthopaedic heels!
READ MOREIndie rock up-and-comer MJ Lenderman has announced a run of UK dates which will see him headline the Old Fruitmarket on Monday 2nd June!
READ MOREFollowing a string of sold-out events in the US, UK and Australia, Amazing Silent Disco is bringing its surreal retro dance party to Glasgow for an amazing club night experience!
READ MOREIcelandic and Eurovision superstar Daði Freyr is heading out on a UK tour, catch him live at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket on Wednesday 10th September!
READ MORENurse turned comedian, Georgie Carroll, returns to Glasgow with her brand new show, Infectious! Don't miss her live at the Old Fruitmarket on Wednesday 1st October!
READ MOREJesca Hoop, Kate Stables and Lail Arad will perform intimate, stripped back interpretations of their favourite Joni Mitchell songs in this loving tribute at the Old Fruitmarket in October!
READ MOREJoin Fin Taylor and Horatio Gould on their trademark disgusting sofa, as they bring a live version of their smash hit podcast to Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket on Sunday 19th October!
READ MOREAfter a barnstorming 2024 which saw Myra Dubois sell-out venues across the UK and Ireland, she returns to the stage with her brand-new show Cosmic Empath, don't miss her in Glasgow this October!
READ MOREUrzila Carlson is one of Australia and New Zealand's biggest comedy stars, and she's bringing her trademark cheeky wit back to Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket with the You Don't Say Tour!
READ MOREChristone 'Kingfish' Ingram has earned acclaim as an outstanding blues virtuoso and has won numerous industry awards! Don't miss him live at the Old Fruitmarket on Friday 21st November!
READ MOREDavid Bowie's right-hand-musicians during his late-1970's Berlin period reunite to celebrate the legacy of the albums, don't miss The D.A.M Trilogy at the Old Fruitmarket on November 26th!
READ MOREStep away from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in an evening of live classical music, gentle breathwork and meditation!
READ MORESt Brides beautiful William Hill organ, nearly 160 years old, has been restored to its former glory! Join them for a monthly recital from a selection of experienced and talented organists.
READ MOREKaty Ellis a self obsessed 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see at The Pavilion Theatre!
READ MOREBrought to you by Falasgair their resident Trad band, come along to Nice N Sleazy every Thursday for knee slapping traditional Scottish music!
READ MOREInspired by the open mic nights of Bourbon Street, Old Bohemia and their talented friends take to the stage and cover your favourite country classics at Maggie's Rock N Rodeo!
READ MOREGet ready to go buck wild at Maggies Rock N Rodeo's sellout Cowboy Ceilidh - the wildest country party this side of Texas!
READ MORESloans Famous Friday Ceilidh is back and it's bigger and better than ever... it's a must for everyone visiting Glasgow and any true weegie!
READ MOREJoin The Bobby Deans Big Band on Sunday afternoons at the Paloma Lounge for some great live big band sounds!
READ MOREMusic Bus Glasgow South are bringing their Sunday Sessions, designed with busy families in mind, to The Glad Cafe on selected dates through the year!
READ MOREWhether you strut like Tina Turner, can high kick like the Spice Girls or want belt out your inner Whitney Houston, Arta's Divas Through The Decades Tribute Night is sure to get you dancing!
READ MORE