Daniel O’Donnell is taking a heartfelt trip down memory lane when he goes on a very special tour this autumn.
It’s to celebrate his new album Now and Then – a 14-track celebration of the songs and sounds that shaped him.
Out on 3 October 2025 via Demon Records, the album is available on CD, vinyl picture disc, and a deluxe two CD edition featuring special duets and performances with Dominic Kirwan, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Derek Ryan, Mary Duff, and others.
This is more than a new release – it’s a return to where it all began.
“It’s the type of music I ended up singing,” says Daniel, recalling the sounds that filled his childhood home in Donegal, from Charley Pride and Loretta Lynn to Dolores Keane and Philomena Begley.
Daniel’s connection with his roots, his fans, and his homeland has always been central to his story. With more than 10 million albums sold, 12 gold records, and a career spanning nearly 45 years, he’s earned his place as one of Ireland’s most loved performers – and a beloved figure across the world.
A champion of Irish music, old and new
There’s something timeless about Irish music – and Daniel is quick to celebrate the young bands keeping that tradition alive.
“There’s nothing new about it, but young people are drinking it up,” he says, pointing to the rise of acts like The Tumbling Paddies and The Whistlin’ Donkeys.
“This music is done with heart.”
That authenticity is something Daniel believes Irish music offers in spades, especially in a world now shaped by artificial intelligence.
“Wherever you go in the world, if there’s an Irish bar, it will be full,” he says. “When people left Ireland, they brought very little with them but the music they could carry. It was a link to home. That’s why the culture has stayed so strong.”
A warm mix of classics and originals
Now and Then is a lovingly selected collection, blending country classics, new original songs, and a few surprises along the way.
For the first time, Daniel has recorded Take Me Home Country Roads, a live favourite that captures his signature warmth. Also featured are beloved hits like Don Williams’ You’re My Best Friend and Keith Whitley’s When You Say Nothing at All.
Then there’s Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called To Say I Love You – a song Daniel simply couldn’t resist.
“When it came on the radio, it brought me back to 1984. I thought, I love singing along with it, I should really get it on an album,” he says.
New songs from Irish writers
Daniel has always championed Irish songwriting, and this album is no exception.
Among the highlights are Running Out Of Reasons, Never Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger, As Happy As We Were, and The Last Song – the latter written by renowned Limerick-born songwriter Don Mescall.
“A little different to what I usually record, but I just loved it,” Daniel says.
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He’s also especially moved by I Wish It Was The Springtime, penned by the late Patsy Kavanagh, whose writing on grief and loss deeply resonates with Daniel.
“His ability to put his feelings on paper is incredible,” says Daniel. “He’s telling the story of countless people. It’s universal.”
Giving back and looking ahead
Beyond the music, Daniel’s compassion continues to shine. From supporting local festivals in Donegal to raising funds for cancer charities, his community spirit runs deep.
“Giving back is really important,” he says. “I’m doing what I can do. I’m no different to the man that’s standing on the corner.”
And after 45 years on the road, Daniel is ready for a short break. He’ll be touring the UK from October 9–15 – the nearest date to Reading will be Croydon. Other stops are Bridlington, Stockport, Llandudno, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
The singer is planning a well-earned breather in 2026.
“I’m 45 years on the road in January,” he says. “I thought maybe it’s time to take a wee sabbatical.”
Now and Then is available from 3 October on CD, vinyl picture disc, and as a deluxe 2-CD set.
Whether you’ve followed Daniel from the start or are just discovering his music, this album is a warm reminder of why he remains one of the most cherished voices in music today.
When is Daniel O’Donnell coming to Croydon and how do I get tickets?
Daniel O’Donnell is not coming to Berkshire on this tour, but Croydon is just over an hour away on the train: one route is from Reading to Clapham Junction and then change to catch a train to East Croydon.
Another is a fast train from Reading to Paddington, Elizabeth Line to Farringdon and then a Thameslink train to East Croydon.
The gig will be on Saturday, October 11, at Fairfield Concert Hall, and will celebrate his amazing career, which started with his debut album The Boy From Donegal released in 1984.
Through The Years – The Very Best of Daniel O’Donnell is that celebration, and this event will be hugely popular with his fans.
The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost from £43.
For more details, or to book, log on to: https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/daniel-odonnell-2025
For more on Daniel O’Donnell himself, log on to https://danielodonnell.org/
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