Chris de Burgh
Encyclopedia
Chris de Burgh is a British/Irish singer-songwriter. He is most famous for his 1986 love song "The Lady in Red".
, Argentina
, to Colonel Charles Davison, a British
diplomat
, and Maeve Emily de Burgh, an Irish
secretary
. His father had substantial farming interests, and he spent much of his early years in Malta
, Nigeria
and Zaire
, as he, his mother and brother accompanied Colonel Davison on his diplomatic and engineering work.
The Davisons finally settled in Bargy Castle, County Wexford
, a twelfth-century castle in Ireland bought by his maternal grandfather, General
Sir Eric de Burgh, a former Chief of the General Staff
, British Indian Army
, and from a distinguished Hiberno-Norman
family. The castle was converted into a hotel where Chris gained much early experience performing to the guests and he later assumed de Burgh as his stage name.
After attending Marlborough College
in Wiltshire, England, de Burgh went on to graduate from Trinity College, Dublin
with a Master of Arts degree in French, English and History. He took his mother's maiden name as his professional stage name.
in 1974, and supported Supertramp
on their Crime of the Century tour, building himself a small fan base. His début album, Far Beyond These Castle Walls
, was a folk-tinged stab at fantasy in the tradition of the Moody Blues that failed to chart upon its release in February 1975. That July, he released a single called "Turning Round" from the album, released outside the UK and Ireland as "Flying". It failed to make an impression in the UK, but it stayed on top of the Brazilian charts for 17 weeks. This became a familiar pattern for the singer/songwriter, as every one of his '70s albums failed to chart in the UK or US while they racked up big sales in European and South American countries. In 1981, he had his first UK chart entry with Best Moves, a collection culled from his early albums. It set the stage for 1982's Rupert Hine
produced The Getaway
, which reached number 30 in the UK charts and number 43 in the US, thanks to the eerie single "Don't Pay the Ferryman
". Chris de Burgh's follow-up album, Man on the Line
, also performed well, charting at 69 in the US and 11 in the UK.
Chris de Burgh had an across-the-board success with the ballad "The Lady in Red" in late 1986; the single became a number one hit in the UK (number three in America) and its accompanying album, Into the Light, reached number two in the UK. (number 25 in the U.S.). That Christmas season, a re-release of de Burgh's 1976 Christmas song "A Spaceman Came Travelling
" became a Top 40 hit in the UK. Flying Colours
, his follow-up to Into the Light, entered the British charts at number one upon its 1988 release, yet it failed to make the American charts. De Burgh never hit the US charts again and his commercial fortunes began to slide slightly in Britain in the early '90s, yet he retained a following around the world. This is mainly due to inactivity of his previous recording label A&M Records
UK division in U.S.
In the mid 1980s he actually brought on a stripper on the stage for the song "Patricia the Stripper"
Even though de Burgh is based in Ireland the Irish press are less than generous in their praise for him. In a rare moment of public anger de Burgh wrote a letter of reply to The Irish Times
after a scathing review: "I wonder what they have in mind for you in your dotage"? Searing critiques of Primary School Christmas plays perhaps, or judging knife sharpening competitions in Sligo
?."
In December 2007, Iranian authorities allowed de Burgh to play with Iranian group, Arian Band
, in a concert which made de Burgh the first western act to perform in Iran after the Iranian Revolution
. Chris de Burgh said in a press conference in Tehran
: "This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy (to visit Iran
)....I am not here for any political reasons."
came to see him perform at a private concert; and how after the performance, Diana approached him backstage to thank him for writing the song "The Lady in Red". Apparently, Diana was under the impression that the song was written for (or dedicated to) her, since she was known for loving to wear the colour red. De Burgh was honoured for the compliment and admiration, but he revealed to her the real story behind the song. Speaking on the BBC series This Is Your Life
in the 1990s, de Burgh said that the song was inspired by the memory of meeting his wife Diane, and how men so often cannot even remember what their wives were wearing when they first met. His own website's FAQ puts it this way:
Other notable songs include the funny-spirited "Patricia the Stripper
", the mythological "Spanish Train", the medievally evocative "The Tower
", and "A Spaceman Came Travelling
". Some of his songs deal with death "Don't Pay the Ferryman
" (with its background quote from The Tempest), whereas others like "Missing You" plainly deal with romance; "Borderline" and "Say Goodbye To It All" deal with themes of war, and its futility. The latter is based loosely on Hemingway's novel A Farewell To Arms. In 2001, he travelled to Germany and recorded "Separate Tables" in a new duet version with Vicky Leandros
. His songs have appeared in films as diverse as Arthur 2
, American Psycho
and Dodgeball
and his records have reported sales of more than forty million units internationally. For the album Timing is Everything, he teamed up with Lebanese singer Elissa
for the recording of his single "Lebanese Night", which became a big hit in Lebanon. His CD release The Storyman contains the title track "The Storyman" which — in its lyrics — lists 30 of his most famous tracks.
He has been a guest performer several times on the Lebanese Star Academy finals. He is most famous in Lebanon
and the Arab world for his collaboration with Lebanese diva Elissa
entitled 'Lebanese Nights'. "My Father's Eyes", from The Storyman, was another hit that featured an Egyptian, Hani Hussein.
, County Wicklow
in Ireland
. They have two sons, Hubie and Michael, and a daughter, Rosanna
, who won the Miss World
competition in 2003 for Ireland. He is an avid Liverpool F.C.
supporter as is Rosanna and they often attend matches at Anfield.
In 1994, he was found to have had an affair with his children's 19 year old Irish nanny, Maresa Morgan, who was assisting the family while de Burgh's wife, Diane was recuperating in the hospital from a broken neck during a horse-riding accident. His daughter Rosanna, a model, indicated during an interview with The Irish Independent that she held little sympathy for Morgan, regarding the latter's portrayal of herself as a victim as "pathetic" and hoped "she pays" for her mistake". She forgave her father for his affair. Ms. Morgan was so traumatised, she moved to France following Davison's comments.
De Burgh has pursued and won 16 defamation actions.The Irish Independent said he has always been a bit prickly about criticism. Peter Crawley, a theatre reviewer at The Irish Times
, found this out the hard way when he wrote a less than sympathetic review of de Burgh's show in Dublin's Gaiety Theatre
in September 2009. Crawley noted: "He departs the stage for 'Lady in Red', invading boxes and draping himself over audience members . . . Certain toes will never uncurl after this experience, but it is almost admirable how unaltered de Burgh has remained by the flow of time." In a lengthy, much-publicised reply to the critic, de Burgh made his feelings known, particularly in the postscript:-
"We were wondering by way of explanation and, as you seem to portray yourself as a bitter and unfulfilled man, were you much teased by your school chums in the schoolyard and called 'Creepy Crawley'?" De Burgh wrote.
for many years (1974–2004), but he now has his own label, Ferryman Productions. His recent albums are released by German label, Edel Records.
Early life
De Burgh was born in Venado TuertoVenado Tuerto
Venado Tuerto is a city in the south-west of the , 322 km from the provincial capital. It has about 70,000 inhabitants .Venado Tuerto was founded on April 26, 1884 by Eduardo Casey, born in Lobos, Buenos Aires, in 1847. He was the son of two Irish immigrants who had amassed considerable wealth...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, to Colonel Charles Davison, a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
diplomat
Diplomat
A diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and...
, and Maeve Emily de Burgh, an Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
secretary
Secretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
. His father had substantial farming interests, and he spent much of his early years in Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
and Zaire
Zaire
The Republic of Zaire was the name of the present Democratic Republic of the Congo between 27 October 1971 and 17 May 1997. The name of Zaire derives from the , itself an adaptation of the Kongo word nzere or nzadi, or "the river that swallows all rivers".-Self-proclaimed Father of the Nation:In...
, as he, his mother and brother accompanied Colonel Davison on his diplomatic and engineering work.
The Davisons finally settled in Bargy Castle, County Wexford
County Wexford
County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local...
, a twelfth-century castle in Ireland bought by his maternal grandfather, General
General (United Kingdom)
General is currently the highest peace-time rank in the British Army and Royal Marines. It is subordinate to the Army rank of Field Marshal, has a NATO-code of OF-9, and is a four-star rank....
Sir Eric de Burgh, a former Chief of the General Staff
Chief of the General Staff (United Kingdom)
Chief of the General Staff has been the title of the professional head of the British Army since 1964. The CGS is a member of both the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Army Board...
, British Indian Army
British Indian Army
The British Indian Army, officially simply the Indian Army, was the principal army of the British Raj in India before the partition of India in 1947...
, and from a distinguished Hiberno-Norman
Hiberno-Norman
The Hiberno-Normans are those Norman lords who settled in Ireland who admitted little if any real fealty to the Anglo-Norman settlers in England, and who soon began to interact and intermarry with the Gaelic nobility of Ireland. The term embraces both their origins as a distinct community with...
family. The castle was converted into a hotel where Chris gained much early experience performing to the guests and he later assumed de Burgh as his stage name.
After attending Marlborough College
Marlborough College
Marlborough College is a British co-educational independent school for day and boarding pupils, located in Marlborough, Wiltshire.Founded in 1843 for the education of the sons of Church of England clergy, the school now accepts both boys and girls of all beliefs. Currently there are just over 800...
in Wiltshire, England, de Burgh went on to graduate from Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
with a Master of Arts degree in French, English and History. He took his mother's maiden name as his professional stage name.
Performing career
Chris de Burgh signed his first contract with A&M RecordsA&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
in 1974, and supported Supertramp
Supertramp
Supertramp are a British rock band formed in 1969 under the name Daddy before renaming to Supertramp in early 1970. Though their music was initially categorised as progressive rock, they have since incorporated a combination of traditional rock and art rock into their music...
on their Crime of the Century tour, building himself a small fan base. His début album, Far Beyond These Castle Walls
Far Beyond These Castle Walls
Far Beyond These Castle Walls is the first album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1975.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"Hold On" – 4:03#"The Key" – 4:08#"Windy Night" – 4:53#"Sin City" – 4:35#"New Moon" – 4:59...
, was a folk-tinged stab at fantasy in the tradition of the Moody Blues that failed to chart upon its release in February 1975. That July, he released a single called "Turning Round" from the album, released outside the UK and Ireland as "Flying". It failed to make an impression in the UK, but it stayed on top of the Brazilian charts for 17 weeks. This became a familiar pattern for the singer/songwriter, as every one of his '70s albums failed to chart in the UK or US while they racked up big sales in European and South American countries. In 1981, he had his first UK chart entry with Best Moves, a collection culled from his early albums. It set the stage for 1982's Rupert Hine
Rupert Hine
Rupert Neville Hine is an English musician, songwriter and prolific record producer, having produced albums for artists including Kevin Ayers, Tina Turner, Howard Jones, Saga, The Fixx, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Chris de Burgh, Suzanne Vega, Rush, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, and ...
produced The Getaway
The Getaway (album)
The Getaway is singer Chris de Burgh's sixth original album, released on A&M Records in 1982. The album was spearheaded by the U.S. hit, "Don't Pay the Ferryman", a strangely upbeat, mythology-tinged ballad that evokes images of the Grim Reaper....
, which reached number 30 in the UK charts and number 43 in the US, thanks to the eerie single "Don't Pay the Ferryman
Don't Pay the Ferryman
"Don't Pay the Ferryman" is a single by Chris de Burgh from the album The Getaway. It was produced in 1982. In 1983, the single reached #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States....
". Chris de Burgh's follow-up album, Man on the Line
Man on the Line
-Track listing:All songs by Chris de Burgh#"The Ecstasy of Flight " - 4:01#"Sight and Touch" - 3:14#"Taking it to the Top" - 4:00#"The Head and the Heart" - 3:59...
, also performed well, charting at 69 in the US and 11 in the UK.
Chris de Burgh had an across-the-board success with the ballad "The Lady in Red" in late 1986; the single became a number one hit in the UK (number three in America) and its accompanying album, Into the Light, reached number two in the UK. (number 25 in the U.S.). That Christmas season, a re-release of de Burgh's 1976 Christmas song "A Spaceman Came Travelling
A Spaceman Came Travelling
"A Spaceman Came Travelling" is a song by Chris de Burgh released on the album Spanish Train and Other Stories in 1975 . It became a popular Christmas song in the UK, and has been released numerous times as a single, first in 1976, then 1981, 1984 and 1986...
" became a Top 40 hit in the UK. Flying Colours
Flying Colours (Chris de Burgh album)
Flying Colours is singer Chris de Burgh's 9th studio album, released by A&M Records in 1988. Notably, the single "Missing You" peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, and No.1 in Ireland in Dec 1988 .-Track listing:All tracks composed by Chris de Burgh....
, his follow-up to Into the Light, entered the British charts at number one upon its 1988 release, yet it failed to make the American charts. De Burgh never hit the US charts again and his commercial fortunes began to slide slightly in Britain in the early '90s, yet he retained a following around the world. This is mainly due to inactivity of his previous recording label A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
UK division in U.S.
In the mid 1980s he actually brought on a stripper on the stage for the song "Patricia the Stripper"
Even though de Burgh is based in Ireland the Irish press are less than generous in their praise for him. In a rare moment of public anger de Burgh wrote a letter of reply to The Irish Times
The Irish Times
The Irish Times is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Kevin O'Sullivan who succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011; the deputy editor is Paul O'Neill. The Irish Times is considered to be Ireland's newspaper of record, and is published every day except Sundays...
after a scathing review: "I wonder what they have in mind for you in your dotage"? Searing critiques of Primary School Christmas plays perhaps, or judging knife sharpening competitions in Sligo
Sligo
Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
?."
In December 2007, Iranian authorities allowed de Burgh to play with Iranian group, Arian Band
Arian Band
Arian is the first pop band consisting of both male and female singers and players in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. Pahlavan and Salehi are the band's lead vocalists, and the songwriters are Pahlavan, Salehi, Amirkhas, Khahani and Farnejad. Their second, third and forth albums were the...
, in a concert which made de Burgh the first western act to perform in Iran after the Iranian Revolution
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
. Chris de Burgh said in a press conference in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
: "This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy (to visit Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
)....I am not here for any political reasons."
Famous songs
Chris de Burgh's most famous song is "The Lady in Red" from the 1986 album Into the Light. In a recent interview, de Burgh revealed how the late Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she married on 29 July 1981, and an international charity and fundraising figure, as well as a preeminent celebrity of the late 20th century...
came to see him perform at a private concert; and how after the performance, Diana approached him backstage to thank him for writing the song "The Lady in Red". Apparently, Diana was under the impression that the song was written for (or dedicated to) her, since she was known for loving to wear the colour red. De Burgh was honoured for the compliment and admiration, but he revealed to her the real story behind the song. Speaking on the BBC series This Is Your Life
This Is Your Life
This Is Your Life is an American television documentary series broadcast on NBC, originally hosted by its producer, Ralph Edwards from 1952 to 1961. In the show, the host surprises a guest, and proceeds to take them through their life in front of an audience including friends and family.Edwards...
in the 1990s, de Burgh said that the song was inspired by the memory of meeting his wife Diane, and how men so often cannot even remember what their wives were wearing when they first met. His own website's FAQ puts it this way:
Q. Is the song "The Lady In Red" written about Diane, Chris' wife?
A. There are a lot of different answers to this that Chris has apparently been heard to say. However, the real answer is that this song was inspired by a moment when Chris saw Diane across a crowded nightclub, without at first realising it was her. As a result he realised that often people never quite appreciate that the most important person in their lives is taken for granted, and how after a while you fail to notice the things that brought you together. This was the basis of the song but it wasn't written either for or about Diane.
Other notable songs include the funny-spirited "Patricia the Stripper
Spanish Train and Other Stories
Spanish Train and Other Stories is the second album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1975.-Track listing:# "Spanish Train" – 5:00# "Lonely Sky" – 3:52# "This Song For You" – 4:14# "Patricia the Stripper" – 3:30...
", the mythological "Spanish Train", the medievally evocative "The Tower
Spanish Train and Other Stories
Spanish Train and Other Stories is the second album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1975.-Track listing:# "Spanish Train" – 5:00# "Lonely Sky" – 3:52# "This Song For You" – 4:14# "Patricia the Stripper" – 3:30...
", and "A Spaceman Came Travelling
A Spaceman Came Travelling
"A Spaceman Came Travelling" is a song by Chris de Burgh released on the album Spanish Train and Other Stories in 1975 . It became a popular Christmas song in the UK, and has been released numerous times as a single, first in 1976, then 1981, 1984 and 1986...
". Some of his songs deal with death "Don't Pay the Ferryman
Don't Pay the Ferryman
"Don't Pay the Ferryman" is a single by Chris de Burgh from the album The Getaway. It was produced in 1982. In 1983, the single reached #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States....
" (with its background quote from The Tempest), whereas others like "Missing You" plainly deal with romance; "Borderline" and "Say Goodbye To It All" deal with themes of war, and its futility. The latter is based loosely on Hemingway's novel A Farewell To Arms. In 2001, he travelled to Germany and recorded "Separate Tables" in a new duet version with Vicky Leandros
Vicky Leandros
Vicky Leandros is a Greek singer with a long international career. She is the daughter of singer, musician and composer Leandros Papathanasiou...
. His songs have appeared in films as diverse as Arthur 2
Arthur 2: On the Rocks
Arthur 2: On the Rocks is the 1988 sequel to the 1981 film Arthur. Lead actors Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli reprised their roles.John Gielgud, who won an Academy Award for his role in the original film, reappears briefly in a drunken hallucination on Arthur's part.The film co-stars Kathy Bates as...
, American Psycho
American Psycho (film)
American Psycho is a 2000 cult thriller film directed by Mary Harron based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name. Though predominantly a psycho thriller, the film also blends elements of horror, satire, and black comedy...
and Dodgeball
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story, commonly referred to as simply DodgeBall, is a 2004 American sports comedy film produced by 20th Century Fox and Red Hour Productions, written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and starring Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, and Rip Torn...
and his records have reported sales of more than forty million units internationally. For the album Timing is Everything, he teamed up with Lebanese singer Elissa
Elissa (singer)
Elissar Zakaria Khoury simply known as Elissa is a Lebanese singer. She is known for her collaborations with well-known Arab and international artists, notably Ragheb Alama, Cheb Mami, Fadl Shaker, Chris DeBurgh and Gerard Ferrer.Born to a Lebanese father and a Syrian mother , her debut was in...
for the recording of his single "Lebanese Night", which became a big hit in Lebanon. His CD release The Storyman contains the title track "The Storyman" which — in its lyrics — lists 30 of his most famous tracks.
He has been a guest performer several times on the Lebanese Star Academy finals. He is most famous in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
and the Arab world for his collaboration with Lebanese diva Elissa
Elissa (singer)
Elissar Zakaria Khoury simply known as Elissa is a Lebanese singer. She is known for her collaborations with well-known Arab and international artists, notably Ragheb Alama, Cheb Mami, Fadl Shaker, Chris DeBurgh and Gerard Ferrer.Born to a Lebanese father and a Syrian mother , her debut was in...
entitled 'Lebanese Nights'. "My Father's Eyes", from The Storyman, was another hit that featured an Egyptian, Hani Hussein.
Band line-up
- 1977–1978 – Jeff Philips, Glenn Morrow, Ken Allardyce, Colin Vallance (joined in 1978)
- 1979–1982 – Tim WynveenTim WynveenTim Wynveen is a Canadian novelist. His 1997 debut novel, Angel Falls, won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best First Book. He subsequently published Balloon in 1999 and Sweeter Life in 2003....
, Jeff Philips, Glenn Morrow, Al Marnie, Ian Kojima - 1983–1994 – Danny McBride (not to be confused with Daniel "Dirty Dan" Hatton McBride), Jeff Philips, Glenn Morrow, Al Marnie, Ian Kojima
- 1997–2001 ("Love Songs" and "Quiet Revolution" Tour) – Neil TaylorNeil Taylor (guitarist)Neil Taylor is a guitarist best known for his long-time affiliation with Robbie Williams and for formerly being a member of the backing band of Tears for Fears.-Career:...
, Peter Oxendale, Tony Kiley, Dave Levy, Al Vosper - 2002–2004 ("Timing Is Everything" Tour) – Gary SanctuaryGary SanctuaryGary Sanctuary is a British pianist, keyboard player, composer and in-demand session musician. He has recorded and toured with a number of well-known musicians, including Michael McDonald, George Benson, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Aztec Camera, Beverley Craven, Terence Trent D'Arby, Jaki Graham,...
, Tim Cansfield, Dave Levy, Tony Kiley, Al Vosper - 2006–Present ("The Storyman" Tour) – Ebbe Ravn, Al Vosper, Dave Levy, Tony Kiley, Nigel Hopkins
Personal life
Chris de Burgh has been married to his wife Diane since 1977 and lives in EnniskerryEnniskerry
Enniskerry is a village in County Wicklow, Ireland. It had a population of 2,672 at the 2006 census.- Location :...
, County Wicklow
County Wicklow
County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county...
in Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. They have two sons, Hubie and Michael, and a daughter, Rosanna
Rosanna Davison
Rosanna Diane Davison was the winner of the Miss World 2003 title. She is the daughter of musician Chris de Burgh. The song "For Rosanna" was written by her father in her honour for his 1986 album, Into The Light.-Education:Her primary education was at Aravon School, in Co...
, who won the Miss World
Miss World
The Miss World pageant is the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951...
competition in 2003 for Ireland. He is an avid Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
supporter as is Rosanna and they often attend matches at Anfield.
In 1994, he was found to have had an affair with his children's 19 year old Irish nanny, Maresa Morgan, who was assisting the family while de Burgh's wife, Diane was recuperating in the hospital from a broken neck during a horse-riding accident. His daughter Rosanna, a model, indicated during an interview with The Irish Independent that she held little sympathy for Morgan, regarding the latter's portrayal of herself as a victim as "pathetic" and hoped "she pays" for her mistake". She forgave her father for his affair. Ms. Morgan was so traumatised, she moved to France following Davison's comments.
De Burgh has pursued and won 16 defamation actions.The Irish Independent said he has always been a bit prickly about criticism. Peter Crawley, a theatre reviewer at The Irish Times
The Irish Times
The Irish Times is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Kevin O'Sullivan who succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011; the deputy editor is Paul O'Neill. The Irish Times is considered to be Ireland's newspaper of record, and is published every day except Sundays...
, found this out the hard way when he wrote a less than sympathetic review of de Burgh's show in Dublin's Gaiety Theatre
Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety Theatre is a theatre on South King Street in Dublin, Ireland, off Grafton Street and close to St. Stephen's Green. It specialises in operatic and musical productions, with occasional dramatic shows.-History:Designed by architect C.J...
in September 2009. Crawley noted: "He departs the stage for 'Lady in Red', invading boxes and draping himself over audience members . . . Certain toes will never uncurl after this experience, but it is almost admirable how unaltered de Burgh has remained by the flow of time." In a lengthy, much-publicised reply to the critic, de Burgh made his feelings known, particularly in the postscript:-
"We were wondering by way of explanation and, as you seem to portray yourself as a bitter and unfulfilled man, were you much teased by your school chums in the schoolyard and called 'Creepy Crawley'?" De Burgh wrote.
Albums and compilations
Chris de Burgh was signed to A&M RecordsA&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
for many years (1974–2004), but he now has his own label, Ferryman Productions. His recent albums are released by German label, Edel Records.
Studio albums
- Far Beyond These Castle WallsFar Beyond These Castle WallsFar Beyond These Castle Walls is the first album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1975.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"Hold On" – 4:03#"The Key" – 4:08#"Windy Night" – 4:53#"Sin City" – 4:35#"New Moon" – 4:59...
, 1975 (#1 Brazil) - Spanish Train and Other StoriesSpanish Train and Other StoriesSpanish Train and Other Stories is the second album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1975.-Track listing:# "Spanish Train" – 5:00# "Lonely Sky" – 3:52# "This Song For You" – 4:14# "Patricia the Stripper" – 3:30...
, 1975 (#78 in 1985) - At the End of a Perfect DayAt the End of a Perfect DayAt the End of a Perfect Day is singer Chris de Burgh's third original album, released in 1977.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"Broken Wings" – 3:06#"Round and Around" – 3:06#"I Will" – 3:30#"Summer Rain" – 4:00#"Discovery" – 3:21...
, 1977 - CrusaderCrusader (Chris de Burgh album)Crusader is Chris de Burgh's fourth album, released by A&M Records in 1979. The album was produced by Andrew Powell, who has worked with the Alan Parsons Project in many of their early albums...
, 1979 (#72 in 1986) - Eastern WindEastern WindEastern Wind is singer/songwriter Chris de Burgh's fifth studio album, released in 1980.-Track listing:All songs written by Chris de Burgh#"The Traveller" – 4:11#"The Record Company Bash" – 3:54#"Tonight" – 3:28#"Wall of Silence" – 3:48...
, 1980 #1 Norway - The GetawayThe Getaway (album)The Getaway is singer Chris de Burgh's sixth original album, released on A&M Records in 1982. The album was spearheaded by the U.S. hit, "Don't Pay the Ferryman", a strangely upbeat, mythology-tinged ballad that evokes images of the Grim Reaper....
, 1982 (#30 UK, #1 Germany, #43 US) - Man on the LineMan on the Line-Track listing:All songs by Chris de Burgh#"The Ecstasy of Flight " - 4:01#"Sight and Touch" - 3:14#"Taking it to the Top" - 4:00#"The Head and the Heart" - 3:59...
, 1984 (#11 UK, #1 Germany, #69 US, #1 Switzerland) - Into the Light, 1986 (#2 UK, #2 Germany, #1 Ireland, #25 US)
- Flying ColoursFlying Colours (Chris de Burgh album)Flying Colours is singer Chris de Burgh's 9th studio album, released by A&M Records in 1988. Notably, the single "Missing You" peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, and No.1 in Ireland in Dec 1988 .-Track listing:All tracks composed by Chris de Burgh....
, 1988 (#1 UK, #1 Ireland, #1Germany) - Power of TenPower of Ten (Chris de Burgh album)Power of Ten is singer Chris de Burgh's tenth original album, released in 1992.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"Where We Will Be Going" – 4:30#"By My Side" – 4:24#"Heart Of Darkness" – 4:45#"In Your Eyes" – 4:49...
, 1992 (#3 UK, #1 Germany, #3 Switzerland) - This Way UpThis Way Up (album)This Way Up is singer Chris de Burgh's eleventh original album, released in 1994.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"This Silent World" – 4:07#"This Is Love" – 3:47#"This Weight on Me" – 4:04#"Here Is Your Paradise" – 3:28...
, 1994 (#5 UK, #4 Germany) - Beautiful DreamsBeautiful DreamsBeautiful Dreams is singer/songwriter Chris de Burgh's twelfth original album, released in 1995.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Chris de Burgh; except where indicated#"Missing You" – 3:58#"Girl" – 2:50...
, 1995 (#33 UK, #29 Germany, #24 Switzerland) - Quiet RevolutionQuiet Revolution (Chris de Burgh album)Quiet Revolution is singer Chris de Burgh's thirteenth original album, released in 1999.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"When I Think of You" – 3:23#"Love of the Heart Divine" – 4:56#"Living in the World" – 4:46#"The Same Sun" – 5:03...
, 1999 (#23 UK, #6 Germany, #10 Switzerland) - Timing Is EverythingTiming Is Everything (Chris de Burgh album)Timing Is Everything is singer Chris de Burgh's fourteenth original album, released in 2002.-Track listing:All compositions by Chris de Burgh#"Guilty Secret" – 3:50#"If Beds Could Talk" – 3:47...
, 2002 (#41 UK, #12 Germany, #18 Switzerland) - The Road To Freedom, 2004 (#75 UK, #5 Germany, #22 Switzerland, #18 Netherlands, #39 Austria, #42 Belgium)
- The StorymanThe StorymanThe Storyman is singer Chris de Burgh's 16th original album, released in 2006. The album is a collection of songs with accompanying stories.-Track listing:#"The Storyman Theme" – 4:00#"One World" – 3:56#"Leningrad" – 5:12#"My Father's Eyes" – 4:18...
, 2006 #38 UK, #8 Germany, #28 Switzerland, #18 Netherlands) - FootstepsFootsteps (Chris de Burgh album)Footsteps is singer/songwriter Chris de Burgh's seventeenth original album, released in 2008. This album includes two songs penned by de Burgh and cover versions of thirteen other songs...
, 2008 (#4 UK, #9 Germany (Platinum ), #22 Switzerland, #12 Denmark, #22 Ireland, #38 Austria, #40 Poland, #55 Sweden) - Moonfleet & Other StoriesMoonfleet & Other StoriesMoonfleet & Other Stories is singer/songwriter Chris de Burgh's eighteenth original album, released in 2010. This album includes two parts, one including the story of Moonfleet , based on J. Meade Falkner's homonymous novel and the other one including 6 tracks, called Other Stories...
, 2010 (#25 UK, #33 Ireland, #3 Germany (Gold ), #31 Switzerland, #42 Austria, #100 Canada) - Footsteps 2Footsteps 2"Footsteps 2" is singer/songwriter Chris de Burgh's nineteenth original album. It was released in Germany, Switzerland and Austria on October 14, 2011, and in the UK and Ireland on October 17, 2011....
, 2011 (#38 UK, #10 Germany, #19 Switzerland)
Compilation albums
- Best MovesBest MovesBest Moves is the first compilation album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1981. It includes songs from his first five studio albums as well as new tracks, 'Every Drop of Rain' and 'Waiting For The Hurricane'.-Track listing:...
, 1981 (#65 UK, #5 Germany, #4 Norway) - The Very Best of Chris de BurghThe Very Best of Chris de BurghThe Very Best of Chris de Burgh is the second compilation album by Chris de Burgh, released by Telstar Records in 1984.-Track listing:All songs written by Chris de Burgh.Side One#"Don't Pay the Ferryman"#"The Ecstasy of Flight"...
, 1984, (#6) - Spark to a Flame: The Very Best of Chris de BurghSpark to a Flame: The Very Best of Chris de BurghSpark to a Flame: The Very Best of Chris de Burgh is the third compilation album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1989.-UK release:#"This Waiting Heart" – 4:08#"Don't Pay the Ferryman" – 3:24#"Much More Than This" – 2:55...
, 1989 (#4 UK, #2 Germany) - The Love SongsThe Love Songs (Chris de Burgh album)The Love Songs is the fourth compilation album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1997. Three new tracks are included in addition to songs found on previous albums.-Track listing:All songs written by Chris de Burgh.#"Here Is Your Paradise"...
, 1997 (#8 UK, #51 Germany) - The Ultimate CollectionThe Ultimate Collection (Chris de Burgh album)The Ultimate Collection is a 2000 compilation album by Chris de Burgh. It was released by A&M Records on November 27, 2000.-Disk One:#"Sailing Away" - 4:21#"A Woman's Heart" - 3:33#"Fatal Hesitation" - 4:17#"Missing You" - 4:08#"Lady in Red" - 4:17...
, 2000 - Notes from Planet Earth - The Ultimate CollectionNotes from Planet Earth - The Ultimate CollectionNotes from Planet Earth - The Ultimate Collection is a 2001 compilation album by Chris de Burgh. It was released by Mercury Records on March 19, 2001.-Track listing:#"Don't Pay The Ferryman"#"Missing You 2001"#"Fatal Hesitation"#"Ship To Shore"...
, 2001 (#19 UK) - Gold, 2007
- Much More Than This (Box Set) 2007
- Now and ThenNow and Then (Chris de Burgh album)Now And Then is a 2008 album by Chris de Burgh. It was released on UMTV Records on April 21, 2008.Tracks:#"Don't Pay The Ferryman"#"Missing You"#"Lady in Red"#"Live for the Day" #"When I Think of You"#"A Spaceman Came Travelling"...
, 2008 (#12 UK)
Live albums
- High on Emotion: Live from DublinHigh on Emotion: Live from DublinHigh on Emotion: Live from Dublin is the first live album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1990. Recorded in the RDS in Dublin on 11-9-1990.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Chris de Burgh#"Last Night" - 7:07#"Sailing Away" - 5:19...
, 1990 (#15) - Live in South Africa, 1997
- The River Sessions, Recorded Live at the Glasgow ApolloThe Apollo (Glasgow)The Apollo was a music venue in Glasgow, Scotland, operating from 1973-1985. It was opened by Unicorn Leisure, in September 1973, after acquiring a lease from the owners George Green Ltd. The venue's debut live performance was by Johnny Cash on 5 September 1973. While in operation, it hosted the...
, 8 November 1981 – double CD 2004 - Live In Dortmund, 2005 #39 Germany
- Live In Moscow, 2007
Videos and DVDs
- Chris de Burgh - The Video, 1983 (Video)
- The Munich Concert, 1985 (Video)
- High on Emotion: Live from DublinHigh on Emotion: Live from DublinHigh on Emotion: Live from Dublin is the first live album by Chris de Burgh, released by A&M Records in 1990. Recorded in the RDS in Dublin on 11-9-1990.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Chris de Burgh#"Last Night" - 7:07#"Sailing Away" - 5:19...
, 1990 (Video) - Beautiful DreamsBeautiful DreamsBeautiful Dreams is singer/songwriter Chris de Burgh's twelfth original album, released in 1995.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Chris de Burgh; except where indicated#"Missing You" – 3:58#"Girl" – 2:50...
, 1995 (Video and DVD) - Benefit for Volendam, 2001 (Video and DVD)
- The Road To Freedom - Live in Concert (DVD)
- The Words I Love You – Feat Arian BandArian BandArian is the first pop band consisting of both male and female singers and players in Iran after the Islamic Revolution. Pahlavan and Salehi are the band's lead vocalists, and the songwriters are Pahlavan, Salehi, Amirkhas, Khahani and Farnejad. Their second, third and forth albums were the...
(HD Quality DVD) - Footsteps – Live In Concert – With Band. (2010 DVD), features unreleased songs such as "The Diary of Mary Rose"
UK and world top 200 singles
- Hold on (1974 -#)
- Flying/Turning Around (1975 – #1 in Brazil 17 weeks)
- A Spaceman Came Travelling (1976 – #1 in Ireland, #3 France)
- Just Another Poor Boy (1977 – #8 in South Africa)
- The Devils' Eye (1979) – #)
- The Traveller (1980)- #106 US)
- Sailor (1981 – #16 in Ireland)
- Waiting for the Hurricane (1981 – #)
- Don't Pay the FerrymanDon't Pay the Ferryman"Don't Pay the Ferryman" is a single by Chris de Burgh from the album The Getaway. It was produced in 1982. In 1983, the single reached #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States....
(1982 – #48 UK, #5 Australia, #9 Ireland, #24 Germany, #34 US, #29 US Rock, #7 Canada, #6 France, #19 Poland) - The Getaway (1982 – #8 Norway, #24 Ireland)
- Ship to Shore, (1983 – #71 US, #69 Germany, #4 France)
- Where peaceful Waters Flow (1983 – #17 Ireland, #52 Germany)
- Borderline (1983 – #12 Ireland)
- High On Emotion (1984 – #44 UK, #1 France, #12 Germany, #44 US, #3 US ROCK #5 Ireland, #5 Switzerland, Austria # 12, Canada #11)
- Ecstasy Of Flight (I Love The Night) (1984 – #80 UK, #20 Ireland, #49 Germany, #29 Switzerland, France #1, Poland #17)
- Sight and Touch (1985 – #)
- Fire On The Water (1986 – #88 UK, #19 Ireland, #46 Germany, #16 Switzerland)
- The Lady in Red #1 in 15 Countries (1986 – #1 UK, #3 US, #1 Ireland, #5 Germany, #18 Switzerland)
- Fatal Hesitation (1986 – #44 UK, #7 Ireland, #20 US Adult Contemporary)
- A Spaceman Came TravellingA Spaceman Came Travelling"A Spaceman Came Travelling" is a song by Chris de Burgh released on the album Spanish Train and Other Stories in 1975 . It became a popular Christmas song in the UK, and has been released numerous times as a single, first in 1976, then 1981, 1984 and 1986...
/The Ballroom Of Romance (1986 – #40 UK, #15 Ireland) - One Word (Straight from the Heart),( 1987 -#60 Germany, #4 France)
- The Simple Truth (A Child Is Born) (1987 – #55 UK, #10 Ireland, #31 Germany )
- Love is my decision (1988 – #36 US (Adult Contemporary))
- Missing You (1988 – #3 UK, #38 US (Adult Contemporary), #1 Ireland, #3 Germany, #20 Switzerland, #17 Poland)
- Tender Hands (1989 – #43 UK, #18 Ireland, #10 France, #40 Poland, #70 Japan)
- Sailing Away (1989 – #78 UK, #9 Germany, #56 Switzerland, #8 France)
- This Waiting Heart (1989 – #59 UK, #13 Germany, #15 Ireland, #27 Switzerland)
- Diamond In The Dark (1989 – #95 UK)
- Don't Pay The Ferryman (live) (1990 – #84 UK)
- The Simple Truth (1991) (1991 – #36 UK re-issue)
- Separate Tables (1992 – #30 UK, #14 Ireland, #39 Germany, #25 Switzerland, #9 France, #46 Poland)
- By My Side (1992 – #15 Germany)
- Making the Perfect Man (1992 – #30 UK, #4 France)
- Shine on ( 1992 – #)
- Blonde Hair Blue Jeans (1994 – #51 UK )
- This Silent World (1994 #)
- Here is Your Paradise (1994 #)
- The Snows Of New York (1995 – #60 UK)
- I'm not crying over you (1996- #78 UK)
- Riding on a rainbow ( 1996- #49 Poland)
- So Beautiful (1997 – #29 UK, #43 Poland, #64 Brazil)
- Forevermore (1998 – #17 Latvia)
- When I Think Of You (1999 – # UK 59)
- A Woman's Heart (2000 – #50 Poland)
- The Same Sun, (2000 – #)
- Two Sides to Every Story (2001 #172 UK)
- Lebanese Night (2002 – #1 Lebanon)
- Guilty Secret (2002 – #121 UK, #48 Poland)
- Five Past Dreams (2004 – #)
- Patricia the Stripper (2005– #3 Ireland)
- One World (2006 – #99 Germany)
- A Spaceman came travelling (2007- #UK 151)
- A Spaceman came travelling (2009- #UK 167)
- The Bells of Christmas/You'll Never Walk Alone (2009 – #UK)
- Everywhere I Go (2010 – #34 UK airplay chart)
- A Spaceman came travelling (2010 - new recording #187 UK)
- Lonely Sky – Ben & Jamie Hazelby feat Chris De Burgh (2010 – #36 UK Singles Chart 26/12/2010, #4 UK itunes chart)
- Go Where Your Heart Believes (2011)
- S.O.S (2011)
External links
- CdeB.com, official Web site
- CdeB.net, official record store and merchandise site
- Chrisdeburgh.net, Multi-Language Chris de Burgh Website
- Audio interview at BBC Wiltshire
- Interview with Akira The Don