Damien Rice to return with 25 Years; 25 Cities tour

Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice is set to commemorate a significant milestone in his career with the 25 Years, 25 Cities tour, marking the quarter-century since the release of his acclaimed debut album, O. The tour will feature performances across the globe, starting in Australia early next year and culminating with two concerts in Dublin in March 2027.

Originally released in February 2002, O quickly established Rice as a formidable talent in contemporary folk music. The album's intimate, minimalistic production and candid lyricism resonated deeply, influencing an entire generation of singer-songwriters, including prominent figures like Ed Sheeran. Tracks such as “The Blower’s Daughter,” “Cannonball,” and “Delicate” have become emblematic of Rice’s unique storytelling ability and emotional depth.

O was crafted in a home studio environment, funded through a loan from Rice’s father, which was contingent on the album’s completion rather than immediate repayment. This DIY approach contributed to the record’s authentic and raw aesthetic, distinguishing it from more polished contemporaries. The album also features contributions from vocalist Lisa Hannigan and cellist Vyvienne Long, whose collaborative input enriched the sonic texture.

Despite initial uncertainty about continuing his music career—Rice considered O might be his sole album—the record achieved substantial success. It reached number two on the Irish charts and earned critical accolades, including the Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement in Music, which recognizes albums with sales under 500,000 copies. Moreover, O eventually attained Gold status in the United States with sales exceeding 650,000 copies.

Following the breakthrough of O, Rice released his sophomore album, 9, in 2006, and a third studio effort, My Favourite Faded Fantasy, in 2014, produced by renowned producer Rick Rubin. While these releases further established his reputation, Rice has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years, choosing to step away from the limelight.

Rice's musical journey began as a founding member of the band Juniper in the late 1990s, which later evolved into Bell X1 after his departure. Notably, before embarking on his solo career, he spent time working as a farmer in Tuscany, Italy, a period that influenced his artistic perspective.

The upcoming tour will see Rice revisit the album that launched his solo career, performing in 25 cities worldwide. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin will host two shows on March 21 and 22, 2027, with tickets becoming available on October 23. Fans are also offered a presale opportunity through an online registration.

Promoters highlight that even after 25 years, the songs from O continue to resonate, capturing the essence of Rice’s confessional songwriting and stripped-down musical style. This artistic approach helped catalyze a wave of introspective singer-songwriters throughout the 2000s and remains influential today.

Details on the full itinerary beyond the confirmed Dublin dates and initial Australian leg remain limited. However, the tour’s global reach underscores the enduring appeal of Rice’s debut and its significance in shaping modern acoustic music.

Rice’s return to the stage with this commemorative tour offers both longtime followers and new listeners a chance to experience the seminal work that established his place in music history. The 25 Years, 25 Cities tour reflects not only a celebration of past achievements but also a reaffirmation of the lasting power of authentic, heartfelt songwriting.