High Hopes came from ‘a really honest place
Kodaline frontman Steve Garrigan has confirmed the band will conclude their decade-long career with a final string of performances as they embark on their global Farewell Tour. The Dublin-based group, consisting of Garrigan, Vincent May, Mark Prendergast, and Jason Boland, announced their split last year and are scheduled to play Virgin Media Park in Cork on 19 June 2026, followed by a performance at Malahide Castle in Dublin on 20 June 2026.
The Origins of High Hopes
Garrigan recently shared that the band’s breakthrough single, “High Hopes,” originated during a period of personal struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. Speaking on The Museum of Me on RTÉ One, the singer revealed the song was composed on an old family piano from his parents’ home. He noted that the instrument, which he has played since age seven, is tuned down a semitone, a technical quirk that ultimately defined the band’s signature sound.
Did You Know? The band’s distinctive sound is partially the result of an old family piano that is tuned down a semitone; because the group’s early songs were written on this specific instrument, they chose to tune all their equipment to match it.
Reflecting on a Decade of Success
Despite the international success of “High Hopes,” Garrigan admitted he initially viewed the song only as a personal creative milestone rather than a commercial hit. The musician recalled playing the track for his father, who provided a grounded, if humorous, response: “That’s great. Are you going to college tomorrow?” The band, originally formed in Swords, North Dublin, as 21 Demands, rebranded as Kodaline in 2012. Since then, they have released four studio albums, including In a Perfect World and One Day at a Time.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the band’s trajectory—from a local group unsure if music could be a viable career to international performers—highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry. The decision to conclude their tenure with a farewell tour suggests a strategic exit, allowing the members to finalize their professional legacy while managing the transition away from a project that began with teenage uncertainty.
What Happens Next for the Band
Following the conclusion of their Farewell Tour, which spans Asia, Australia, Europe, and the UK, the members of Kodaline are expected to pursue individual paths. While no specific post-breakup projects have been detailed, the band’s final dates in Ireland during June 2026 serve as the culmination of their transition. Fans may see the members move into solo endeavors or different creative industries as they conclude their collective work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Kodaline’s final Irish tour dates?
The band is scheduled to perform at Virgin Media Park in Cork on 19 June 2026 and at Malahide Castle in Dublin on 20 June 2026.
How did the band’s early struggles influence their music?
Garrigan stated that “High Hopes” was written during a time of significant anxiety and panic attacks, noting that the song served as a raw and honest reflection of his mental state at the time.
Why did the band change their name from 21 Demands?
The group, originally formed in Swords, rebranded as Kodaline in 2012 to signify a new musical direction.
Which of the band’s four studio albums do you feel best captured their evolution from those early piano sessions to their final tour?