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High Kings star Darren Holden has a career threatening nodule on his vocal chord and is concerned about undergoing surgery as it could damage his voice.
Talented Darren (41) noticed that his voice was getting extremely tired after each gig and decided to go to the doctor to check it out.
He said: "About two months ago I started to experience severe vocal exhaustion after each High Kings gig and especially after my shows at The Library at Lillies Bordello.
"I put it down to constant touring and wear and tear but after seeing a vocal specialist three weeks ago, and after ruling out potential throat cancer, it was confirmed to me that I have a career threatening nodule on my vocal cord. "Surgery is a big risk as it could permanently damage my voice or reduce my range significantly."
Darren has started a course at a vocal clinic in a bid to avoid surgery and may have to take six months off from performing if it doesn't resolve the problem.
He also got a number of supportive emails from fellow musician Billy Joel as he sought his advice after the diagnosis.
He said: "I have just started an intense voice training course today at Arc Vocal Clinic in Beaumont. If after the course the problem has not improved, I am looking at at least six months off from touring and performing.
"I have had some encouraging e-mails from Billy Joel whose advice I sought after the diagnosis, as he had gone through it while I was playing him in Movin' Out (the musical).
"I would like to apologise to all the High Kings followers as I won't be singing as much at this summer's shows as I regularly do."
Darren is from Kilkenny and is known for his wide vocal range and is also a talented songwriter. Throughout the early stages of his career he supported top pop acts and also worked as the lead vocalist in Riverdance. In 2007 he joined The High Kings alongside Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy and Martin Furey and the band have become a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic.
The High Kings recently performed for the President at the annual garden party at Aras an Uachtarain. And the group will perform at the National Concert Hall tomorrow (Thursday July 12th) and the INEC Killarney on Friday (July 13th).