Rob Halligan
Biography Rob Halligan
Rob Halligan
The BBC once described Rob Halligan as “Bruce Springsteen having English tea with Billy Bragg”. It’s been a good comparison although you could maybe invite more people along to the party, as Rob has been compared to Neil Diamond, Martyn Joseph and John Mayer and many others. A professional musician for over 15 years, Rob is an award-winning singer/songwriter and has toured across the world, gaining a reputation as a passionate and engaging performer.
In 2002 Rob left his ‘real job’ to pursue music as a profession. With a desire to use music to make a difference, his down to earth faith, honesty and storytelling connects with audiences everywhere and having lived a colourful life, “his songs and stories pack a powerful punch” (Rock’n’Reel). The BBC’s Paul Gambaccini commented “These are some of the strongest songs I have heard”.
With live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and numerous television and radio slots, Rob has also performed at some of the UK’s most iconic venues and festivals. He is as at home on stage at the Manchester Apollo or main stage at the Godiva Festival as he is at a local church cafe or folk club. He has toured extensively across the UK as well as shows in Canada, USA, Brazil, Hong Kong and Europe.
After a busy 2019 which included a UK tour, album release and various TV and Radio appearances, 2020 saw the release of Rob’s 13th studio album, “Always Heading Home”, largely written and recorded during lockdown. It includes guest appearances from Wet Wet Wet’s Graeme Duffin, Ewan Cameron on Whistle and Chris Haigh on fiddle and has received 5 star reviews from the music press. The Always Heading Home tour began in autumn 2021 to sell out shows.
Rob has supported children’s charity, “Global Care”, visiting Ethiopia Bangladesh and Lebanon raising awareness and money for some of the worlds most disadvantaged children.
Notable Performances Main Stage Festival Performances – Warwick Folk Festival, Bromyard Folk Festival, Crawley Folk Festival, Godiva Festival, Coventry Motofest, The Acoustic Festival Of Britain, Spring Harvest, Greenbelt Centaur.
Notable Venues – The Stables (Wavingdon), Manchester Apollo, Warwick Arts Centre, NEC, Midlands Arts Centre, Norwich Arts Centre, The Dome Theatre, CB2, The Tin Angel (Coventry), The Tin Angel (Philadelphia)
Collaborations – After The Fire, Adrian Plass, Gareth Davies-Jones, Yvonne Lyon, Ashton Lane, Graeme Duffin, Greg Walton, Ceili Rain
TV and Radio – Radio 2 with Ricky Ross, BBC Good Morning Sunday (Live session), ITV Good Morning, BBC1 Songs of Praise, Channel4 4Thought, 6Music with Steve Lamaq, BBC WM album of the week, BBC CWR Artist of the week.
Awards – CBC Media Awards album of the year 2010. Birmingham Music Awards Best Solo Artist 2012. Hip Café Honours Award 2018.
