Dermot Kennedy Announces Third Album ‘The Weight of the Woods,’ Drops New Single “Funeral” + SUMMER UK ARENA TOUR
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Multi-platinum Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy has announced his third studio album, The Weight of the Woods, set for release on March 27 via Island Records. The announcement arrives alongside the release of the album’s lead single, “Funeral,” a rousing and triumphant track that premiered as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record.4.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “FUNERAL”
The single is accompanied by a striking official music video starring actor Charlie Rowe and directed by Charlie Sarsfield, adding a cinematic layer to Kennedy’s latest chapter.
Largely written and recorded in a studio near his home in rural Ireland, The Weight of the Woods was created in close collaboration with longtime partner Gabe Simon (Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey), with additional sessions held in Nashville. The 14-track album marks Kennedy’s most confident and grounded work to date, drawing deeply from the Irish landscape and its emotional resonance.
“To me, the album is a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story,” Kennedy said. “There’s a forest behind my house, which is a haven for my sense of wonder. It’s a peaceful place where I can escape… I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else.”
With a renewed focus on simplicity and authenticity, Kennedy has stripped back his production to spotlight his powerful voice and raw songwriting. “If I get up in a pub with just a guitar or a piano, I know I can sing to a room full of people,” he explained. “That’s where I’m most comfortable. I wanted that element front and centre on this album.”
The result is a rich blend of traditional folk textures, country influences, and soaring melodies that linger long after the first listen.
The album’s release comes ahead of Kennedy’s largest headline tour to date, scheduled for May and June 2026. The European run will include six major UK arena shows, culminating in a return to London’s The O2 on June 5. In July, Kennedy will return home for two landmark headline performances at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the iconic home of Irish rugby.
Renowned for his emotionally charged live performances, Kennedy has previously headlined world-class venues including London’s O2 Arena and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The upcoming tour will feature fan favourites from across his catalogue alongside new material from The Weight of the Woods.
Recent highlights include intimate stripped-back tours across Europe, the UK and North America, a special half-time performance at the Soccer Aid Match in Manchester, and high-profile appearances alongside GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Zach Bryan, including British Summer Time Festival and a support slot at Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
The album and tour announcements follow the successful launch of MISNEACH, a new annual global music festival conceived and curated by Kennedy. Held in Sydney and Boston in March to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the sold-out festival celebrated Ireland’s musical heritage, featuring artists such as The Frames, Kneecap, Meg Mac, Ye Vagabonds, Nell Mescal, and headline performances by Kennedy himself.
Dermot Kennedy – UK Headline Tour 2026
29 May – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
30 May – Manchester, AO Arena
1 June – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
2 June – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
4 June – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
5 June – London, The O2
The Weight of the Woods is available March 27, marking a defining moment in Dermot Kennedy’s evolving artistry and deepening connection to home.
