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Key Information

Damien George Rice (born 7 December 1973) is an Irish musician, singer and songwriter.[2] He began his career as a member of the 1990s rock group Juniper, who were signed to Polygram Records in 1997. The band enjoyed moderate success in Ireland with two released singles, "The World is Dead" and "Weatherman."[3] After leaving the band in 1998, Rice worked as a farmer in Tuscany and busked throughout Europe before returning to Ireland in 2001 and beginning a solo career. The rest of Juniper went on to perform under the name Bell X1.

In 2002, Rice released his debut album, O. It reached No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart, won the Shortlist Music Prize, and generated three top 30 singles in the UK. He released his second album, 9, in 2006. After eight years of various collaborations, Rice released his third studio album, My Favourite Faded Fantasy, in 2014.[4] He has contributed music to charitable projects such as Songs for Tibet, the Enough Project, and the Freedom Campaign.

Early life

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Rice was born in Dublin on 7 December 1973, the son of George and Maureen Rice. He grew up in Celbridge, County Kildare where he attended Salesian College.[5] He is the second cousin of Irish singer Stevie Mann and English composer David Arnold.[1]

Career

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Juniper

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Rice formed the rock band Juniper along with Paul Noonan, Dominic Philips, David Geraghty and Brian Crosby in 1991. The band met whilst they were schoolmates in Celbridge. After touring throughout Ireland, they released their debut EP Manna in 1995.[6] Based in Straffan, the band continued touring and signed a six-album record deal with PolyGram. Their recording projects generated the singles "Weatherman" and "The World is Dead," which received favourable reviews.[6] They also recorded a song named "Tongue," which was later released on the Bell X1 album Music in Mouth. The song "Volcano" was also written with Juniper but not released. It was later released by both Bell X1, on the album Neither Am I, and on Rice's debut album O.

After achieving some of his musical goals with Juniper, Rice became frustrated with the artistic compromises required by the record label, and he left the band in 1998.[7] He moved to Italy, where he settled in Tuscany and took up farming for a time, then returned to Ireland before busking around Europe.[7] He returned to Italy a second time and gave a demo recording to his second cousin, English composer David Arnold, who then provided him with a mobile recording studio.[1]

Solo career

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Rice performing at the 2007 Coachella Festival

In 2001, Rice's song "The Blower's Daughter" made the top-40 chart.[1] Over the next year, he continued to record his album with guitarist Mark Kelly, New York drummer Tom Osander aka Tomo, Paris pianist Jean Meunier, London producer David Arnold, County Meath vocalist Lisa Hannigan and cellist Vyvienne Long. Rice then embarked on a tour of Ireland with Hannigan, Tomo, Vyvienne, Mark and Dublin bassist Shane Fitzsimons.

In 2002, Rice's debut album O was released in Ireland, the UK and the United States.[8] The album peaked at No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 97 weeks, selling 650,000 copies in the US.[8][9] The album won the Shortlist Music Prize and the songs "Cannonball" and "Volcano" became top 30 hits in the UK.[9][10]

In 2005, Rice participated in the Freedom Campaign, the Burma Campaign UK, and the U.S. Campaign for Burma to free Burmese democracy movement leader Aung San Suu Kyi.[11] He campaigned for her release by writing the song "Unplayed Piano," which he performed at the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo.[12][13]

In 2006, Rice released his second album, 9, which was recorded during the two previous years.[14] 2007 was a year of touring, with Rice appearing at England's Glastonbury Festival and the Rock Werchter festival in Belgium[15] In 2008, he contributed the song "Making Noise" for the album Songs for Tibet: The Art of Peace in support of the 14th Dalai Lama and Tibet.[16]

In 2010, Rice contributed the song "Lonely Soldier" to the Enough Project[17] and played at the Iceland Inspires concert held in Hljómskálagarðurinn near Reykjavík centrum.[18] Records released in the UK, Europe and other countries were published by 14th Floor Records via Warner Music.[19] In spring 2011, Rice featured on the debut album by French actress and singer Melanie Laurent. He appears on two tracks on her debut album En t'attendant while collaborating on a total of five tracks which feature on the album.[20] In May 2013, Rice told the audience at the South Korea Seoul Jazz Festival 2013 that he was working on a new album.[21]

On 4 September 2014, Rice's official Twitter account announced his third album, My Favourite Faded Fantasy, to be released on 31 October. On his official website, the date given for the official release was 3 November 2014.[22] The album, featuring the first single "I Don't Want To Change You," was released worldwide on 10 November 2014 to critical acclaim from NPR's Robin Hilton and the London Evening Standard.[23]

In 2020, Rice covered Sia's "Chandelier," with his cover appearing on the Songs for Australia benefit album.

While performing in Valencia, Spain, in late July 2023, Rice found out that Sinéad O'Connor had died when the audience shouted it at him during the show. After taking a moment to process the news, Rice played "Nothing Compares 2 U" as a tribute to O'Connor.[24]

Discography

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Main article: Damien Rice discography
Studio albums

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Damien Rice

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from Grokipedia

Damien George Rice (born 7 December 1973) is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician known for his minimalist folk style and emotionally raw compositions.
After starting in the 1990s rock band Juniper, Rice transitioned to solo work, releasing his debut album O in 2002, which peaked at No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart, sold over two million copies worldwide, and earned the Shortlist Music Prize. The album's singles "The Blower's Daughter," "Volcano," and "Cannonball" achieved top-30 status in the UK, contributing to its slow-building commercial success.
Rice's second album, 9 (2006), topped the Irish charts, but he subsequently entered a prolonged hiatus, retreating from the music industry to pursue personal reflection and travel. He returned in 2014 with My Favourite Faded Fantasy, followed by sporadic tours and releases, including contributions to film soundtracks like Closer (2004) and Stay (2005). His discography features sparse arrangements emphasizing guitar, piano, and vocals, influencing indie folk artists, with nominations including BRIT and World Soundtrack Awards.

Early Life

Family Background and Childhood

Damien Rice was born on 7 December 1973 in , , to parents George and Maureen Rice. His family originated from working-class districts in inner-city , with his father's relatives from the Liberties area and his mother's from ; seeking improved opportunities, his parents relocated to , , after the births of Rice and his two sisters. In , Rice's father worked teaching mechanical skills to the unemployed and played guitar while singing, though he later shifted focus to ; his mother was employed at a nearby . Rice spent significant portions of his childhood exploring areas near the River Liffey, which bordered the town. His older sister, , assisted with administrative tasks related to his early career endeavors. Another sister, Fiona, later became involved in his professional entities.

Education and Initial Musical Interests

Damien Rice attended Salesian College, a secondary school in Celbridge, County Kildare, where he grew up. Following secondary school, he enrolled at Trinity College Dublin to study engineering alongside several classmates, but dropped out after one year due to boredom with the subject. After leaving university, Rice worked for nine months as a secretary at a local boys' school while pursuing part-time studies in piano and clarinet, marking an early shift toward formal musical training. Rice's initial musical interests emerged during his secondary school years at Salesian College, where he formed the rock band with classmates, including , focusing on guitar-driven rock compositions. This school-based collaboration laid the foundation for his early engagement with songwriting and performance, predating his solo acoustic style.

Musical Career

Time with Juniper (1991–1999)

Juniper was formed in 1991 in Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, by Damien Rice (vocals, performing under the pseudonym Dodi Ma), Paul Noonan (drums), Dominic Phillips (bass), and Brian Crosby (guitar), while the members were students at Salesian College. David Geraghty later joined as a guitarist, completing the lineup of the alternative rock band known for its energetic live performances that drew packed crowds in Ireland. The group developed a following through consistent gigging in the local scene, blending rock elements distinct from Rice's later acoustic solo style. By 1997, secured a with Records, marking a step toward broader recognition. The band released two singles under this deal: "The World is Dead" and "Weatherman," which achieved moderate chart success and radio play , positioning Juniper as a promising act. Despite preparations for a debut album and an upcoming promotional tour, internal tensions arose, particularly over Rice's dissatisfaction with the major-label rock direction and his interest in more introspective songwriting. In 1998, Rice abruptly quit the band on the eve of a major U.S. tour, citing creative differences that prevented him from continuing in the established group dynamic. The remaining members reconfigured as , while effectively disbanded by 1999 without releasing a full album. This period represented Rice's initial foray into professional music, honing his skills amid the pressures of expectations and band collaboration.

Breakthrough Album O and Early Solo Success (2001–2003)

Following the dissolution of his band Juniper in 1999, Damien Rice spent time working as a farmer in Tuscany and busking across Europe before returning to Ireland in early 2001 to focus on a solo career. In 2001, he recorded his debut album O using a mobile studio, handling production, recording, and mixing himself with assistance from vocalist Lisa Hannigan and other musicians including cellist Vyvienne Long and pianist Tomo. The album, dedicated to Rice's late friend and fellow musician Mic Christopher who died from a head injury in 2001, featured sparse acoustic arrangements emphasizing Rice's falsetto vocals and themes of love and vulnerability across tracks like "The Blower's Daughter," "Cannonball," and "Volcano." O was released on February 1, 2002, initially in Ireland and the via 14th Floor Records, with a U.S. release following in 2003 under Vector Recordings. The album achieved breakthrough commercial success as a slow-building word-of-mouth hit, peaking at number 8 on the and generating three top-30 singles: "The Blower's Daughter" (number 16), "" (number 27), and "Cannonball" (number 29). It won the 2003 Shortlist Music Prize, an award recognizing artistic achievement for albums with U.S. sales under 500,000 copies, underscoring its critical acclaim for intimate songwriting over mass-market appeal. Rice supported the album's rollout with intensive touring, performing 47 concerts in 2002—primarily across and , including shows at Dublin's on January 31 and the Olympia Theatre on March 1—and expanding to 88 shows in 2003, encompassing venues like Amsterdam's Paradiso on August 15 and U.S. appearances such as sessions in . These performances, often featuring Hannigan and a core band of Long, Tomo, and bassist Shane Fitzsimons, helped cultivate a dedicated following through raw, unamplified sets that mirrored the album's minimalist production. Early solo success solidified Rice's reputation as an folk , with O eventually selling over 1.9 million copies worldwide, though initial gains were driven by organic radio play and live buzz rather than major-label promotion.

Release of 9 and Peak Commercial Period (2004–2007)

Damien Rice's second studio album, 9, was released on November 3, 2006, in Ireland and , followed by November 6 in the and November 14 in the United States. The album debuted at number 4 on the and achieved platinum certification from the for sales exceeding 300,000 units. Featuring collaborations with vocalist on multiple tracks, 9 included songs such as "9 Crimes," "Elephant," and "Rootless Tree," continuing Rice's introspective folk style with sparse instrumentation and emotional depth. The lead single, "9 Crimes," featuring Hannigan's harmonies, was issued on November 27, 2006, and reached number 29 on the UK Singles Chart. While 9 did not replicate the global sales of Rice's debut O, which exceeded two million copies worldwide, it solidified his presence in and through critical acclaim and steady chart performance. Estimated worldwide sales for 9 stood at approximately 325,000 units by later counts. From 2004 to 2007, Rice experienced his height of commercial activity, with extensive touring supporting both O and 9. He performed 51 concerts in 2006 and 118 in 2007, including major festival appearances such as Coachella in California. This period saw heightened visibility, with O's tracks remaining staples in media placements and live sets drawing larger audiences, marking the pinnacle of Rice's mainstream appeal before his subsequent hiatus.

Hiatus and Personal Retreat (2007–2013)

Following the release of his second album 9 in November 2006 and the associated world tour, which concluded in late 2007, Damien Rice dismissed his band amid escalating personal and professional tensions, including the end of his romantic and collaborative relationship with vocalist Lisa Hannigan. This rupture, coupled with exhaustion from commercial success and a sense of being exploited by others in the industry, prompted Rice to abandon music production and public performances for an extended period. He later described the onset of this hiatus as a "big crash and burn," characterized by emotional confusion, fear, and the breakdown of key relationships, which left him questioning his career's sustainability. During the hiatus, Rice retreated from the spotlight to prioritize mental and emotional recovery, relocating to Iceland for much of the time to engage in introspective work. He pursued what he termed "brain courses" or mind-cleansing practices to address repressed emotions, triggers for extreme mood swings—from elation to depression—and underlying personal issues, including aspects of his sexuality. This process, which Rice estimated took approximately five years to achieve stability, involved deliberate self-isolation and avoidance of the music industry's demands, allowing him to reconstruct his internal framework without external pressures. No new studio albums were produced or released in this interval, marking a complete withdrawal from recording commitments. Rare public engagements punctuated the retreat, such as a one-off appearance at a relief concert in in January 2010, where he performed unannounced and in unconventional attire, signaling his detachment from typical promotional norms. By mid-2013, Rice began selective re-emergence, including intimate shows like one at Whelan's in in May, but these were exploratory rather than a return to touring or output. Rice attributed the hiatus's value to enabling genuine self-repair, stating that once he addressed internal fractures, his creative capacity revived organically.

Return with My Favourite Faded Fantasy (2014)

Following an eight-year absence from studio albums since 9 in 2006, Damien Rice released , his third full-length record, on 3 November 2014 via Vector Recordings and Warner Bros. Records. The eight-track collection marked Rice's reemergence after a period of personal withdrawal and relocation to , during which he focused on introspection and limited public appearances. Co-produced by Rice and , the album was recorded across sessions in and , incorporating contributions from local Icelandic musicians and emphasizing acoustic instrumentation with layered string and percussion arrangements. Standout tracks like the nine-minute opener "It Takes a Lot to Know a Man," featuring building orchestral swells, and "The Greatest Bastard," with its raw vocal delivery, explore recurring motifs of heartbreak, self-reckoning, and faded relationships, continuing Rice's signature confessional style while achieving greater sonic depth through Rubin's minimalist production approach. Critical response highlighted the album's emotional intensity and maturity, with The Guardian commending its "unstoppable momentum" and orchestrated codas as evoking a sense of cathartic release. Billboard noted Rice's candid collaboration with Rubin as enabling a confrontation of personal demons, resulting in a work more polished yet vulnerable than predecessors. Publications such as Sputnikmusic described it as "one of the most outright depressing yet simultaneously beautiful records of 2014," praising its unflinching lyrical honesty amid sparse folk elements. On charts, debuted and peaked at number 7 on the , remaining for eight weeks. Worldwide sales totaled approximately 62,600 units by available estimates, reflecting solid but diminished commercial impact relative to Rice's earlier platinum-certified releases. To support the album, Rice embarked on selective tours, including European dates and intimate venues, prioritizing live renditions that amplified the material's fragility.

Recent Projects and Tours (2015–2025)

In 2015, Damien Rice expanded his world tour supporting My Favourite Faded Fantasy, adding dates across Europe and the United States from late April through mid-August, including performances in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. This period marked a continuation of live performances following his 2014 album release, with setlists drawing heavily from his catalog including tracks from O, 9, and the recent album. Subsequent years saw Rice pursuing more selective touring and collaborations rather than new studio recordings. In July 2023, he conducted a Sailboat Tour along the coasts of and , featuring intimate performances with guest artists Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Jana Jacuka for initial shows, alongside contributions from Francisca Barreto. That , he played sold-out U.S. dates, including a second show at The Orpheum Theatre in on December 5. In 2024, Rice performed five intimate solo concerts in during March and April at Club Quattro venues in , , , and . Early 2025 brought an Australia and tour, with confirmed dates including February 1 at Anita's Theatre in Thirroul, February 3 at State Theatre in , February 11 at The in , and February 13 at James Hay Theatre in . A second performance was added in , , for 2025. Throughout 2015–2025, Rice released no full-length studio , instead emphasizing live engagements and occasional collaborative projects over new material production. His tours maintained a focus on acoustic, stripped-down sets, often incorporating covers and guest appearances to vary performances.

Activism and Public Engagement

Human Rights Campaigns

Damien Rice has participated in advocacy primarily through musical performances and charity releases supporting political prisoners and dissidents in (). In , he visited refugee camps along the Thai-Burmese border and met with Burmese dissidents to raise awareness of the military junta's suppression of democracy. In 2005, Rice collaborated with longtime musical partner on the "Free Aung San Suu Kyi 60th Birthday Campaign," an initiative by to demand the release of the detained Burmese opposition leader from . He released the charity single "Unplayed Piano" to benefit the Freedom Campaign and the U.S. Campaign for , with proceeds directed toward supporting Burmese refugees and pro-democracy efforts. In 2006, Rice performed "Unplayed Piano" at the in , dedicating the song explicitly to the campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom, highlighting her isolation under as a symbol of broader Burmese abuses. The following year, amid escalating protests by Buddhist monks against the junta, Rice publicly called for intervention to address the regime's violent crackdowns and enforce democratic reforms. His extended to collaborative events, including a 2012 concert organized by featuring performances by Rice alongside artists like to honor Aung San Suu Kyi's lifelong commitment to . Rice's campaigns have also intersected with initiatives beyond Burma, such as contributing to the 2021 "Song for Berta" EP in solidarity with the family of , a Honduran indigenous environmental activist assassinated in 2016, with funds supporting investigations into her murder and broader protections. These efforts reflect Rice's pattern of leveraging his platform for targeted advocacy against authoritarian regimes and environmental injustices, often through benefit performances rather than sustained organizational leadership.

Philanthropic Efforts and Performances

Rice has supported initiatives through performances and collaborations with organizations such as , including a at L'Olympia in on December 11, 2017, and an acoustic performance dedicated to the group. In March 2023, he partnered with , the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), Art for Human Rights, and Front Line Defenders for his European tour, which aimed to raise awareness for global campaigns. His charitable releases include the 2008 contribution to Songs for Tibet: The Art of Peace, a supporting an peace efforts, featuring tracks from artists like and . In 2020, Rice covered Sia's "" for the Songs for charity album, with proceeds directed to bushfire relief organizations including Firesticks, Landcare , SEED, Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, WildArk, and the Rural Fire Service. He released the single "Astronaut" in November 2022 to benefit the Dublin Simon Community, a charity, with additional support from retailers donating profits from physical sales. Rice has backed causes like the Freedom Campaign and the U.S. Campaign for via the charity song "Unplayed Piano," and he has campaigned for Burmese freedom and Tibetan peace since 2005. In 2014, he donated royalties from an unauthorized cover of his song "Cannonball" by contestants to unspecified charities as a means of ethical . He has also supported groups including , Global Green, and CARE through advocacy and contributions. Additionally, in December 2023, Rice launched a campaign to fund life-saving medical treatment for Susan James, a friend from his time in .

Artistic Approach

Musical Style and Instrumentation

Damien Rice's musical style is rooted in minimalist folk and acoustic traditions, emphasizing sparse arrangements that highlight raw emotional delivery and . His compositions often feature delicate work, characterized by gentle strumming patterns interspersed with subtle hammer-ons and pull-offs to enhance melodic phrasing without overwhelming the intimacy of the performance. This approach draws from influences such as and , blending introspective balladry with occasional folk-rock elements, as evident in tracks like "The Blower's Daughter" from his 2002 debut album O. Instrumentation across Rice's work centers on —frequently a Lowden S10 Cutaway model—and as foundational elements, supplemented by percussion, , and occasional strings for textural depth. Early recordings, including O, were largely self-produced in a home studio using a portable multitrack recorder, TL Audio preamps, and AKG 414 microphones, resulting in a warm, unpolished that prioritizes vocal vulnerability over layered production. Collaborators like vocalist contribute ethereal harmonies and lead parts, as on hidden tracks and songs like "Volcano," creating a dialogic interplay that amplifies the music's haunting quality without diluting its sparsity. While later albums such as 9 (2006) introduced fuller ensembles with , bass, and for dynamic builds—particularly in tracks like ""—Rice's core style retains a commitment to , evolving toward even sparser, piano-led introspection in works like My Favourite Faded Fantasy (2014). This instrumentation philosophy underscores a causal emphasis on emotional authenticity, where restraint in arrangement serves to foreground lyrical themes of heartbreak and self-examination, distinguishing Rice from more ornate contemporary folk acts.

Songwriting Themes and Influences

Damien Rice's songwriting centers on introspective examinations of romantic , emotional vulnerability, and the cyclical nature of personal relationships. In a , he identified —particularly when thwarted—as the primary driver of his lyrical content, distinguishing it from straightforward depictions of . This theme permeates tracks like those on his debut album O (2002), where songs evoke patterns of inevitability and self-imposed emotional barriers. Later works expand into broader meditations on life, love, and , often framed through raw, confessional narratives. For example, "It Takes a Lot to Know a Man" from (2014) contemplates the profound effort required to comprehend another person amid relational and existential strains. Rice has described his return to recording after an extended hiatus as emerging from a period of soul-searching, infusing with themes of spiritual reckoning and recovery from isolation. Influences on Rice's approach stem from early exposure to Irish music and , fostering a minimalist, emotive style honed during his formative years. His process emphasizes organic from lived insecurity and challenge, as he noted that embracing life's edges sustains creative over complacency. While direct artistic precedents are infrequently detailed in his statements, the poetic in his work echoes traditions of folk-influenced singer-songwriters, shaped more by personal retreat and reflection than overt emulation.

Reception and Impact

Critical Evaluations

Damien Rice's debut album O (2002) garnered praise for its raw emotional delivery and minimalist production, with critics highlighting tracks like "" and "Cannonball" for their haunting intimacy and poetic vulnerability. However, reviewers such as faulted Rice for repetitive lyrical structures and a derivative approach reminiscent of earlier singer-songwriters, arguing that the album's imperfections, while authentic, limited its broader appeal. aggregates reflected this divide, compiling scores that underscored complaints of unbearably repetitive songwriting amid otherwise strong front-loaded tracks. The follow-up 9 (2006) intensified debates over Rice's style, with hailing it as a "masterwork" for its haunting progression from quiet confession to explosive crescendos, particularly in "9 Crimes" and "Elephant," which captured poignant tension and lyrical depth. In contrast, lambasted the album as cloying and patronizing, criticizing its sappy orchestration and failure to evolve beyond the debut's formula, suggesting Rice's candor veered into self-indulgence. acknowledged the moody selfishness in Rice's themes of betrayal and regret but appreciated the unfiltered candor, positioning 9 as a bolder, if uneven, exploration of personal turmoil. Rice's 2014 return with marked a critical high point, lauded for its ambitious production under and matured songcraft, as described tracks like "It Takes a Lot to Know a Man" for building unstoppable momentum through orchestral swells and raw introspection. echoed this, praising the album's winding melodies, soothing vocals, and theatrical elements that elevated themes of loss without excess . noted the meticulous detail in expansive arrangements, though some observed a lingering risk of overreach in its epic scope. Overall, the album's reception affirmed Rice's growth in balancing vulnerability with sonic grandeur, distinguishing it from earlier works' sparseness. Across his catalog, critics consistently commend Rice's vocal expressiveness and thematic focus on heartbreak and self-examination, attributing his influence to fostering intimate, unpolished folk-rock. Yet detractors, including those in aggregate user reviews, argue his reliance on dramatic builds and lyrics can feel manipulative or underdeveloped, potentially alienating listeners seeking innovation over emotional repetition. This polarity underscores Rice's niche appeal: authentic to admirers, overwrought to skeptics, with no major studio releases post-2014 shifting the discourse toward live performances' intensity rather than new material.

Commercial Achievements and Awards

Damien Rice's debut album O (2002) peaked at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 115 weeks. It generated three top-30 singles in the UK, including "Cannonball" which reached number 9 and charted for 20 weeks. The album achieved quadruple platinum certification in the UK for sales exceeding 1.2 million copies. Globally, O sold approximately 1.9 million copies across six countries, contributing to Rice's career album sales of over 2.3 million units. His second album 9 (2006) entered the at number 4 and spent 17 weeks there. Singles from the album, such as "" and "Dogs," charted lower, peaking at numbers 29 and 88 respectively. (2014) reached number 7 on the UK chart with 8 weeks of presence. Rice's commercial footprint remained niche, with total UK top-10 albums numbering three but no sustained mainstream dominance beyond the mid-2000s. Rice received the Shortlist Music Prize for Artistic Achievement in 2003 for O, becoming the first UK-signed artist to win the award, which included a $5,000 cash prize. He earned nominations for a BRIT Award and an Award in 2004. In 2015, was nominated for the Choice Music Prize, Ireland's premier album accolade, though it did not win. Rice received a nomination for the World Soundtrack Award in 2016 for his contribution "Hypnosis" to the film Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet.

Criticisms and Public Perceptions

Some critics have characterized Damien Rice's music as overly melancholic and self-indulgent, with lyrics and delivery evoking excessive emotional torment that borders on melodrama. For instance, reviewers have noted a recurring "soft, overdone, and tortured acoustic" quality in his work, which polarizes listeners, leading to passionate dismissals despite commercial success. This perception intensified with his 2006 album 9, where attempts to replicate the intimacy of his debut O (2002) were faulted for lacking innovation, disappointing those expecting evolution beyond sparse, confessional folk arrangements. Rice's prolonged hiatus from 2007 to fueled public views of him as an enigmatic , with some interpreting his withdrawal as arrogance induced by fame's pressures, prompting a self-described "big crash and burn" involving relational breakdowns and industry disillusionment. Upon return, he addressed these in , incorporating self-lacerating humor and critiques of his own "neediness," which audiences but reinforced stereotypes of him as a brooding resistant to mainstream expectations. The professional split with longtime collaborator in the mid-2000s drew scrutiny, as Hannigan recounted being effectively dismissed from Rice's band when he decided he "didn't want me in his band anymore," an event she later framed positively for her solo career but which highlighted tensions in their creative partnership. This episode contributed to perceptions of Rice as uncompromising, potentially alienating collaborators amid his introspective focus. Overall, while admired for authenticity, Rice's image persists as that of a reluctant whose intensity invites both devotion and critique for perceived emotional excess.

Personal Life

Key Relationships

Rice maintains a private family life, having been raised by parents George and Maureen Rice alongside two sisters after the family relocated from inner-city to , , in his youth. His most prominent personal relationship was with Irish singer-songwriter , whom he met during freshman week at around 1999 while seeking a vocalist for early performances. Their romantic involvement, which overlapped with a close professional collaboration, lasted from approximately 2001 to 2006; Hannigan contributed distinctive backing vocals and harmonies to Rice's albums O (2002) and 9 (2006), shaping his early sound. The relationship's deterioration, exacerbated by tour stresses and interpersonal conflicts—including mutual infidelities—led to Hannigan's departure from Rice's touring band in March 2007, prompting Rice to cancel remaining dates and retreat from public life. Rice later described the breakup as deeply traumatic, stating he would trade musical success to avoid its fallout, while Hannigan characterized it as Rice deciding she no longer fit his vision. Rice dated American actress publicly from 2004 to 2005, a period coinciding with his rising international profile following O's success. In a 2009 , Rice acknowledged the relationship's visibility but offered no further details on its dynamics. He was briefly linked to French actress in 2009, though the connection received limited confirmation beyond contemporaneous reports. As of a 2014 , Rice reported having no ongoing romantic partner or children, emphasizing his solitary lifestyle.

Privacy and Health Challenges

Damien Rice has maintained a deliberate distance from public scrutiny, granting few interviews and avoiding the conventional promotional cycles typical of major artists. After the breakthrough success of his debut O in 2002 and follow-up 9 in 2006, he largely retreated from media engagements, emphasizing personal autonomy over celebrity. The intensifying demands of fame exacerbated emotional strains, culminating in what Rice described as a "big crash and burn" around , triggered by the hype surrounding 9, the dissolution of key collaborations, and a personal break-up with longtime partner and contributor . This led to an eight-year hiatus from recording and releasing music, during which he disbanded his touring band amid suspicions that associates were exploiting his success for personal gain. Rice later reflected that fame fostered arrogance and profound unhappiness, necessitating prolonged self-examination—metaphorically termed " in the brain"—to rebuild perspective and mitigate these effects before resuming creative work with in . He has not publicly detailed clinical diagnoses or ongoing treatments, framing the episode as a response to unsustainable external pressures rather than inherent .

Discography

Studio Albums

Damien Rice's debut studio album, O, was released on 1 February 2002 in Ireland by 14th Floor Records and later in the UK by Vector Records. The album features 10 tracks, including "Delicate", "Volcano", "The Blower's Daughter", and "Cannonball", recorded primarily in Rice's bedroom studio with contributions from vocalist Lisa Hannigan and cellist Vyvienne Long. It achieved platinum certification in Ireland and the UK, driven by organic word-of-mouth promotion without traditional marketing. His second studio album, 9, followed on 3 November 2006 in Ireland, 6 November in the UK, and 14 November in the United States, distributed by 14th Floor Records and Records. Comprising 11 tracks such as "9 Crimes" (featuring ), "The Animals Were Gone", "", and "Rootless Tree", the record was self-produced and recorded in various locations including and , emphasizing sparse instrumentation and emotional intensity. It debuted at number 3 on the and received a nomination. Rice's third studio album, , emerged after an eight-year hiatus, released on 31 October 2014 in Ireland and 3 November internationally by Vector Recordings and . Produced by , it includes 8 tracks like the title song, "I Don't Want to Change You", and "Colour Me In", recorded in and Reykjavik with a focus on orchestral elements and personal reflection. The album peaked at number 6 on the and marked Rice's return to recording following personal challenges. No additional studio albums have been released as of 2025.

Singles, EPs, and Collaborations

Damien Rice's singles have primarily supported his studio albums, with key releases from O including "" (2002), which achieved moderate chart success, "Cannonball" (2003), and "" (2004). From 9, singles encompassed "" (2006) and "Dogs" (2007), while yielded "I Don't Want to Change You" (2014) and "The Greatest Bastard" (2014). More recent standalone singles include "" (2020) and "Song for Berta" (2021), the latter composed in support of Greenpeace's campaign against deep-sea mining. The principal EP in Rice's catalog is B-Sides (2004), a seven-track compilation of outtakes, live recordings, and demos from the O era, featuring pieces such as "The Professor & La Fille Danse (Live at Cornucopia)" (5:10), "Lonelily (Original Demo)" (3:15), "Woman Like a Man (Live Unplugged)" (4:47), "Moody Mooday" (3:49), and "Delicate (Live)" (5:57). This release, issued via DRM Records, provided fans with alternate takes not included on full-length albums, emphasizing Rice's raw, unpolished arrangements. Rice's collaborations often involve live performances and guest appearances rather than dedicated joint releases, though vocalists Lisa Hannigan and cellist Vyvienne Long have been recurring contributors to his recordings and tours since the early 2000s, adding layered harmonies and strings to tracks like those on O and 9. More recently, he has shared stages with artists including Sílvia Pérez Cruz, Jana Jacuka, and Francisca Barreto during the 2023 Sailboat Tour in Italy and Spain, incorporating improvised duets and ensemble pieces. Additional one-off contributions include a performance of "Que Sera Sera" alongside David Gray for the 2007 Live Earth concert. These partnerships highlight Rice's preference for organic, intimacy-driven musical exchanges over commercial joint ventures.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1534568/bio/
  2. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12452/damien-rice/
  3. https://artistsden.com/performances/damien-rice/
  4. https://folkalley.com/damien-rice-takes-home-shortlist-prize/
  5. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/damien-rice-on-how-eight-years-of-soul-searching-led-to-long-awaited-lp-188331/
  6. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/23/damien-rice-album-my-favourite-faded-fantasy
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1534568/awards/
  8. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/singers/damien-rice-net-worth/
  9. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/first-encounters-singer-songwriter-damien-rice-and-composer-david-arnold-1.2055506
  10. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/rice-damien
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  12. http://www.eskimofriends.com/2004/09/24/interview-the-australian/
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  15. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/damien-rice
  16. https://news.pollstar.com/2004/03/08/damien-rice/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2137401-Juniper-5
  18. https://projectrevolver.org/genre/rock/meet-juniper/
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  20. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkjvI2dfx4KsY1-4x214vsQ
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/11293982-Damien-Rice-O
  22. https://www.therecordhub.com/products/vinyl-damien-rice-o
  23. https://www.last.fm/music/Damien%2BRice/O
  24. https://www.stereogum.com/2173915/damien-rice-o-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
  25. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/damien-rice
  26. http://damienrice.20fr.com/
  27. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/2830
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20061112/7502/
  29. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/damien-rice-announces-new-album-my-favourite-faded-fantasy__5857/
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/834196-Damien-Rice-9
  31. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/damien-rice-9-crimes/
  32. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/damien-rice?page=1&year=2006
  33. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/damien-rice?page=4&year=2007
  34. https://www.npr.org/2007/03/27/6958933/damien-rice-from-o-to-9-in-four-years
  35. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/damien-rice-fading-back-into-view-1.1982182
  36. https://diymag.com/news/damien-rice-announces-first-new-album-in-eight-years-my-favourite-faded-fantasy
  37. https://www.npr.org/2014/11/02/359335290/first-listen-damien-rice-my-favourite-faded-fantasy
  38. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/damien-rice-rick-rubin-new-album-interview-6319516/
  39. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/damien-rice-new-album-my-favorite-faded-fantasy-rick-rubin
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/02/damien-rice-my-favourite-faded-fantasy-review
  41. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/64955/Damien-Rice-My-Favourite-Faded-Fantasy/
  42. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/interviews/a31420/damien-rice-interview-2014/
  43. https://consequence.net/2015/02/damien-rice-expands-world-tour/
  44. https://jambands.com/news/2015/02/23/damien-rice-adds-tour-dates/
  45. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/damien-rice-4bd6e712.html?year=2015
  46. https://damienrice.com/
  47. https://concertful.com/tour/damien-rice/past
  48. https://genius.com/artists/Damien-rice/albums
  49. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/damien-rice-4bd6e712.html?year=2025
  50. https://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=11639
  51. https://www.hotpress.com/music/damien-rice-supports-free-aung-san-suu-kyi-campaign-updated-2797835
  52. https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/damien-rice
  53. https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eglg45eighf/15-damien-rice/
  54. https://www.hotpress.com/music/damien-rice-calls-for-justice-in-burma-4116721
  55. https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/unprecedented-dublin-concert-celebrates-life-and-work-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-features-all-star-line-up-of-artists-musicians-and-actors/
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LgCk28_bXA
  57. https://ishr.ch/art-space/damien-rice-and-ishr/
  58. https://damienrice.com/page/11/
  59. https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/damien-rice-concert
  60. https://www.nme.com/news/music/damien-rice-covers-sia-chandelier-songs-for-australia-2624841
  61. https://consequence.net/2020/02/songs-for-australia-charity-album-the-national-kurt-vile/
  62. https://imro.ie/news/damien-rice-shares-new-single-astronaut-in-aid-of-dublin-simon-community/
  63. https://www.staages.com/arts/damien-rice
  64. https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/damien-rice-donated-to-charity-to-cleanse-himself-of-x-factor-cannonball-cover-money/30744091.html
  65. https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-susan-life-saving-treatment
  66. https://delafontagency.com/music-acts/hire-damien-rice/
  67. https://www.musicradar.com/tuition/guitars/play-acoustic-like-damien-rice-33997
  68. https://deamandija.medium.com/listen-to-damien-rice-with-no-guilt-and-much-pleasure-76a001796f3c
  69. https://equipboard.com/pros/damien-rice
  70. https://gearspace.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/145560-damien-rice-quot-o-quot-what-mic.html
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  94. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/lisa-hannigan-on-damien-rice-he-didn-t-want-me-in-his-band-anymore-so-i-left-1.2745425
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  112. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/damien-rice/2249490
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