Donovan – The Tale of the Gael

Saturday 11 July

The Headline Agency is proud to present Donovan in concert in 2026.

From his first single Catch the Wind in 1965 his music and poetic talents were welcomed by his Irish, Scottish and Welsh audiences, who recognised immediately his strong Gaelic roots and were mesmerised by his mellifluous voice and unique guitar style.

Donovan says “I have reached the year [2026] of my 80th summer around the sun. And this year I wish to present my journey, which I call The Tale of the Gael. To know more, experience my free film-essay The Tale of the Gael on my website.”

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential songwriters and recording artists, he often tells in concert the most amazing stories of his catalyst effect on the great artists of the modern world, such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, Oasis and many more, some who became his friends. He is also followed by each new generation of artists keen to learn from his works, to expand and develop their own musical path. Donovan is known for pioneering new production recording techniques in the studio, influencing many. Some of his studio albums are on sale at the concerts.

Donovan will sing from his huge catalogue of consistently popular songs ‘Catch the Wind’, ‘Colours’, ‘Sunshine Superman’, ‘Mellow Yellow’, ‘The Hurdy Gurdy Man’, ‘Jenifer Juniper’, ‘Season of the Witch’, ‘Wear Your Love Like Heaven’, ‘Atlantis’, and especially he will sing from his early cult albums classics like ‘Donna Donna’, ‘The Universal Soldier’, ‘The Little Tin Soldier’ and more.

Awarded The Ivor Novello Award at 19 years young for his first song ‘Catch the Wind’, Donovan is also the recipient of Doctor of Letters for Ecology, Hertfordshire University, an Officer of the Order of Arts & Letters (France), recipient of BMI Ikon Award, the Mojo Maverick Award, Lifetime BBC Folk Award and many international awards. 2014 saw Donovan inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. At his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, it was stated “Donovan singlehandedly initiated the Psychedelic Revolution with his album Sunshine Superman”.

“I really enjoyed the sessions I did with Donovan, he’s a very romantic writer” – Jimmy Page

“Listen, the man is a poet” – John Lennon

“Donovan is a catalyst*” – George Harrison

*Catalyst: “A catalyst person is someone who inspires or provokes significant change or action in others, often by encouraging new ideas and facilitating progress. They play a key role in initiating transformations within groups or organizations without being directly affected themselves.” – Merriam-Webster