Singer‑songwriter Eugene McGuinness will launch his comeback album at Derry’s Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin marking his first ever performance in the Maiden City.

Although raised in London, McGuinness’s connection to Ireland runs through every part of his upbringing. With parents from Limavady, he spent every Christmas and summer across the water, describing Ireland simply as “home.”

He recalls the dual identity of growing up between two places: “In Ireland, me and my brother felt like Rodney and Del Boy coming home but in England, we were the Irish kids in the class. Ireland is what I’d call home. That’s where my family is from. It’s just how I feel.”

Now, that sense of belonging is shaping a major moment in his career. The decision to release the album Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe in Derry came from his longtime Derry friends, Garvan Cosgrove and Charlie Mullan of Docklands Speed Shop Recording Studio.

“I mentioned I’d love to come over and play,” McGuinness said. “Charlie just said, ‘Let’s launch the album in Derry.’ It made total sense. I’m quite nervous because I’ve never played in Derry before, but it’s going to be amazing for me.”

Charlie and Garvan said it was a ‘no brainer’ to bring McGuinness to Derry first on his tour.

McGuinness stepped away from the music scene a decade ago, but he says he’s returning with a fresh approach. The new album, he admits, can’t be pinned to a single genre. His influences range widely, from Jim Morrison and Bob Dylan to Wu‑Tang Clan .

With his first Derry show now set, McGuinness is encouraging people to come along for what promises to be a raw, high‑energy night.

“It’s going to be on edge, a bit volatile,” he said. “The band is the best band I’ve ever played with.”

The new record is a co-release between Docklands and Mellowtone Records.

You can catch the launch of Eugene McGuinness Versus the Universe in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on March 28. Charlie and Garvan’s new outfit Big Ráth will provide support on the night alongside Ego the Jackal.

Advance tickets are £13 or £40 with the new LP and are available from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mellowtone/2027961