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"This is a true story - at least as best as I can remember it. My name is Rob Halligan. I'm a singer songwriter, an itinerant, a minstrel, a troubadour - and a mess. But somehow, I'm still here. I started out with a dream and as I got older that dream became a plan and as those plans were scuppered again and again, I went back to dreaming and hoping because hope, I've been told, doesn't disappoint us."

Everyone has a story to tell and every one of those stories has a headline - but it's often only the sensational headlines that catch our attention. Look past the headlines - we all carry a story, and in those stories lie the familiar echo of our shared human journey; the moments of joy, the sting of loss, the screams of doubt, and the tender ache of longing.

This is a story that smashes a hole through the headlines and shows that in each of us there pulses the same vulnerable, resilient heart, striving to make sense of this intricate world.

In 2001, Rob Halligan lost his father in the September attacks. A week later he found himself in New York City on the start of a journey, trying to make sense of what he'd seen. From a dysfunctional childhood and life on the streets, to being an ambassador for vulnerable children and an acclaimed songwriter, Rob's journey whistles hope into a hopeless world and invites us to do the same.

Through songs and stories, "How Did We Get Here" takes us down a road underpinned by a simple faith and the belief that love is bigger.

Reviews

"Halligan continues to demonstrate that he really is one of Britain's most talented yet underrated songsmiths"
CrossRhythms

"His deftly picked acoustic guitar is the perfect accompaniment to the lyrics which resonate with truth."
Premier Magazine

"Halligan has created a breath-taking collection of songs"
Wildey's World Reviews

"This is song writing craftsmanship at its best"
R2R Magazine

"Song-writing gold"
Maverick Magazine

"His voice is layered with pain, practice, grace and love, and is that of a storyteller and connector, someone who makes pathways with others and stands in those in between places with them"
Baptists Together


Artist Bio

Once the BBC 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.

A professional musician for over 20 years, Rob is an award winning singer/songwriter and has toured across the world, gaining a reputation as a passionate and engaging performer. As well as live sessions on BBC Radio 2 and numerous television and radio appearances, Rob has performed at some of the UK's iconic venues and festivals. He's 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.

His songs draw from his own experiences, living on the streets, losing his father in the attacks of September 2001 and of the people he's met on his journey. Across 14 Studio albums, Halligan has explored the desire to find hope in a messed up world and his down to earth faith and story-telling connect with audiences everywhere. The BBC's Paul Gambaccini commented "These are some of the strongest songs I have heard".

Since 2008 Rob has worked with 'Wet Wet Wet' Guitarist, Graeme Duffin and producer Sandi Jones, gaining great reviews and radio air-play. With a conviction to use his music to make a difference, Rob has supported children's charity, "Global Care", visiting Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Lebanon and Brazil raising awareness and money for some of the world's most disadvantaged children.