“Whenever you’re doing something that’s your passion, you’re never really working”
Acclaimed Co Derry country music star Ritchie Remo is gearing up for an exciting 2026 as he makes a full-time comeback to the music scene.
Having captivated audiences across the UK, Ireland and across the pond with his unique blend of traditional Irish music and contemporary hits, it would be hard to find a local country fan who has not heard one of Ritchie’s songs.
After taking a step back from the full-time performing circuit a few years ago to raise his family, the Claudy performer is back with a new sound, new album and renewed passion for entertaining.
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Richie’s musical journey started as a child when he was gifted a guitar and a songbook. Later, his newfound passion would inspire his father to pick up the instrument too.
They would spend the next two decades performing countless gigs as the Remo Band and Rithie told Belfast Live that this was a treasured part of his music career.
He said: “We did our first gig when I was 14 and that was the start of it – we spent 20 years performing together doing clubs and dances before doing a lot of weddings and functions.
“We became very successful in our own area and had a lot of people following us. It was one of those things that just kept rolling and rolling and it was unbelievable.”
Ritchie’s country music career continued to grow from strength to strength, releasing numerous albums, performing in venues across every corner of the country to dedicated fans wowed by his passion and craft.
“It started as a hobby, more than anything,” Ritchie explained. “It was my passion to perform and it was great because whenever you’re doing something that’s your passion, you’re never really working.
“You’re always doing something that you love doing and because of that, you put in so much work to keep growing all the time.”
He took a short break from the spotlight a number of years ago to his young family at the forefront, but still continued to work on his act and refine his style by performing at weddings and private events.
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland have given Ritchie a grant to invest in new instruments for his comeback and allow him to give the return to performing everything he’s got.
Ritchie added: “Receiving support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland is a huge step forward as it gives me the footing I need to return to the music scene full-time.
“Musical instruments are incredibly expensive, and many artists like me struggle to afford the right equipment but it’s essential to the craft.
“The right tools dramatically improve sound quality and boost your confidence. You hear your voice, your tones, your chords blending with the instrument and that harmony makes a world of difference.
“It also means I can practice more regularly, because I now have access to my own instrument. That’s a game-changer for my daily routine, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”
With 2026 shaping up to be a busy one as he makes his full-time return to the scene, Ritchie is excited to get back to shining on big stages at a number of festivals and gigs he has lined up.
However, he is most excited to launch his newest album, marking a shift in his tone and style – fusing the Irish country he is known and loved for with more folk and traditional influences.
“We’re hoping to release the new album in the spring or autumn – it marks a bit of a shift in style,” he continued.
“While I’m known for upbeat pop country music, my new album is more rooted in traditional music, the kind I played growing up with my dad. I’ve taken time to research, reflect, and reconnect with those roots.
“So while it may feel a little different from my usual ‘Chappy’ vibe, I hope it brings a deeper sense of authenticity and celebrates the joy and stories we share through music.”
With storytelling at the heart of his new sound, the “hairs stand up” on his neck when he thinks about getting to share his new songs with audiences once again.
“This is my hobby and passion, and it just so happens that I’m doing what I love as a job, so that is brilliant.”
To follow Ritchie’s story and find out more, see here
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