Ciaran Gribbin is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and performer whose illustrious career includes collaborations with global icons such as Madonna, U2, Paul McCartney, Snow Patrol, and Al Pacino. He has also gained international fame as the lead singer of INXS, touring extensively across South America, Europe, and Australasia.
Ciaran’s journey to success is a compelling tale of perseverance and resilience. Born during the Northern Ireland conflict, he grew up amidst The Troubles, experiencing firsthand the sectarian violence that plagued Belfast and Derry. As a young musician, Ciaran honed his craft in the tough bars of these cities, an environment that shaped his determination and tenacity.
He first made his mark as a founding member of the popular Irish band Leya, which toured for seven years alongside major acts such as Snow Patrol and Embrace. Leya released the critically acclaimed album "Watch You Don’t Take Off" and was nominated for Best New Act at the Irish Meteor Music Awards.
Ciaran’s breakthrough came in 2010 when he co-wrote Madonna’s hit single "Celebration," earning him a Grammy nomination. His talent and hard work led to performances at major music festivals worldwide, including Brazil’s Rock in Rio, and he has opened for legendary artists like Paul McCartney, Crowded House, The Script, and Gotye.
In addition to his performance career, Ciaran is a gifted composer, contributing to multiple movie soundtracks. Notably, he wrote all the songs for the U2-supported feature film "Killing Bono."
In 2011, Ciaran became the singer of the legendary Australian band INXS. He has toured extensively with INXS throughout South America, Europe and Australasia.