Duke Special

Delighted to announce the debut of Duke Special to Mike the Pies on Thursday, 26th November 2026. A night you sure definitely don’t want to miss.

Duke Special’s Songs from the Deep Forest returns for its 20th anniversary not just as a nostalgic revisit, but as a quiet triumph of enduring artistry. What stands out most is how confidently the album still holds its identity—unapologetically whimsical, tender, and rich with imagination.

Duke Special’s songwriting feels even more special in hindsight. His ability to weave poetic storytelling with memorable, piano-driven melodies gives the album a warmth that few records manage to sustain over time. His voice—distinctive, expressive, and full of character—draws you in completely, making every lyric feel personal.

Rather than feeling dated, the album’s understated arrangements now read as intentional and timeless. There’s a bravery in its softness, a refusal to chase trends, and that’s exactly why it resonates so deeply two decades later. This anniversary edition is less a reminder of the past and more a celebration of an artist whose vision has always been quietly extraordinary.
By nature, Duke Special (aka Belfast’s Peter Wilson) is a curious person. He is curious about music, theatre, books, poetry, art, love, life, redemption, death and 78RPM records. All of this is evidenced by the variety of musical adventures throughout his career, such as releasing 17 albums and EPs, touring extensively throughout the world, writing for theatre, and teaching songwriting and performance at BIMM University, Dublin. Performing live is still one of Duke Special’s main passions. Whether he performs solo, as a duo with his long-time friend and percussionist Chip Bailey, with a full band, a string quartet or orchestra, a Duke Special show is always a unique experience. Duke is currently working on a new album.