“One of Ireland’s greatest singers.”
The sad news of Christy Dignam’s passing broke yesterday (13 June) with his family confirming the Irish rock legend’s death at the age of 63.
The Aslan frontman was first diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder cancer, in 2013. In his last-ever interview with Ryan Tubridy, the Dignam heartbreakingly revealed that he wished to have another decade alive.
In a social media statement, the singer’s daughter Kiera announced his passing, stating:
“On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam. Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today at 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you honour our family’s need for privacy during this immensely painful period. Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great story teller and amazing person.
“We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us.”
Born in 1960, Dignam grew up in the north Dublin suburb of Finglas before becoming the lead singer of Aslan, who released six studio albums between 1988 and 2012.
Some of their most popular songs include ‘Crazy World’, ‘This Is’ and ‘Where’s the Sun’.
In 2021, Dignam released his first solo album, The Man Who Stayed Alive, which saw him write music about the hardships of living with a terminal illness.
Since his passing on Tuesday, tributes have been pouring in from fans and famous faces, many recalling their happy memories with the singer and the cherished times they spent with him.
President Michael D. Higgins has led the tributes, writing in a statement: “People across Ireland and beyond will have heard with great sadness of the death of Christy Dignam.
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Christy Dignam https://t.co/H7VHqUKzzl pic.twitter.com/CabHWErESe
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) June 13, 2023
“For the last 40 years, Christy and his bandmates in Aslan have made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation. In addition to their well-loved albums and hit singles such as ‘This Is’ and ‘Crazy World’, Aslan will be remembered in particular for their live shows and their remarkable connection with their audience.
“Christy was central to that connection, with his passionate performances ensuring a memorable night every time Aslan played – and there were many nights, with Christy and the band showing an endless dedication to touring throughout the country. As a result, people in nearly every town in Ireland will have their own memories of seeing them play and will feel like they had a personal connection with Christy.
“Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced. It is hard to believe that he has left us.”
Aslan also posted a heartbreaking tribute to remember their frontman, writing: “We are beyond devastated to have lost not just our band member, but our friend, Christy, that we have had so many many years of sharing our lives with. The band and Christy’s family ask for you to respect their privacy at this time.”
— Aslan (@OfficialAslan) June 13, 2023
Following the tragic loss of their own bandmate Mark Sheehan earlier this year, The Script members Danny O’Donoghue and Glen Power described Dignam as their “hero”.
We’re devastated to hear the news about our friend and hero, Christy Dignam 😔 We were blessed to share the stage with @OfficialAslan Christy in Dublin. We’ve lost a Legend, one of a kind, our thoughts and prayers are with his family RIP Christy 🙏 Danny & Glen.…
— the script (@thescript) June 13, 2023
They said: “We’re devastated to hear the news about our friend and hero, Christy Dignam. We were blessed to share the stage with Aslan and Christy in Dublin. We’ve lost a legend, one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Bohemian FC also published a statement which read: “All at Bohemians would like to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of the great Christy Dignam. RIP Christy.”
All at Bohemians would like to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of the great Christy Dignam.
RIP Christy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dcqRFs7Htj
— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) June 13, 2023
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheál Martin wrote that the “brave” Dignam was an inspiration to many.
Deeply saddened at the passing of Christy Dignam.
A true legend of Irish music, Christy has left a rich legacy. His great talent brought much joy to the Irish people.
His brave and dignified battle with cancer inspired many.
My sympathies to his family and Aslan bandmates.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 13, 2023
He said: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Christy Dignam. A true legend of Irish music, Christy has left a rich legacy. His great talent brought much joy to the Irish people.
“His brave and dignified battle with cancer inspired many. My sympathies to his family and Aslan bandmates.”
Also, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar wrote: “Christy Dignam was a musical legend and a true inspiration. He battled cancer with courage and dignity. It’s a very sad day for Irish music. May he Rest In Peace.”
Christy Dignam was a musical legend, and a true inspiration. He battled cancer with courage and dignity. It’s a very sad day for Irish music. May he Rest In Peace: Aslan frontman Christy Dignam dies at the age of 63 via @RTENews https://t.co/wQSnu2Lw2q
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) June 13, 2023
You can read more tributes to Dignam below:
RIP Christy Dignam 🙏🇮🇪
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 13, 2023
Ah, poor Christy Dignam. I never knew him personally, but he always seem to carry his struggles with great dignity and humanity, and to be surrounded by people who loved him. I suppose there isn’t much more we can give, or receive than that. And his songs will be sung forever.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) June 13, 2023
Very very sad news… I enjoyed every single encounter I had with you over the years… slán leat Christy.. deepest sympathies to your family and friends… suaimhneas síoraí i solas na bhflaitheas ❤️💫
Aslan frontman Christy Dignam dies at age of 63 https://t.co/NHjJuDBfjc
— Fiachna Ó Braonáin (@fobraonain) June 13, 2023
RIP Christy Dignam
Christy and @OfficialAslan
were complete gentlemen to many young bands starting out. Always there to give a leg up or advice to young wannabes coming throughOne of Irelands greatest singers
Our condolences to his family and closest friends at this time pic.twitter.com/tYJKS59reo
— HamsandwicH (@Ham_Sandwich) June 13, 2023
Christy Dignam gave us so much of himself. What a man.
I’m honoured he asked me to duet
his love song ‘Kathryn’
for his beloved wife.
I send all my condolences to Kathryn, Kiera & @AslanOfficiaI
We lost a legend today. 💙#ripchristydignam https://t.co/iAGZ6yIkJk— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) June 13, 2023
Dublin & Aslan has lost one of its greats. RIP Christy. What a talented man he was. A truly unique voice. Aslan is never off my radio, I absolutely love them! A rough few years for Christy, I hope he’s at peace now. A sad day for Ireland. 😔 #ChristyDignam pic.twitter.com/Hbn2CXMOza
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) June 13, 2023
All of us at MCD who’ve had the pleasure of working with Christy Dignam and Aslan over many many years are truly saddened to hear of his passing after a long, hard fought illness.
To his wife Kathryn, daughter Keira, family, fellow Aslan band members Billy, Joe and Alan,… pic.twitter.com/gJHLauVBZf
— MCD Productions (@mcd_productions) June 13, 2023
How can I protect you when all the crowd have gone, now your party’s over all the world is wrong. pic.twitter.com/LiEG7EztL0
— PJ Gallagher (@pjgallagher) June 14, 2023
Rest in peace Christy, it was an honour to have spent time in your company. Your incredible voice will be heard forever. You were always a legend. 🙏 #ChristyDignam pic.twitter.com/Z2D0BMJfam
— The Stunning (@TheStunningBand) June 13, 2023
Rest in peace Christy 🙏 A Dublin and Irish Legend left us on Tuesday. Our sincere condolences to The Dignam and Aslan family & friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam #ChristyDignam #Aslan pic.twitter.com/5F9TA7ibIO
— The Wolfe Tones 🇮🇪 (@wolfetones) June 13, 2023
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