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14th June 2023
08:39am BST
"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."[caption id="attachment_582323" align="alignnone" width="1363"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
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. https://twitter.com/PresidentIRL/status/1668657451808305161"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.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." https://twitter.com/OfficialAslan/status/1668664869447512076 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". https://twitter.com/thescript/status/1668657837231226880 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." https://twitter.com/bfcdublin/status/1668660864172294144 Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheál Martin wrote that the "brave" Dignam was an inspiration to many. https://twitter.com/MichealMartinTD/status/1668663288933101569 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." https://twitter.com/LeoVaradkar/status/1668693887865462820 You can read more tributes to Dignam below: https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1668679235676807172 https://twitter.com/daraobriain/status/1668695098987520025 https://twitter.com/fobraonain/status/1668658896246910998 https://twitter.com/Ham_Sandwich/status/1668680601476509697 https://twitter.com/ImeldaOfficial/status/1668761289315741703 https://twitter.com/laurencekinlan/status/1668654946462384128 https://twitter.com/mcd_productions/status/1668704142531887104 https://twitter.com/pjgallagher/status/1668869391797067776 https://twitter.com/TheStunningBand/status/1668747558091657216 https://twitter.com/wolfetones/status/1668768232843669504“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.”
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