Irish musician Glenn Keating, who played with Bell X1, has died

Tragic news.

An acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, electronic music producer and sound designer, Glenn also released music under the name BoNS Synth Ensemble.

Glenn Keating

In 2020, Mr Keating - a husband and father-of-two - was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which spread to his liver, lungs and lymph nodes.

While undergoing multiple courses of chemotherapy and other treatments, Glenn continued to record music and perform.

He also fundraised for the Irish Cancer Society, undertaking a ‘Coast to Coast’ cycle from Dublin to Galway, alongside his two brothers.

The death notice for Mr Keating on RIP.ie reads: "Glenn (Raheny & formerly of Coolock) - March 4th 2026 (peacefully) at Beaumont Hospital.

"Sadly missed by his loving wife Leda, sons Arlo and Llewyn, brothers Cormac and Tony, sisters-in-law Ann Marie, Karen, Helena and Niamh, brothers-in-law Stephen and Chris, mother-in-law Ger, father-in-law Ted, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and good friends."

His funeral will take place on Saturday, 7 March.

Paying tribute to him in a social media post, Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan, who Glenn also played with through the musical act HousePlants, wrote: "Our friend and collaborator Glenn Keating left us this morning.

"Just like that. A rupture, and an outrage… How awful to be writing these words...

"I saw him last Friday. We had Tunnocks Teacakes, and I brought him the Brian Eno book about What Art Does.

"Of course, Glenn knew more than most about what art does.

"Having enjoyed the cut of him from afar for some time, we called Glenn when Bell X1 were somewhat stuck with our record Arms.

"Sure, he played some sweet synths and recorded some drumming with us, but it was his calm, encouraging, thoughtful presence and careful unpicking of some knots that was the main thing.

"And funny. Jesus, Glenn was a funny man…"

Noonan continued: "His six-year journey with cancer was something he wrote and talked about, in the interests of raising awareness and money for cancer charities.

"In all that time, he remained his kind and funny self, through all kinds of treatments and discomfort.

"He continued to play music throughout, was very good at it, and hard as it was at times, I know it nourished his soul.

"I will especially miss the road trips and the room-sharing on HousePlants shows.

"I knew we were kin when we'd both want to turn on the hotel room telly no matter how late we got back, and watch Judge Rinder, Naked Attraction or 24 Hours in A&E… like Bert and Ernie in our little beds.
And then maybe a little Saturday Kitchen after breakfast.

"As painful as this is, I will take the riches he brought into our lives and hold them, let them continue to infuse. Love ya G."

Asked about advice he would give to others, Glenn once told the Irish Cancer Society: “You know the phrase ‘the squeaky wheel gets the oil?’ I have discovered this is definitely true.

"It’s hard to advocate for yourself, but when it comes to ill health and cancer, you have to learn how to do it.

"Don’t be afraid to ask the questions, ask what something means or push for answers.

"If you catch things early enough, it can make a massive difference.

"Don’t be afraid to be a squeaky wheel.”

Main image via Paul Noonan/Instagram