The death has been announced of legendary Aslan frontman Christy Dignam.
Dignam's death was announced on Tuesday evening in a Facebook post by his daughter Kiera.
The post read:
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 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.
Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family x
Dignam was 63, and had been admitted to palliative care at home in late December.
The singer was diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer known as Amyloidosis in 2013, and had been receiving extensive treatment for the cancer for six months before moving to palliative care late last year.
Christy Dignam leaves behind one of the greatest legacies in Irish rock music history, especially for his work with Aslan in the 1980s and '90s.
Hits such as 'Crazy World' and 'This Is' are era-defining anthems for generations of Irish people, and no doubt there will be countless music fans across the country grieving his passing this evening and beyond.
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
Among those to pay tribute to the late Dublin native was President Michael D Higgins, who shared this touching statement:
People across Ireland and beyond will have heard with great sadness of the death of Christy Dignam.
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. Indeed, I will personally remember a typically memorable performance from Christy in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2016.
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.
May I express my deepest condolences to Christy’s wife Kathryn, to his daughter Kiera, to his bandmates in Aslan, and to his wide circle of family and friends.
RIP Christy Dignam. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis.
