Coronavirus is a bastard. We knew that. We have incontrovertible evidence this afternoon of this fact. Giant of folk and country music John Prine is currently in a critical condition in hospital with the disease.
Prine's wife Fiona Whelan, who's from Donegal, confirmed the news on Prine's Twitter yesterday.
An update on John pic.twitter.com/fPQbv0tLyB
— John Prine (@JohnPrineMusic) March 29, 2020
"This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send on more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you.”
Prine is 73 and currently on a ventilator.
Prine owns a house near Kinvara in Co. Galway and was famous for popping into sessions in Greene's pub over the years. Prine has defeated lung cancer and throat cancer in his life so we hope he can summon those same powers to repel the coronavirus.
A Kinvara Evening - Big Thanks for all the tunes John Prine @declanorourke @ohboyrecords #frankiegavin #TomPortman pic.twitter.com/WxxJ3jGe7w
— Burrenbeo Trust (@BurrenbeoTrust) July 22, 2014
Luminaries from the world of music have tweeted their love of Prine over the past 24 hours. Prine is a giant of folk music, with a soulful and instantly recognisable voice. Take a moment to dabble into the music of Prine and all of the love being expressed for his music. During these troubling times, his voice really is a balm for the soul.
• If God's got a favorite songwriter,
I think it's John Prine •
• Kris Kristofferson •
• John Prine in the early' 70s •
• © Private Family Collection • pic.twitter.com/xnh1lnTDxy— • Sam • (@SamTheDrecker) March 30, 2020
John Prine’s Hello In There – a song about making sure that the elderly people in your life are well & cared for – has recently taken on a stark new resonance. If anyone deserved to be spared the awfulness of Covid-19, it was this man. I dearly hope he makes it through. https://t.co/BRj9npd6VS
— Pete Paphides (@petepaphides) March 30, 2020
Prine had sold out the Olympia Theatre for a gig in August celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album 'In Spite Of Ourselves.' We hope beyond hope that this gig can still take place later this year.
