Aslan’s ‘mixed emotions’ as new frontman is unveiled

ASLAN have announced the identity of their new singer and plan to return to the stage for the first time since the death of former frontman Christy Dignam.

The Aslan lead singer died last June at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with cancer, leaving his family, bandmates and fans bereft.

The band had already made it clear they intended to carry on and had lined up a series of gigs for later this year.

Yesterday, they confirmed the group would in the future be fronted by Lee Tompkins, of the band DC Tempest. In a statement, band members Billy McGuinness, Joe Jewell and Alan Downey admitted it would not be the same without Christy but added that they wanted to continue playing music.

They said: ‘New beginnings – this announcement comes with many mixed emotions for us. After 40 years of playing with our frontman Christy, we know it’s not the same and never will be but we want to continue playing our music and bringing our music to you all.

‘We truly hope we will make you proud and we are looking forward to bringing you some songs that we have never performed live before.’

The remaining band members also thanked their fans for their support over the past few months.

The first of the band’s comeback gigs with their new singer is scheduled for Whelan’s in Dublin on Thursday, April 25.

They will also play Cyprus Avenue in Cork, The Haven Hotel in Waterford, Crown Live in Wexford, Dolan’s Warehouse in Limerick, and Monroe’s in Galway.

However, as previously reported, they are not taking part in a gig being organised in Vicar Street, Dublin, in May, which is being supported by Christy’s family.

Christy’s daughter Kiera Dignam revealed that her father had not spoken to the other Aslan band members for the last seven months of his life. However, she has also said she supported the band’s decision to keep performing.