A TRUE LEGEND AND BRILLIANT GUITAR PLAYER
President leads tributes to the Dubliners’ axeman
TRIBUTES have flooded in for Dubliners legend Eamonn Campbell who has died following a short illness at the age of 70.
The world-famous guitarist and singer passed away on Wednesday with his wife and family by his bedside.
Eamonn, from Drogheda, Co Louth, began playing music for a living in the 60s and worked with The Dubliners a number of times before joining them in the 1980s.
Although the group officially retired five years ago, Eamonn had formed a new outfit with some surviving members called The Dublin Legends.
A statement on the band’s Facebook page said: “We are very sad and devastated to announce our friend and colleague Eamonn Campbell has died after a short illness.
“Eamonn was a true Legend and brilliant guitar player. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family.
“He will be greatly missed by all his friends and fans around the world. We are heartbroken and we thank you all for your thoughts and prayers at this time.
“Sean, Gerry & Paul, The Dublin Legends.”
President Michael D Higgins led tributes yesterday, saying: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Eamonn Campbell, much-loved musician and member of the The Dubliners. “His loss will be deeply felt by his family and friends, and Sabina and I extend our condolences to his children Eamonn, Franky, Emma-jane, Niamh and Ciara and grandchildren.
“He will also be missed by those, in Ireland and further afield, who continue to enjoy his voice and his music, with The Dubliners, when Sabina and I met him so often.
“Many others will have the warmest memories of his work with many other artists.”
Imelda May took to social media to honour her pal with a photo.
She added: “It’s with a heavy heart I tell you my lovely friend Eamonn Campbell from The Dubliners died last night.”
Former footballer Paul Mcgrath also tweeted: “There will be a good session in heaven tonight.”
The Dublin Legends singer Sean Cannon said: “I am devastated. He was a great player with a great feel for Irish music.”
The Dubliners formed in 1962 by Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke and Barney Mckenna, all of whom have passed away.
Kelly died in 1984 aged 43, Bourke passed away in 1988 aged 53, Drew died in 2008 aged 73, and Mckenna passed away in 2012 aged 72.
He will be missed by those who continue to enjoy his voice PRESIDENT HIGGINS YESTERDAY