So long, John
A HOST of celebrities were among more than 1,000 mourners who paid a touching final tribute to music promoter John Reynolds yesterday.
They gathered at the Church Of The Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, South Dublin, for the funeral of the nephew of former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.
During the service, which was celebrated by family friend Fr Tom Healy, the Longford man was remembered for the ground-breaking impact he had on Ireland’s music scene.
The priest said the 52-year-old’s death was “a sad and sorrowful time” but added: “If he did no more, we’d be forever grateful.
“He was tall and imposing – I read somewhere he had film-star good looks, he had his trademark long hair – maybe even a ponytail at one stage.” Speaking about John’s involvement in the music industry, he said: “Obviously it was something that was in his DNA.
“It’s well-known his father Jim and uncle Albert blazed a trail of music promotion in their own right in a previous era.”
Fr Healy also told mourners how John was the apple of his mother Anne’s eye.
The promoter and nightclub owner was best known for setting up Electric Picnic and last year’s new festival All Together Now.
His remains were brought into the church as Damien Rice sang a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s
So Long Brother James Marianne. The service reflected his involvement in the music industry with performances from some of the country’s most famous singers.
Among those in attendance were Louis Walsh, promoter Peter Aiken, TV presenter Marty Whelan, club owner Robbie Fox, filmmaker Jim Sheridan and Hot Press editor Niall Stokes.
Artist Guggi, Paul Buchanan of Scottish band The Blue Nile and TDS Eamon Ryan and Timmy Dooley were also among the mourners.
John’s brother James delivered a touching and at times funny eulogy which reflected on their time growing up together and his love of music from an early age. He said: “This is about John, my beautiful brother. He did it, he did it, and I’m the proudest man alive because of that.”
The packed church heard how the promoter’s love of music was evident from a young age as he put on gigs in Mcgonagle’s on Dublin’s South Anne Street when he studied at Trinity College.
The Dublin Gospel Choir’s emotional version of Hallelujah brought many in the congregation to tears, while Paul Buchanan performed his song Peace At Last with legendary singer Gavin Glass.
Among the gifts brought to the altar were John’s Leeds United jersey and his mobile phone.
His body was cremated at Mount Jerome Crematorium in Harold’s Cross.