TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR LIAM REILLY
65-YEAR-OLD BAGATELLE SINGER DIED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
TRIBUTES have poured in from musicians and fans around the world for Dundalk singer/songwriter Liam Reilly who died on New Year’s Day aged 65. The Bagatelle front man had penned the iconic ‘Summer in Dublin’ and represented Ireland in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing joint runner up with his song ‘Somewhere in Europe.’
In his native town, Liam is remembered as a proud Dundalk man, who encouraged up and coming musicians, and who donated his talents and money to charity.
Liam grew up in Fatima and learned to play the piano as a young child, and was soon playing the harmonica and accordion as well. Like many of his generation in Dundalk, he played music with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann, winning at fleadheanna around the country. Along with Kevin McCourt and John Jordan he formed the local band ‘Changes’ before joining Bagatelle in 1978 with fellow Dundalk musician Wally McConville, and Dubliners John O’Brien and Ken Doyle.
Bagatelle enjoyed huge success in Ireland, making them the envy of other up and coming bands at the time such as U2. They signed a deal with Polydor records and soon found themselves playing at stadiums and festivals, sharing the stage with the likes of Bob Marley, Don McLean, Thin Lizzy, The Poques and U2, and also made a name for themselves in the United States.
Liam’s remarkable talent as a songwriter was key to their success, and they had a string of hits. ‘Summer in Dublin’ went straight to No 1 and was the first of six No 1 hits and countless top 10 songs, including ‘ Trump Card’, ‘Second Violin’, and ‘Lesson Street Lady’, earning them platinum as well as gold records sales.
He also wrote songs that were recorded by The Wolfe Tones, The Dublin City Ramblers and others, including ‘Flight of the Earls’, ’Streets of New York’ and ‘Boston Rose’.
Liam took a break from the band for a time in the mid1980s, living in Savannah, Georgia, where he concentrated on pursuing a solo career, as well as producing albums for different artists.
He represented Ireland in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing joint runner up with his song ‘Somewhere in Europe’ and also penned the 1991 entry ‘Could It Be That I’m in Love’ which finished 10th.
After his return to Ireland, Liam rejoined Bagatelle and while there were a number of breaks and line-up changes over the years, Bagatelle remained one of the hardest working bands in Ireland, celebrating their 40th anniversary with a tour which continued until the pandemic brought it to a halt earlier this year.
In the recently published book about the band Liam told writer Brian Kennedy ‘I love writing songs and am proud of what myself and the band have done.’
Liam and Bagatelle received many awards down the years, with manager Jim McQuillian recalling that they are probably most proud of the IMRO Award presented to them on their 40th anniversary.
Living in an apartment in the Old Library, Chapel Street, Liam was a familiar figure in his native Dundalk. He was one of the musicians invited to perform for US President Bill Clinton in 2000 and was generous in his support for local musicians and projects such as Dundalk School of Music.
He also willingly helped local charities, taking part in the Fairytale of Dundalk Concert in aid of the North Louth Hospice, and donating anonymously to causes that touched his heart.
Among those playing tribute Liam were Phil Coulter, who stated ‘ Sad news. We have lost one of the brotherhood of Irish songwriters. Liam Reilly, writer of Trump Card, Second Violin and the iconic Summer in Dublin, has passed, too soon at 68.’
The Wolfe Tones said they were ‘ very sorry to here of the passing of Liam Reilly of Bagatelle. ‘A master songwriter, Streets of New York, Foight of the Earls, Boston Rose and many more.’
Musican and producer Donal O’Connor said ‘ Sad to hear of the passing of the great Liam Reilly. Fantastic songwriter and musician, he cut his teeth playing in Ceilei Bands with my father and his siblings. Was always generous with music & advice when I was growing up.’
Belfast singer Brian Kennedy said he had ‘ such fond memories of Liam Reilly from Bagatelle. So friendly to me at Vicar Street when we were singing for the Gareath O’Callaghan fundrasier.
Stephen Travers of the Miami Showband described that ‘ The Streets of New York’ as ‘ one of the great Irish emigrant songs of our time,’
Radio presenter Brenda Donohoe recalled ‘ an amazing experience’ with Liam in November 1989 when they got into the Guinness book of Records for writing, recording and performing a live song in the fastest time ever. ‘It was Leaving Abbie, record still stands,’ she said.
Liam was predeceased by his dad Willie and is survived by mum Teresa, sisters Evelyn, Barbara, Darina and Paula, brothers in-law Pat and Eamon, nephews and nieces Órla, Liam, Alanna, Charlie and Andrew, uncle Bertie, aunts Ann and Ita, Gavin and all his cousins, fellow band members and friends.