Grief at the sudden loss of Kevin, 22
Heartbreak in north Wicklow after death of charismatic and popular musician
FORMER Buckshot Amber lead vocalist Kevin Quinn died suddenly in the early hours of Tuesday morning, to the shock and heartbreak of his friends and family.
Kevin was a liked and respected member of the music community in north Wicklow. He started busking as young as 11 and could often be heard busking in Bray.
There has been an outpouring of grief following the tragedy. ‘He was a brilliant showman, with great charisma and stage presence, who was always humble and full of love and kindness,’ said a family friend.
THERE has been an outpouring of grief across north Wicklow following news of the death of young musician Kevin Quinn.
Kevin (22) passed away suddenly in the early hours of Tuesday morning in the Kilcoole area.
He was a former lead vocalist with the band Buckshot Amber and worked on other collaborations and solo projects. Kevin was a gifted musician, songwriter and performer.
‘Kevin could be found busking in the Albert Walk since the age of 11, playing songs on his guitar and singing,’ said a spokesman for his heartbroken family yesterday. ‘He was a brilliant showman, with great charisma and stage presence, who was always humble and full of love and kindness.’
‘I remember seven years back when I heard Kevin playing on YouTube,’ said his manager and family friend Paul Pascoe. ‘His mam was playing it on her laptop. I was sitting in the lounge and could faintly hear his voice and guitar playing in the distance. I asked her was that Kevin I could hear and she said yeah.
‘Right there and then I said to her “I want to manage him” as his talent was unbelievable. When he came home I made him the proposal to manage and work with him on his musical adventure.’
He was just 15 at that time. He had been writing poems and songs since the age of eight and had hundreds of books filled with musical scores and lyrics.
As soon as he was old enough, around two or three years old, Kevin was bashing on whatever he could find to make a beat and singing. He was a true entertainer who will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The talented young man was a regular feature of open mic nights and performance evenings in and around the Bray area.
Speaking in December 2016 about Buckshot Amber’s album ‘When I Get Home’, Kevin said ‘If you narrow it down it’s just rock music, but realistically it’s everything – it’s rock with a little bit of Martin!’
The band had formed in Kevin’s home at the time in Fairfield Park, Greystones. Kevin has resided in a number of locations in the north of the county throughout his life.
‘We all woke up to some very tragic news today that our former front-man and great friend has passed away,’ Buckshot Amber wrote on their Facebook page yesterday (Tuesday). ‘Our deepest sympathies are with Kev’s family and friends in this terribly upsetting time. From all of us involved with the band we can say we have had some truly amazing experiences that will live with us forever. Rest in peace Kevin.’ Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.