…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Mourners from all corners expressed their love and admiration for Christy Dignam, the frontman of the band Aslan, as they gathered in Finglas, Dublin to bid him farewell.
Dignam, who was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer in 2013, peacefully passed away at his home on June 13.
The funeral procession saw hundreds of people lining the streets, many of them wearing Aslan T-shirts and singing along to the band’s greatest hits.
Dignam’s wife, daughter, and grandchildren received applause from the crowd as they stepped out of the car following the hearse.
Farewell to a Beloved Musician:
The funeral gathering paid tribute to Dignam’s illustrious career spanning over 40 years.
Clips and photographs of his performances were displayed on a screen, reminding everyone of his contributions to the music scene.
Notable figures, such as Irish artist Guggi and former Late Late show host Ryan Tubridy, sent their messages of condolence.
Dignam’s troubled past, including childhood sexual assault and struggles with heroin addiction, were acknowledged, but he was also celebrated for his resilience and journey to rehabilitation.
An Iconic Figure:
Attendees expressed their devastation at Dignam’s passing, considering him an irreplaceable icon of Irish music.
Fans who had followed him for decades shared their admiration for his talent, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel special.
Dignam’s impact went beyond his music, as he touched the lives of those who knew him personally.
Aslan’s Legacy:
Aslan, the band formed by Dignam in the early 1980s, achieved great success with their debut album, Feel No Shame, reaching number one in Ireland.
Despite a temporary breakup and individual pursuits, Aslan officially reunited and continued to produce music, with the single “Crazy World” re-entering the Irish singles chart.
Their studio albums, including Feel No Shame, Goodbye Charlie Moonhead, and Here Comes Lucy Jones, further solidified their place in Irish music history.
Tributes from National Figures:
President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joined in paying tribute to Dignam, acknowledging his significant contribution to Irish culture.
President Higgins praised Dignam’s passionate performances and the band’s dedication to touring, while Taoiseach Varadkar recognized him as a legendary figure in Irish music and a proud Dubliner.
Conclusion:
The farewell gathering in Finglas served as a poignant and emotional tribute to Christy Dignam, the beloved frontman of Aslan.
The outpouring of love and respect from hundreds of mourners demonstrated the lasting impact he had on the music scene and the lives of those who followed his journey.
As Ireland mourns the loss of a rock legend, Dignam’s contributions to the cultural fabric of the nation will forever be cherished.