Christy Dignam has sadly lost his battle with cancer and died at the age of 63.
The Aslan singer had been receiving palliate care at home surrounded by his loving family for the last few months. But earlier today, it was confirmed that he had finally succumbed to the disease he had fought for a decade.
Christy's daughter Kiera announced the sad news earlier this evening. In a post on social media, she said: "On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam. Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.
"We ask that you honour our family's need for privacy during this immensely painful period. Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great story teller and amazing person.
Read more: Aslan frontman Christy Dignam dies aged 63
"We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us. Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family x."
The Finglas man's musical career spanned 40 years and included the huge hits 'This Is' and 'Crazy World' with Aslan. In later years, Christy branched out to explore different musical styles and perform with other artists while also making new music with Aslan. We're taking a look back at some of the legendary singer's finest moments below.
Made in Dublin
Without a shadow of doubt, one of the greatest live albums of all time. The album, which was recorded in Vicar Street features all of Aslan's greatest hits as well as a number of incredible covers, all showcasing the range Christy's amazing voice.
Keeping patients' spirits up
Even while battling illness, Christy was happy to try and raise people's spirits as this lovely video shows. The singer gave a belting performance of Crazy World for those waiting alongside him in hospital when someone broke out a guitar in the waiting room.
Honoured by UCD
Christy was honoured by the UCD Law Society in 2019 and revealed his ambition to host a crime show. He said: “I was actually looking at Donal MacIntyre and he is great. I would love to do a show like that, maybe in the future. I would love to do my own real life crime show. If it was to take off I might even leave Aslan and do it full time."
And speaking about being made an honorary member of the Law Society, Christy added: “It’s great. I did a Q&A and then they presented me with the membership, it was amazing to get it. But I still can’t represent myself if I’m ever charged with anything.”
Lifting the neighbours' spirits during lockdown
Back at the start of lockdown, Christy decided to entertain his neighbours with a socially distanced performance from his front garden in Finglas. And of course the neighbours absolutely loved it.
The stunning Late Late duet with Finbar Furey
Christy appeared on the Late Late Show in 2017 and discussed some of his darker moments as he fought his illness. And he explained how on a particular day when he was feeling down, his friend Finbar Furey, who was also on the show, picked him up. Christy said: "The way it lifted me, it brought me totally out of the slump that I was in." What then followed was a stunning rendition of Green Fields of France which left audiences in awe.
Rest in piece from all of us here at Dublin Live. Leave your tributes and memories of Christy Dignam in our online book of condolence.
Read next:
- Christy Dignam RIP: Aslan and President Higgins lead tributes as legendary singer dies
- Christy Dignam's reflects on happiest moment of his life weeks before death
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