Horslips guitarist Johnny Fean has died earlier today, the legendary Celtic rock band has announced.
The Limerick-born musician joined Horslips soon after it formed in 1970 in Dublin. The band’s best know tracks included Dearg Doom and Trouble with a Capital T. Fean’s iconic guitar riff on Dearg Doom was sampled for the Irish soccer team’s 1990 World Cup song Put ‘Em Under Pressure.
The band announced Johnny's death at the age of 71 on their Facebook page this afternoon. They wrote: “Horslips are deeply saddened to announce the passing of band member Johnny Fean who died this morning at his home in Shannon.
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“For well over 50 years Johnny was our best friend, our creative collaborator, our guitar hero. Johnny wasn’t only one of the greatest guitar players ever, he was also the sweetest man in rock and roll.
"His immeasurable talent won him countless supporters throughout the years. We remain his biggest fans. He devoted his life to music, and we’ll be forever thankful that he did."
The hit-makers expressed their "heartfelt" condolences to Fean’s wife Maggie, brothers Ray, Donal, Shearie, sisters Gail and Coma, and his extended family. They ended the announcement, saying: "Johnny will be sorely missed."
Horslips’ hey day was in the 70s but they broke up in 1980. However, the band reformed in 2009 to play occasional gigs.
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