Aslan to release final studio recording with Christy Dignam

Irish rockers Aslan are releasing their final studio recording with lead singer Christy Dignam as a tribute to their late friend and frontman.

Dignam died on, June 13, ten years after being first diagnosed with a rare illness, amyloidosis. On January 16, Christy and his family issued a statement, revealing that he had been "cared for lovingly by family, with the support of a palliative care team" since December, after spending six months in hospital in 2022.

The Dubliners are now releasing their version of 'The Fields of Athenry', which was recorded before Christy became too ill to perform, on July 20th.

The track was produced by Aslan guitarist and vocalist Joe Jewell and Stuart Gray, and will be released to honour the legendary artist and current Hot Press cover star.

Christy Dignam. Photography: Colm Henry

Aslan were approached by Paul O’Reilly of Dolphin Records to record the ballad in their own unique style.

Guitarist Billy McGuinness commented that the band would never have envisioned that the recording would be their last as a foursome.

"Little did we know when we were in the studio, recording an Aslan version of the Fields of Athenry, that it would be our final time recording with Christy," McGuinness noted. "As usual he recorded an amazing vocal to the track and like so many cover songs that the band have recorded over the years, Christy put his own unique stamp on it."

Aslan by Colm Henry.

Drummer Alan added his own take.

"As we all know Christy loved the ballads and he has sung some brilliant versions of them throughout our years together. This song is iconic to many people across the whole world and we really hope you enjoy our take on this classic song.

"For it to be our last recording with Christy makes it even more special.”

While Joe said the band is happy to be able to share such a special song with everyone, he concluded: "Here is Christy doing another brilliant vocal on one of his favourite songs. We wanted to share it with you all. We hope you all enjoy it and thanks for the amazing support.”

Widely regarded as one of the country’s most universally beloved singers, Christy’s lauded vocals have soundtracked the lives of multiple generations of Irish people – with tracks like ‘Crazy World’ and ‘This Is’ having cemented their status as treasured classics in the Irish song canon since their release in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Revisit Christy Dignam's 1988 Hot Press cover interview here.

Thank you to all at Hot Press Magazine for remembering Christy in this special edition… 🎶❤️🎶 @hotpress pic.twitter.com/XDsWc81PUp

— Aslan (@OfficialAslan) July 10, 2023