Calvinists bassist Taidhg Burke dies in car crash

Hot Press were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Taidhg Burke, the immensely talented bass player and vocalist with The Calvinists.

Burke was in the back seat of a car that struck a pole in Bantry's Bridge Street at around 4am on Sunday morning. The 32-year-old was taken by ambulance to Bantry General Hospital but passed away at around midday on Tuesday.

A hugely gifted musician and songwriter, and an utterly charming individual in person, he graced the cover of Hot Press when his band won the South Regional Final of the Guinness Play On The Day last year, making it to the National Final. Reporting on their performance in Cyprus Avenue that night, HP's Liobhán O'Hora noted that The Calvinists were "really special", a view shared by all those who have seen them.

The Calvinists have released a statement for their fans:

“Dear Friends, We are deeply saddened to bring you the news that Taidhg Burke, our bass player, friend & brother has passed away from injuries he sustained in a car accident on Sunday morning,” they said in a message to fans.
“This is obviously a very sad & difficult time for his family, the band and his friends. Taidhg was so loved by everyone who knew him. He was a fantastic songwriter, bass player, performer and friend.
“Taidhg’s family and the band would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support in this extremely difficult time. Taidhg will be in our hearts forever and words can’t even express how much we will miss him.
“His mother Sandie has asked us to send her love to you all and asked that everyone please please take a lesson from this tragedy, to stay safe on the roads, wear a seat belt and please try to make the right decision when driving at all times.”

This morning, Taidhg's mother Sandie released a statement of her own:

"I am reaching out with all of my heart to all of you who are hurting so so deeply now that our beloved Taidhg has passed over. The grief is hard to bear, but together, we can and we must come through this. He would want us to be strong, and to remind us all that he really is only in the next room, filled with the most beautiful music!
"As his "Mambo", I especially reach out to all of his beloved friends and fans...He will always be a part of us, with every sunrise and sunset. In his short time here, he gave us all so so much didn't he! I want you all to know that Taidhg, my beloved, was an organ donor. His glorious heart was flown to Dublin last night, and as a result of his own thoughtful generosity, I received the news this morning, that nine people have been given a new lease to life!!! Isn't that just wonderful!!!
"I urge you all to get an organ donor card. It is such a wonderful comfort to know his heart now beats again and gives life to another soul who would have otherwise died. What a lucky person to receive that wonderful gift! The heart of such a great man! It is a tough road ahead for all of us who adored him. Mind yourselves won't you? Hug and support each other especially now. My heart is with you all. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart,for all the most beautiful messages and emails I have received.
"This mornings newspapers carry all the details of how we wish to celebrate Taidhgs life. Think of him with pure love, for as sure as the sun rises in the sky, we will all meet him again when our own time arrives...Just listen out for that old double bass with his two strong arm wrapped around it! He has many loved ones where he lives now, and I have no doubt whatsoever that he is welcomed with a mighty applause! God bless you all, and keep you safe from harm! Heartfelt love from all of my family....Sandie xxx"

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the single-vehicle incident – or those with information about it – to contact them at Bantry Garda station on 027-20860

A loss that will be keenly felt in the Cork music scene and around the country, our thoughts go out to his family, friends and bandmates at this time. Now let's take a moment to remember and celebrate the massive contribution Taidhg made during his all-too-brief time with us...