Christy Dignam: President Michael D. Higgins, Alabama 3, The Script and more pay tribute to Aslan's lead singer

Following the sad news of Christy Dignam's passing this afternoon, aged 63, tributes are pouring in from across Ireland, and the world, for Aslan's beloved lead singer.

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, is among those who have shared their reflections on Christy and Aslan's "enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation."

"In addition to their well-loved albums and hit singles such as ‘This Is’ and ‘Crazy World’, Aslan will be remembered in particular for their live shows and their remarkable connection with their audience," his statement continues. "Christy was central to that connection, with his passionate performances ensuring a memorable night every time Aslan played – and there were many nights, with Christy and the band showing an endless dedication to touring throughout the country.

"As a result, people in nearly every town in Ireland will have their own memories of seeing them play and will feel like they had a personal connection with Christy. Indeed, I will personally remember a typically memorable performance from Christy in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2016.

"Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced.

"It is hard to believe that he has left us.

"May I express my deepest condolences to Christy’s wife Kathryn, to his daughter Kiera, to his bandmates in Aslan, and to his wide circle of family and friends.”

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Christy Dignam https://t.co/H7VHqUKzzl pic.twitter.com/CabHWErESe

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) June 13, 2023

Larry Love of English band Alabama 3 spoke to Hot Press about his memories of Christy.

“I first came across the legend that is Christy Dignam when I stole one of his autobiographies from the bookshop in Shannon airport in 2004," he said. "I was regaled by the stories of him dancing barefoot amidst the rubble of his bad boy behaviour... and living to tell the tale.

"One year later Christy and Aslan kindly donated the use of ‘Crazy World’ for an Alabama 3 track which reignited Alabama 3’s connection to Ireland and to an Irish audience with whom we started our journey in Galway in ‘97," he continued. "We will never forget Christy’s generosity whenever we bumped into each other. I was subsequently blessed to share the magic carpet which adorned the stage whenever Aslan played… but I didn’t take my shoes off!

"In no way did I participate in these bacchanalian antics and felt affronted when the band accused myself and Christy of getting stoned before a gig lol. As a duo, we never made good liars.

"Our thoughts are with his family whom he loved so much and his band members. This crazy world is gonna be a little less crazy now you’ve gone brother. I know you will protect us and hopefully in your honour we can all protect each other a little bit more. RIP Mr. Dignam, and love from Alabama 3 tribe..."

Longtime Aslan crew member John Shiels has this to say: "When I was 17 I used to work in Litton Lane downstairs in The Factory. I would hear a band upstairs rehearsing and wondered who they were. That band was Aslan and the voice was Christy Dignam. Never thought I would end up mixing their sound for 23 years. I cut my teeth with them and learned everything I know
from them. Christy was my brother, my mentor, my hero. I spent most of 23 year together with him. My friend, I will miss you and never forget you. To Christy's family, I’m so sorry for your loss and my condolences to you and your extended family and friends. I love you Disser and will never forget the time we had."

Taking to Twitter, The Script – who lost their lead guitarist Mark Sheehan in April – shared their own tribute to Christy, describing him as "a legend" and "one of a kind".

We’re devastated to hear the news about our friend and hero, Christy Dignam 😔 We were blessed to share the stage with @OfficialAslan Christy in Dublin. We’ve lost a Legend, one of a kind, our thoughts and prayers are with his family RIP Christy 🙏 Danny & Glen.…

— the script (@thescript) June 13, 2023

Presenter and singer-songwriter May Kay remembered Christy as "one of the warmest, most encouraging and interesting people you're ever likely to come across in the business."

See more tributes to Christy Dignam below:

Consistently The best Rock and Roller EVer. Thank you Christy and Aslan for the great times.
Will be forever missed in Limerick.
Condolences to Katherine,his family Billy,Joe, Alan,Tony and Rod.
In Dolans when Aslan were in the Milk Market and Finbar was in Dolans#RIPChristy pic.twitter.com/ZSpM1Sg8Em

— Dolans Limerick (@mydolans) June 13, 2023

Rest In Peace Christy pic.twitter.com/niDE0WQk1C

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) June 13, 2023

All at 3Olympia Theatre are so saddened to hear we’ve lost an absolute legend in Christy Dignam.

We send his beloved family, band mates, management, crew, friends & fans, all the love in the world at this awfully hard time.

Thank you and goodbye Christy❤️ pic.twitter.com/AoxyWJPrfI

— 3Olympia Theatre (@3olympiatheatre) June 13, 2023

God bless Christy Dignam May he rest in peace, and love ❤️ for all eternity and bless his family and friends love Shane #Aslan #ChristyDignam pic.twitter.com/KJycpXzGqr

— Shane MacGowan (@ShaneMacGowan) June 14, 2023

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Christy Dignam. We were always inspired by his talent and passion for music. A true trailblazer for Irish music. RIP Christy pic.twitter.com/WIyipMouMu

— FrankandWalters (@frankandws) June 14, 2023

All at Bohemians would like to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of the great Christy Dignam.

RIP Christy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dcqRFs7Htj

— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) June 13, 2023

Christy Dignam

One of the greatest of them all

Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/vC2bKM0dPL

— RTE Gold (@RTEGold) June 13, 2023

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Christy Dignam. When I interviewed him for my old radio show Songs in the Key of Life some years back, these were the tracks he picked. A great list from a guy whose passion was inspirational. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/9ss2AaYJwQ

— Nadine O'Regan (@NadineORegan) June 13, 2023

My heart is very heavy. My old pal Christy Dignam has died. God love him. We lost a fabulous Dubliner today. My deepest sympathies go out to Kiera and Kathryn and the rest of Christy’s family and his Aslan family https://t.co/nC1gc1Q28N

— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) June 13, 2023

RIP the legend Christy Dignam 💔 pic.twitter.com/PR8XBzb4ZK

— Tandem Felix (@FelixTandem) June 13, 2023

It is rare indeed the world gives us someone who was universally loved as much for himself as for his talent. RIP Christy Dignam, and sympathy to his grieving family.

— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) June 13, 2023