David Coyle RIP

Hot Press was saddened to learn of the recent passing of David Coyle, co-founder of Dublin rockers Hurricane Johnny and the Jets, who were among the city’s most popular live outfits in the early 1980s. The band regularly sold out dates at the now-legendary Magnet Bar on Pearse St, and had a substantial following with both the general public and their fellow Dublin musicians, generated in no small fashion by David’s energetic performances on keyboards.

David continued his involvement in music throughout the ‘90s, playing with Dave and the Bee-Bops, before re-forming ‘The Jets for a successful Shelter residency last year. His alternative career as a businessman included a spell as an accountant, an interest in a Galway health club and a stint in band management, while he had also latterly been involved with Pat Murphy in developing a ground-breaking portable concert venue housed in a marquee contained on a flat-bed truck. Dave’s When I Grow Up album was released in 1994.

David, a keen athlete, ex-captain of Landsdowne Rugby Club and a veteran of 18 marathon events, died on Sunday, March 24th after a massive heart-attack, which occurred when he had just completed an uphill run with friends at the Hellefire Club in Co. Dublin. He was 58 years old, a non-smoker and had previously been in excellent health.

He was buried at Shanganagh cemetery in Shankhill on Wednesday, Februrary 27th, at a service which was attended by many public figures, as well as numerous musicians, upon whom he had made such an impression. Among the mourners were Dessie O’Malley, Harry Crosbie and ex-In Tua Nua man Paul Byrne, who had been producing David’s latest album.

Hot Press extends our heartfelt sympathies to David’s family, friends and fans.