Dublin musician Glenn Keating, known for work with Jape, HousePlants, Bell X1 and The Redneck Manifesto, has died

Tributes are pouring in this evening, following the sad news of the death of Dublin multi-instrumentalist, producer and sound designer Glenn Keating – known for his work in bands like Jape and The Redneck Manifesto; as a touring member of Bell X1 and HousePlants; and under the moniker BoNs Synth Ensemble.

Keating passed away peacefully at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin today, March 4. He had been diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer in 2020.

In April 2025, to coincide with Daffodil Day, Bell X1 released a special video for their track 'Spacewalk', inspired by Keating's journey.

“We have made music with Glenn since 2015, when making the Arms record, and he’s been part of the live band since," Paul Noonan said at the time. "Glenn is a thoughtful, funny, musically intuitive and gifted dude – who happens to have had the terrible luck of getting cancer. Since his diagnosis in 2020 he has continued to be all of these things, and to bring his infectious positive energy to the band, while going through multiple courses of chemotherapy and other treatment.

"Making music with others – from the giddy rehearsal set-up chats and nerding-out over new gear, to the moments of collective transcendence, is a profound thing. We find ourselves tremendously moved by Glenn’s continued open-hearted commitment to this, and his willingness to talk about his journey in the interests of raising awareness and funds for cancer charities. 'Spacewalk' is an attempt to speak to this, to our love for Glenn.”

Glenn, alongside his brothers Tony and Cormac, had also raised nearly €14,000 for the Irish Cancer Society with his 'Coast 2 Coast Cycle' campaign.

Speaking to the Irish Cancer Society last year, the Dublin musician shared the following:

“You know the phrase ‘the squeaky wheel gets the oil?’ I have discovered this is definitely true. It’s hard to advocate for yourself, but when it comes to ill health and cancer, you have to learn how to do it. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions, ask what something means or push for answers. If you catch things early enough, it can make a massive difference. Don’t be afraid to be a squeaky wheel.”

Keating is survived by his wife Leda, and his sons Arlo and Llewyn.

For funeral arrangements, see here.