Fergus O'Farrell tribute gig announced in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

The Gold Collective have announced a Fergus O'Farrell tribute gig in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, set for February 6, 2027 at Coughlan's Bar in Cork.

The tribute act will be supported by Cork singer-songwriter Dáithí Shanahan.

The show will honour the legacy of O'Farrell and his band Interference, which he formed in 1984. The late singer fronted the group until his death in 2016, when the spot was taken over by Glen Hansard - whom O'Farrell was close with.

O'Farrell passed away unexpectedly at home on February 2, 2016, aged 48. O'Farrell suffered with muscular dystrophy, a condition that slowly breaks down a person's muscle tissue causing progressive weakness. The disease forced him to rely on a wheelchair from his twenties onward.

All proceeds from the show will go to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. The group are also taking donations from anyone who cannot make it.

O'Farrell is known for his song 'Gold', which achieved global recognition when it was featured in the Oscar-winning film and subsequent Tony-winning musical Once.

Along with Interference, he toured and recorded with other alternative groups such as Dog Tail Soup and the electronica outfit Avian Attak.

Following his death, a documentary was released in 2020 titled Breaking Out. Directed by Michael McCormack over a ten-year filming period, the film chronicled O'Farrell's life and musical journey.

Before that, in 2018, Trinity College Dublin awarded him Honourary Patronage in recognition of his contributions to Irish culture.

His sister, Lydia Little, also published a book, Overload: a Brother, a Wake, and a Secret, detailing his final days, his funeral and the art he left behind.

Donations can be made here.

Tickets are on sale now here.

 

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