Noel Redding, best known for his work as the bass player for the Jimi Hendrix Experience and as lead singer for the Noel Redding Band, passed away 18 years ago today. The bassist performed and wrote songs on legendary albums such as Are You Experienced and Electric Ladyland, and spent the later years of his life in Clonakilty in West Cork.

Today, DeBarra's Folk Club, a renowned Clonakilty live music venue and bar, commemorated him as part of a new section on their website. Aiming to preserve and report "the oral history of the music venue, as well as their wider community's musical stories and memories," Dave Lorden paid tribute to Redding in a heartfelt piece entitled, Magically Real: Noel Redding in West Cork.

Paddy Keenan, Bobby Blackwell, and Noel Redding at DeBarras

Lordan enthused that while Redding never claimed credit for his involvement in the West Cork music scene, his role was integral in helping it to thrive and grow in the late 80s and early 90s.

"Noel in no sense comported himself as if he were superior stock to us locals, but as one who was here precisely because we afford no such superiority to the artistic personality or any other kind of personality," he wrote.

Redding left the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1969, having featured on all three of their studio albums.

His former home in Ardfield has recently become a luxury holiday home, with guests able to stay nightly in the house for €750 at the cheapest option.

DeBarra's Folk Club has also announced a new membership scheme for fans of the venue and West Cork music scene to join. Supporters of the venue can visit debarra.ie to become a member to receive "exclusive merch" and "early bird options for tickets".

The venue has also been hosting online concerts and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring acts like The Mary Coughlan Trio and John Spillane.