The Irish music community continues to pay tribute to Jim Tate, following news of his passing. Tate was a well known presence at The National Concert Hall in Dublin, having worked at the venue for 33 years. He was also a bass player, who featured with numerous Irish artists and bands over the course of his career, including Eleanor McEvoy, the BTs, The Mary Stokes Band and Toy With Rhythm.

The National Concert Hall are among those who have paid tribute to their "wonderful colleague and friend", going on to note that they "are devastated."

"Jim worked at the NCH for 33 years and we're sure that if you were backstage at any point, you would have encountered the ever-smiling, helpful, accommodating and hard-working Jim who had the best jokes for every occasion," the NCH wrote online. "He was the reassuring face to every artist as they were about to go on stage. Whilst Jim loved his work at the NCH, he was never happier than when he had his bass in his hands and played with numerous well-known artists and bands over his long musical career.

"Jim, you will be sorely missed by everyone," the statement continues. "We send our condolences to Debbie and Darragh and Jim's wider family and huge circle of friends on this sad day. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

pic.twitter.com/n0ULW1BteQ

— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) June 13, 2022

Sharing the news on Twitter, Tate's friend and former band mate Eleanor McEvoy noted that she was "beyond sad."

"A member of my first proper band, his bass glissando is the very first sound you hear on A Woman's Heart," she wrote. "My heart goes out to Debbie and to their son Darragh. Jim – it was a pleasure."

Am beyond sad to say that my friend & former band mate Jim Tate has just passed away. A member of my first proper band, his bass glissando is the very first sound you hear on “A Woman’s Heart” My heart goes out to Debbie & to their son Darragh.
Jim - it was a pleasure 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cbn8IHt2lA

— Eleanor McEvoy (@eleanormcevoy) June 13, 2022

Irish singer Mary Stokes has also shared her memories of Tate.

"He was phenomenally well known and loved in the Irish music scene," she commented. "A member of so many bands – from the BTs (Joe Savino), Toy With Rhythm, significantly with Eleanor McEvoy, Lá Bata. As well as playing with The Mary Stokes Band, he played with The Edsel Boys, Absolutely Yo, with Brian and a myriad of other bands.

"Brian and I have been shocked, saddened and in grief at the news. Then, just as suddenly, we have a memory of Jim that is one of myriad moments of laughter, of word play, music talk, shite talk, music playing, mad, wild sessions disturbing poor neighbours with abandon, and gigs entertaining punters and ourselves – and more over the course of years… Years of sessions in flats and clubs and bars and venues and back to another session; late into the night, full of life, bursts of laughter, music, music, and more craic.

"Our most sincere condolences to his wife, Debbie, to his son Darragh, and to everyone in the strikingly large community of people who knew, loved and respected Jim over those long years; the big grin, the “Howerye” the playing, the brilliant musicianship, and the craic. Rest Jim."

Phil MacSheoinín, technical manager at the National Opera House, has described Tate as "a legend of the industry."

Saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Tate.
Jim was a stalwart @NCH_Music and a legend of the industry. A finer man you couldn’t meet.

He’ll be sadly missed.
🎼

— Phil MacSheoinín (@MacSheoinin_) June 13, 2022

Tate's funeral took place today at the Church of St Paul of the Cross, Mount Argus. See more tributes below:

A number of weeks back I learned from the son of an old orchestra colleague of mine, an older man, that Johnny had passed away. Not unexpected at his age. A lovely, lovely gentleman .. and his son was the very same.

Today I learned that his son has followed him 💔#RIP Jim Tate

— A Band Called Paul - "Alive" w/ Joel I.D., June 29 (@aBandCalledPaul) June 13, 2022

2 of 2

I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to a beautiful man who always put a smile on my face even if the camera didn't always catch it. He will never be forgotten. Thinking of his wife Debbie and his son Darragh.

RIP dear Jim
Kieran x 💔#jimtate

— The Remedy Club (@club_remedy) June 13, 2022

The Chamber Choir Ireland team are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Tate, a real gentleman who was always so generous in lending a hand to others. Sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at the National Concert Hall. https://t.co/0AzUWB44Wd

— Chamber Choir Ireland (@ChamberChoirIre) June 14, 2022