Team Hot Press is deeply saddened by the passing yesterday of Al Keegan, one of the giants of the Dublin dance scene, who was just 35.
Taking to the 1s and 2s as a teenager, he started with a residency at the Tivoli’s I Love House night, and then partied his way round such venues as Viva, Temple Theatre, Legal Eagle and McGruder’s.
In 2005 he set up Acii Disco, a night that also ran as part of the Electric Picnic, Techfest, Lovebox and Life festivals. He jocked on Kiss FM, founded the AciiTone label and generally made Ireland a more fun place to live and dance in.
The tributes have been flooding in with fellow DJ and promoter Arveene declaring : “I’m hurt by the passing of Al Keegan. He was always full of love, good intentions and life for the right reasons. Did it from the heart, loved everyone equally and was always a great human. Honestly don’t know a person who didn’t hold anything but love for this warrior. He united us trough his parties and introduced me to lots of people who are still dear to me today. My heart is broken by your passing, but your energy and light lives on inside me, your friends, Martina and the kids for ever.... XXX”
Actor and director Emmet Kirwan, who drew on Al’s exploits when writing Dublin Oldschool, reflects: “At a time when people are being kept apart, this man brought so many people together. On this side there's a void space behind the decks. There's an empty space on the dance floor. On the other side one of the best is about to walk into a crowded room, take to the stage and drop some banger of a tune that will have them swinging from the rafters. Al Keegan was a husband a father, a brother, a cousin and a son. A DJ, music producer, club promoter, festival organiser, and the reason half of Dublin danced. And everybody who met him loved him for that and for just being him. The larger than life Dublin DJ legend that he was. Most importantly he was our friend/family and a he was good man. Rest in peace brother. All our thoughts are with Martina and the kids and his family."
Adds promoter Buzz O’Neill: “Just stunned by this news. Al Keegan goes back a long way with everyone in the Dublin clubbing community. We worked on many a venture together, and it was Al who brought me in to The Hub where we still are nearly six years later. At a time when we want to hug Martina and the kids the most, we can’t. Sleep well brother x.”