Tributes paid to Irish singer Greg Pearle, who has passed away

Tributes are continuing to pour in from fellow musicians and friends of Greg Pearle, following the sad news that the Dublin-born, Ballina-based singer-songwriter has passed away.

He died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital on Tuesday, October 29, "surrounded by his loving family."

In 2008, Pearle released the acclaimed collaborative album Beautiful You with Dire Straits' co-founding bassist John Illsley. The album – recorded at Mark Knopfler's British Grove Studios in London – also featured contributions from Paul Brady.

"I met Greg by chance – he was playing at a friend's party at a pub in Leicestershire [with his band Cunla]," Illsley told the BBC around the time of the release. "I ended up playing with them that night after a couple of pints. There was no pressure, and that's probably why I enjoyed it so much. I went over to Ireland quite a few times and played with them in pubs and bars and it was a serious amount of fun."

Illsley went on to state that the Irish singer had "a pretty unusual voice, which you don't come across very often".

The album included the single 'One', which was also used as the theme song of the 2008 Irish feature film Anton.

Pearle also fronted various other bands over the years, including The Conspiracy and Against The Storm.

In 1995, the pan-European publication Music & Media reviewed Against The Storm's five-track EP Pain, noting that the band were "widely hailed as Ireland's brightest rock hope since the emergence of Therapy?". The review went on to state the "strong original material, skilful musicianship and lead singer Greg Pearle's great voice should put them in the premier division pretty soon."

Johnny Cronin, of the band Cronin, has shared a tribute to Pearle online, saying he was "heartbroken" to hear the sad news about his "good friend and music companion".

"Greg was one of the greatest singers I have ever met, and his versions of 'My Way', 'The One I Love', 'You Do Something to Me' and Dylan's 'Forever Young' are forever in my head," Johnny wrote.  "Greg taught us a lot, and we had many musical adventures on the road together.

"Condolences to his family and friends," he added. "The last time I saw Greg was in Mullingar and he asked me to take a photograph of him with the angel wings. May you stay forever young Greg. We're going to miss you".

 

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A post shared by Johnny Cronin (@croninjohnny)

In recent years, Pearle performed regularly at Mount Falcon Estate in Co. Mayo. In a tribute shared on social media, the hotel remembered him as "a consummate gentleman, and performer, who graced us with his presence here over the last 5 years."

"The power of his voice was matched by his ability to temper it, giving Greg a nuance only ‘The Greats’ master," their post continues. "As recently as 10 days ago, the resonance of his voice was apparent to us all here listening to him in our foyer. As good as he always was in our summer tent, his performance that night, given the percussion of our gothic hall, can only be described as sublime! 'Our Pearle', will never be forgotten at Mount Falcon. May he now rest in peace."

Listen to Beautiful You below: