Tributes pour in for Belfast's Quiet Arch founder Lyndon Stephens

Lyndon Stephens, a prominent figure in Northern Ireland's music scene, has died. In a statement shared by his record label Quiet Arch, it was revealed that Stephens passed away on Friday morning, January 10, "following a long battle with illness."

"A techno head, a soul brother, a teacher and mentor, a life-long companion and a father, Lyndon left an irreplaceable impact on all our lives," the statement continued, "and we are unspeakably injured and heartbroken at his loss."

As the founder of Belfast-based record label Quiet Arch, Stephens' artists have won the Northern Ireland Music Prize three out of the last four years – with Ryan Vail and Elma Orkestra's Borders (2019), Joshua Burnside's Ephrata (2017) and Ciaran Lavery's Let Bad In (2016). He'll also be remembered for his work as the founder of Champion Sound Music.

Stuart Bailie is among those paying tribute to Stephens, with a obituary on BBC Ulster's Across The Line blog – praising his remarkable work in transforming Belfast's music industry with Quiet Arch.

"It's the greatest legacy," Bailies remarked in the post. "The back catalogue, the humanity, the pushing away of our cultural cringe, the vast number of personal connections and that singular grace. Lyndon Stephens, you were extraordinary. Fly, on wings of speed."

Remembering Lyndon Stephens, 1967-2020. https://t.co/HAz3LQZXVm

— Stuart Bailie (@stu_bailie) January 11, 2020

Paul Connolly of the Wood Burning Savages was "deeply saddened" by his death, and described him as "a beautiful and caring person."

Deeply saddened by the passing of Lyndon Stephens, the driving force behind @QuietArch, an architect of so much music here, a connector of so many people and above all a beautiful and caring person. My thoughts are with his family and his many friends. A titan and gentleman.

— Paul Connolly (@pb_connolly) January 10, 2020

NI Music Prize called him a "giant of the NI music scene."

Rest easy Lyndon Stephens. We will all miss you so much. A giant of the NI music scene. Deepest condolences to Lisa and family, friends and all the artists and team at @QuietArch x pic.twitter.com/ij4zK8v984

— NI Music Prize (@NIMusicPrize) January 10, 2020

Dave Magee of Little Matador and LeFaro also paid tribute.

So very sad to hear of the passing of Lyndon Stephens of @QuietArch on today of all days. Much love to his family and close friends as well as all the artists who worked alongside him. Please give him the send-off he would want at the gig tonight xx https://t.co/FJWO5yEfTw

— Dave Magee (@DaveLaFaro) January 10, 2020

Joe Frankland, PRS Foundation's CEO, described him as "a gentleman".

So sorry to hear of the passing of Lyndon Stephens. Condolences to his family and the hundreds of NI creators and industry friends who will feel this loss. What a gentleman. Rest in peace x https://t.co/IuYDLfxnHV

— Joe (@Joe_Frankland) January 10, 2020

Ciaran Lavery shared a moving tribute: "I will miss my old friend so dearly but in truth, I am truly blessed to have met Lyndon Stephens."

I love you, Lyndon Stephens pic.twitter.com/AZb5sDd9Hn

— Ciaran Lavery (@ciaran_lavery) January 10, 2020

Ryan Vail thanked him "for changing my life."

Lyndon passed away yesterday & tbh its been so so difficult to comprehend. I'm really greatful for the memories we shared together.
RIP Lyndon, thank u for changing my life…. pic.twitter.com/WUOjnHYQIp

— Ryan Vail (@ryan_vail) January 11, 2020

Stephens is survived by his wife Lisa and his children.