Tributes pour in following the passing of “patron saint of Irish music” Liam Norton

Tributes from the Irish music community are pouring in for the “patron saint of Irish music” Liam Norton, who passed away on Friday following a heart attack.

Described by Enola Gay’s Joe McVeigh as “a full-time champion of Irish music,” Norton was one of Ireland’s most beloved crew members. “His life was so symbiotic with music,” McVeigh added.

Sharing their “deepest sympathies and condolences” with Norton’s family, Enola Gay wrote: “The world just turned its juke box down from 11.

"Liam Norton was one of the most passionate people we’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing throughout this crazy journey. If you’ve ever been to a gig of an Irish band then you will know his face, unless you were stood at the back as Liam was always at the front living his life to the fullest engulfed in the present, alongside his gig buddy and daughter Shanna. There was never a quiet moment with Liam, even when he wasn’t blasting some band he was dying for you to hear. He lived off energy and gave it all til the end.

"Liam Norton was the patron saint of Irish music.

"Without him, so many opportunities wouldn’t have happened as he drove us across Ireland, the UK & Europe. The lifetime memories that followed wouldn’t exist either.

"Liam Norton, you were a titan but also a big kid at heart.

"We love you mate. 'All the feckin’ way.'"

 

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Gurriers wrote: “From sticky floored bars to massive sold out arenas Liam would be with a band he loved through thick and thin. Losing him is like losing a part of Dublin to me, he believed in Gurriers since day one when we didn't even believe in ourselves. He would help all bands he loved by buying their merch going to their gigs, and even driving them all over Europe or the UK, there is not many people who are that nice in this world and Liam was one of a kind, we love and we will always miss him. Every gig we do from now on we will remember Liam.”

Fontaines D.C’s Deego also offered a tribute, saying: “Music has never been just about bands, it’s also about community and shared passion. His loss makes this even clearer, because he embodied those values in such a carefree and easy manner. Being supportive came so effortlessly to him and without thought, not just for his generous driving of young bands around the country and beyond, but also for his dedication to being a kind face in the crowd, no matter how big or small it was. Rest easy Liam x”

Tributes were also offered by Sprints, who called Norton “a legend for supporting Irish music. When he wasn't helping out bands he was at gigs anyway and he'd often be the first person to tell you about a new Irish band just starting out. Liam had an infectious enthusiasm for music and he'll be sorely missed in the local scene, thank you for everything over the years and Rest in peace x”

Singular Artists’ Simon Merriman said: “I’m deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Liam, a true music lover and a familiar face at countless shows. No matter where in the country, he was always there in the front row, supporting Irish acts and championing the next young artist coming through. His presence at gigs was always so positive. You knew if Liam was there, he’d be right up the front, cheering on the artist and always in early to support the opening acts as well. Liam was there for so many bands at their very first shows, always in the audience, always buying merch and never asking for guestlist. He genuinely wanted to give back to the artists he loved. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra’s Sarah Deegan offered: “Liamo had a heart of gold. Always an enthusiastic supporter of the music scene, he was happy to help any up and coming band, from driving to selling merch to simply spreading the word. You’d always know the gig was about to be lit when you saw his big Irish head in the front row, moshing away in his Enola Gay tshirt. Gone far too soon, Liam’s death is a huge loss for the music community. He won’t be forgotten. Rest in peace.”

Owner of Mike the Pikes Aiden O’Connor also gave a tribute to Norton, calling him “a legend of the Irish music scene.. from attending an incredible amount of gigs to buying merch, promoting new up and coming bands to everyone and even driving bands to gigs.. Liam Norton did it all.. I first met Liam through or mutual love of Fontaines DC and he introduced me to so many bands... whenever we met or a text.. “have you heard of.. unreal..” be it Enola Gay, Gurriers or anyone in between… Liam travelled down to Mike the Pies for Bullet Girl (on the roof), for NewDad, Enola Gay, Turnstiles, Meryl Streak etc.. a lot of the time Liam would buy a ticket but wouldn’t attend but made sure he supported the gig…

"I last met Liam at Fontaines in Finsbury Park in July with Mark Deegan and he was as enthusiastic as ever.. Off he went towards the Mosh pit.. see ye later..

"The Irish music scene is a sad place tonight with the loss of a legend.. Rest in peace Liam.. you’ll be missed.”

NewDad said: “We send our deepest condolences to Liam Norton's family and friends. We know he touched the lives of so many people, us included and we’re so upset to hear of his passing. Our first proper gig we ever played in Belfast, Liam was there and he was so enthusiastic and encouraging in our early days when we had no idea what we were doing and continued to show endless support. He always showed up for all of the Irish artists and made us feel seen. He became a very friendly face in our crowds in Ireland and beyond. He was a true champion of Irish bands and Irish music, always looking to lend a hand. He will be dearly remembered by everyone in the Irish music scene. Thank you Liam for all the joy, laughs and endless love.”

Meryl Streek also offered his sympathies, writing: “I have never met anyone like Liam and highly doubt I ever will again. The music scene has lost such a kind and gentle soul, someone who thrived on supporting local music and seeing the best happen for up and coming bands. Liam drove 7 or 8 of my tours and we spent a lot of time together. We talked about anything and everything, slept on floors across the UK and Europe, ran to catch flights, got stuck broken down on the side of roads, stole crisps and tea bags from every dressing room at any given opportunity, went on hikes with his dogs and hustled selling Merch at any gigs played.

"He was even in my music videos and we shot scenes at his house. He loved being part of a community with a mutual love for music. I’d never message him about going to gigs as I knew he’d already be at it. I’m going to miss him dearly and miss his antics. He was one of a kind by a mile and a good friend to me and unfortunately has left us far too soon. Meryl Streek was just as much his as it is mine and he’ll be missed so much. RIP Liam you legend.”

 

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Finally, YARD said that Norton “was always a welcome face at a gig and the person to go to for the next upcoming band,” adding that "The Independent Irish Music Scene has lost one of its greatest supporters. He will be missed, but his presence never forgotten.”