U2 Join Tribute to Christy Dignam in Dublin

It was one of those crazy, memorable nights. Dublin’s Olympia Theatre was packed to the rafters as stars of the Irish music industry, and fans of infamous Dublin group Aslan alike, turned out in huge numbers to support the band's frontman Christy Dignam, who is undergoing treatment of cancer.

All proceeds from 'A Night For Christy' – which was streamed live to pubs and clubs around the world – will go towards covering Dignam’s on-going medical expenses as he continues his courageous battle against two forms of blood cancer.

Tributes for the charismatic frontman poured in throughout the evening, including live, streamed performances and messages from fellow Dubs, U2 and Damien Dempsey. Bono and his U2 cohorts triumphantly covered Aslan’s 1986 hit ‘This Is’ live from the Electric Lady Studio in New York City, where they are currently putting the finishing touches to their album, which is currently slated for release later this year.

The music kicked-off at the Olympia with Royseven’s Paul Walsh to the fore, followed by up and coming singer-songwriter Gavin James, Hot Press faves The Riptide Movement and Dignam's fellow Northsiders, Jedward, who were among a plethora of young Dublin artists who momentarily stood in Christy’s shoes and sang Aslan classics.

The broad appeal of the legendary Finglas rockers was reflected in a line-up that was impressively diverse and read like a who's who of recent Irish rock heroes, including Steve Wall of The Stunning, The Corona’s Danny O’Reilly, The Original Rudeboys, Bressie, Jerry Fish, Ryan Sheridan, Gavin Friday, Horslips, The Dublin Gospel Choir, Paul Brady, Adrian Kennedy, Mary Black, Don Mescall, Mark Feehily and Tom Dunne of Something Happens, now a presenter with Newstalk, who in his heyday was a rock 'n' roll contemporary of Dignam's.

Between performances, former Virgin Prunes’ frontman and artist Guggi read out messages of love and support from Aslan fans around the world. He also welcomed Today FM’s Tony Fenton to the stage to say a few words. Fellow Northsider Fenton, who is also fighting cancer, was himself in fine fettle. “When we win this battle we’ll meet at The Bottom Of The Hill for a pint,” he promised, to roars from the adoring crowd

The biggest cheer of the night was saved for the man himself. Following a heartfelt rendition of ‘This Time’ by daughter Kiera and shouts of “Christy, Christy, Christy,” from the crowd, the legendary frontman showed everybody exactly how it should be done.

Dignam expressed his appreciation of the collective effort that had gone into making last night such a success, personally thanking his band-mates and everybody who made the night possible, before whipping off his suit jacket and launching straight into the ultimate Aslan anthem, ‘Crazy World’, as if he’d never been away. With the crowd still in full voice Dighnam left the stage promising to “See you all again soon.”

Hopefully we will, Christy. Get well soon.