Christy Dignam dead aged 63 as heartbreaking tributes paid to Irish music legend


The 63-year-old Crazy World hitmaker had been receiving palliative care since December after he spent six months in the Beaumont Hospital.

Aslan singer Christy Dignam has passed away, his family have announced.

The 63-year-old Crazy World hitmaker had been receiving palliative care since December after he spent six months in the Beaumont Hospital.

Christy had been battling amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder since 2013, but last July, the star was admitted to hospital under the care of the Haematology and Cardiac Care team.

The Finglas native was discharged from hospital in December, and his family announced in January he was receiving palliative care.

In a statement on Facebook, Christy’s daughter Keira said: “On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam. Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.

“We ask that you honour our family’s need for privacy during this immensely painful period.

“Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great story teller and amazing person.

“We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us.

“Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family x”

Last September the band cancelled a 40th anniversary gig in the 3Arena due to Christy suffering a health set back.

In July 2022, Christy was admitted to Beaumont Hospital and spent six months in the care of the Haematology and Cardiac Care team.

Since December, he’s been at home with his family and a palliative care team.

In a statement, his daughter Kiera Dignam said:

“On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam.

“Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.

“We ask that you honour our family’s need for privacy during this immensely painful period.

“Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great story teller and amazing person.

“We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us.”

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and has been receiving palliative care at home since last December.

President Michael D. Higgins has been leading tributes to the Aslan frontman.

In a statement ge said for 40 years, he and his bandmates made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation.

President Higgins said people in nearly every town in Ireland will have their own memories of seeing them play – and he even mentioned a performance by Christy Dignam in the Áras in 2016.

President Michael D Higgins concluded the statement by saying – “it is hard to believe that he has left us.”