Harpist Bell ‘will be sadly missed’

FLAUTIST Sir James Galway yesterday led the tributes to Chieftains’ harpist Derek Bell who died unexpectedly.

Galway, a friend of Belfast-born Bell since they were students together at the Royal College of Music, said the passing was a great tragedy: “Derek was an essential member of the Chieftains professionally and personally. He occupied an unique position in the music world and retained a real passion for folk music and will be sadly missed.”

Mr Bell, 67, who was honoured with an MBE, died yesterday during a recovery period from minor surgery in the United States.