'A talented singer, great storyteller and amazing person' - Aslan's Christy Dignam dies at age 63

Aslan frontman Christy Dignam has died at the age of 63. Picture: Moya Nolan

Aslan's Christy Dignam has passed away, his family have confirmed. 

"On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam," his daughter, Kiera wrote on Facebook. 

"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."

In 2013, the singer revealed that he had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder cancer. In January of this year, Dignam's family announced that he was receiving palliative care at home.

Kiera asked people to honour the family's privacy as they grieve and thanked his fans for the love and support they have shown.

Last September, Aslan cancelled a 40th-anniversary gig in the 3Arena due to Christy suffering a health setback. File photo: RollingNews.ie

"Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great storyteller and amazing person," she wrote on the post that was signed - Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family.

President Michael D Higgins led tributes saying people across the country would be filled with great sadness upon hearing of Dignam's passing.

President Higgins praised the "enormous contribution" Dignam and his bandmates made to the cultural life of the nation.

"In addition to their well-loved albums and hit singles such as This Is and Crazy World, Aslan will be remembered in particular for their live shows and their remarkable connection with their audience.

Aslan: Joe Jewell, Alan Downey, Christy Dignam and Billy McGuinness. Picture: Moya Nolan

"Christy was central to that connection, with his passionate performances ensuring a memorable night every time Aslan played – and there were many nights, with Christy and the band showing an endless dedication to touring throughout the country."

The President said that he would personally treasure the memory of a performance from Dignam in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2016.

He said that fans felt they had a personal connection with the singer.

"Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced.

It is hard to believe that he has left us."

Dignam celebrated his 63rd birthday just over two weeks ago.

The singer grew up in Finglas in Dublin and was known not only for his role in the band Aslan but for speaking openly about his struggles with drug addiction.

Last September, the band cancelled a 40th-anniversary gig in the 3Arena due to Christy suffering a health setback.

It had been rescheduled for March 18 this year, however after Christy's family released a statement to say he was receiving palliative care, the band announced all future shows were cancelled.

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

Dignam was known not only for his role in the band Aslan but for speaking openly about his struggles with drug addiction. File photo: RollingNews.ie

In an emotional interview with Ryan Tubridy in April, Dignam said he intended to make the most of life until the day his heart stops.

"I was sitting here one day a few weeks ago and I was looking out the window and this fella walked by, and I thought to myself, 'I'll never do that again. I'll never just go for a walk...' and that sent me into a spiral and I thought about all the things I won't do again,” he said in the interview on The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1.

The singer spoke frankly about dying and leaving his family behind. When asked what jumps out at him when he thinks about life and lets his mind drift, he said: "Just fear, nobody wants to die.

"When I first got diagnosed, I remember praying I was like 'please, just give me 10 more years’ and that 10 years are up now and you're kind of saying, 'I know I only asked for 10 but you couldn't throw another 10 in there could you, yeah?"

Later recalling the time he “flatlined” and was “brought back” in Blanchardstown Hospital, Dignam said he never felt fear like it. One of the things he was most afraid of at that moment was not seeing his family again.

It's the unknown, I suppose. You know, and this is the end and I’ll never see my grandkids again. I’ll never see Kathryn again.” 

One of the happiest moments of his life was the birth of his daughter, Kiera.

“I remember the love hit me that quickly and that suddenly. It nearly knocked me on my feet. Nearly knocked me on my arse. That was an amazing feeling.

As they began to wrap up their conversation, Tubridy asked Dignam if he is happy, sad, or scared. He said: “I’m happy. I get very sad, and I get very scared.” 

Asked if he would like to say anything before they bid farewell, Dignam said: “I love you.”