Bagatelle singer Liam Reilly has died at 65

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Liam Reilly, the lead singer of the Irish band Bagatelle, has died at 65.

The family of the pianist, singer and composer confirmed his death today in a statement.

“With sad hearts, the family of Bagatelle musician, composer and frontman Liam Reilly wishes to confirm that he passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on January 1, 2021.”

Liam Reilly was the lead singer of the Irish band Bagatelle for over 40 years.

The statement read: “We know that his many friends and countless fans around the world will share our grief as we mourn his loss, but we celebrate the extraordinary talent of the man whose songs meant so much to so many.”

The family has asked for privacy as they deal with his passing.

“We ask that you respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time,” the statement read.

Bagatelle backstage at the “Self Aid” concert in aid of the unemployed in Ireland, at the RDS, Dublin, on May 17, 1986. From left to right; John O’Brien, Ken Doyle, Wally McConville, and Liam Reilly.

Originally from Dundalk in Co Louth, Liam Reilly led the Bagatelle band for over 40 years.

The band created the hits Summer in Dublin, Trump Card and Second violin, along with many others.

Reilly and Wally McConville formed the band in August 1978 with bassist Ken Doyle and guitarist John O’Brien joining the group.

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Writing on Facebook book Irish musician Gerry Madigan recalled pitching Summer in Dublin with Bagatelle to The Late Late Show.

He said: “I can vividly remember the day in 1980 when I released Bagatelle with your song, Summer in Dublin, to Adrian Cronin, producer of RTE’s The Late Late Show.

“I remember that night in the Green Room when they released that single on the show, the last show of that current season with Foster and Allen as the other musical guest. And the rest is history. The band enjoyed phenomenal success for the next 40 years. , and Liam won worldwide recognition as a songwriter. “

He added: “He gave the world such amazing songs, shared his talents generously, and those songs and his music will last forever, music never dies.

“Thank you Liam for your magnificent contribution to the Irish music scene. May you rest in peace.”

The Wolfe Tones also paid tribute to the “master songwriter.” Posting on Twitter, they said: “We are very sorry for the passing of Liam Reilly de Bagatelle. A master composer, Streets of New York, Flight of the Earl’s, Boston Rose + many more, condolences to the family and friends, At the right hand of God was his soul …. “

In 1990, Reilly represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song, Somewhere in europe. He came in second along with French entry Joëlle Ursull. Italy claimed victory with Together: 1992 scored by Toto Cutugno.

Reilly also composed Ireland’s Eurovision Song Contest in 1991. Kim Jackson performed his song Could it be that I’m in love? which was ranked 10th in the competition.



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