WARM tributes have been paid to the well-known journalist and musician Alan
‘Richie’ Taylor who passed away in Beaumont Hospital last week.
Originally from Raheny but living in the North County Dublin village of Rush, Richie (61) had been seriously ill after suffering a stroke in July.
A formidable guitarist who was affectionately nicknamed
‘Milkboy’, he had been a member of numerous bands since the 1970s such as Rocky DeValera and the Gravediggers, The Wilf Brothers and The Rhythm Kings.
He started his career as a music journalist in the early
’80s writing for In Dublin magazine, before joining the Sunday Press where he worked as the newspaper’s music critic for many years.
Richie had also written for The Sun, The Herald and The Mirror, where he interviewed many big names from the worlds of music and entertainment.
He co-authored a book,
‘Irish Rock: Where It’s Come From, Where It’s At, Where It’s Going’, in the early
’90s. He also co-compiled an album by various homegrown artists,
‘A to Z Irish Rock’.
At a packed ceremony in Glasnevin last week, heartfelt tributes were paid to the journalist by his wife Sandra and his friends.
Among those in attendance was Morah Ryan, wife of the late DJ Gerry. Richie had played in the band at the couple’s wedding.
Richie was described as having a tremendous sense of fun and those who knew him said he was always great company. In an industry often dominated by big egos, he was considered to be a modest gentleman who always had time for everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife and three children, of whom he was immensely proud. He also leaves behind his mother Marion and sister Aisling.
Richie Taylor will be remembered as a legendary figure in the worlds of journalism and music. May he rest in peace.