Aslan’s Fitzy passes away

ASLAN have expressed their sadness at the passing of the band’s keyboard player Patrick ‘Fitzy’ Fitzpatrick last week.

Patrick died peacefully following a battle with liver cancer.

Just three weeks ago he had played with the band at a gig in the Cork Opera House and had stayed up later for drinks with his Aslan pals and wife Rebecca.

Warm tributes were paid to the talented musician.

“We have great memories of all the great gigs we did together, Vicar Street, Made in Dublin Revisited last Christmas, The Olympia on St Paddy’s eve, the INEC Killarney and lots more,” the band said when breaking the news on their Facebook page.

“We will miss you Pat, RIP from all in the Aslan camp, Christy, Alan, Joe, Billy, Rod, Svenn, Mark, Smokie, Edgee, Archie and Frank.”

Christy Dignnam’s daughter Kiera also took to Facebook to express her sadness at Fitzy’s passing, describing him as “an unbelievably talented musician, family friend and the sixth member of Aslan”.

“I’ve had the pleasure to sing on stages with him behind me more then once,” she added.

“It’s a very hard day for all his family and friends who have watched him fight so hard! RIP Fitzy x.”

Patrick Fitzpatrick had been with Aslan for over 20 years and featured on all the bands recordings and gigs during that time. He also played with several other bands and musicians including Something Happens, The Blades and Van Morrison.

Brian Foley of The Blades also paid tribute to the keyboardist who was classically trained and had attended the Royal College of Music in London.

“Pat became an honorary ‘Blade’ in 1983,” he said. 

“Pat would go on to play with Van Morrison, become musical director on ‘the Late Late show’ (during Pat Kenny’s stint), and work with George Martin on a Beatles tribute show in the NCH among many other musical highlights.

“Still, barely three weeks ago, even though he was very ill, he insisted on playing with us in Whelan’s and that was the measure of this beautiful man. A musician to the very end. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Radio presenter, Tom Dunne of Something Happens, tweeted: “Sad to say that we lost Pat Fitz today, a great friend and gifted piano player. Been sharing stages all over the world with him since 1990.”