Dónal Lunny, ‘colossus of Irish music’, dies aged 79
Renowned Irish musician and producer Dónal Lunny has passed away at the age of 79. A founding member of influential bands like Planxty and The Bothy Band, he was celebrated for his innovative contributions to Irish folk music.
Why it matters
Lunny is widely credited with transforming the sound of Irish traditional music, most notably by introducing the bouzouki to the genre.
Dónal Lunny performs on stage at the Manchester Apollo in April 1999. Dónal Lunny performs on stage at the Manchester Apollo in April 1999. Folk music Dónal Lunny, ‘colossus of Irish music’, dies aged 79 Founding member of Planxty, Lunny went on to play for bands such as Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin
Prefer the Guardian on Google The Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny has died at the age of 79 from cancer.
Lunny rose to prominence in the band Rakes of Kildare alongside Christy Moore and his brother Frank. He went on to play in bands such as Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin among others and toured the world.
A post on his Facebook page confirmed that Lunny died in St James’s hospital in Dublin on Friday morning.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Dónal Lunny, Trailblazer of Traditional Irish Music, Dies at Age 79
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