Irish guitar legend Johnny Fean has died at the age of 71.
He has been described as the ‘guitar hero’ of the Celtic rock band, Horslips.
Fean passed away this morning at his home in Shannon, Co Clare.
“For well over 50 years, Johnny was our best friend, our creative collaborator, our guitar hero,” the band said.
“Johnny wasn’t only one of the greatest guitar players ever, he was also the sweetest man in rock and roll. His immeasurable talent won him countless supporters throughout the years. We remain his biggest fans.
“He devoted his life to music, and we’ll be forever thankful that he did.”
Johnny Fean RIP in McGrorys of Culdaff
He will be dearly missed by his wife Maggie, brothers, sisters, and his extended family.
The Horslips was formed in 1970 by Eamon Carr, Jim Lockhart, Charles O’Connor, and Barry Devlin. Fean joined two years later. Their debut, Johnny’s Wedding, was released on St. Patricks Day 1972. . In their trilogy of albums, The Book of Invasions, Aliens and The Man Who Built America, the band explored Irish history and the forging of new frontiers in the new world. With hits such as Dearg Doom and Trouble with a Capital T, the band became infamous for their blend
of Irish trad and rock.
The band were a regular feature in Donegal venues. They played McGrory’s of Culdaff as part of the 2021 Earagail Arts Festival.
Donegal man Micky MacGowan’s memoirs ‘Rotha Mór an tSaoil’ inspired the band to write some of their finest work.
Rest in Peace Johnny Fean.
A master of the trade, an Irish legend who delivered into the Irish psyche forever our most famous guitar riff.
Those of us lucky enough to remember Italia ‘90 owe the soundtrack of that summer to the fingers and soul of Jonny Fean.An incredib… pic.twitter.com/flWpMeJ6J5
— Fiach Moriarty (@Fiachmusic) April 28, 2023
Ah Johnny. You were just magic. Thank you for all the music, the licks, and the brilliance. What a legend. Thoughts with all the #Horslips gang. Ni bheidh a leithead aris ann! #johnnyFean 💚 pic.twitter.com/uHLSbOs3eK
— Sean McPartlin (@SeanMcP) April 28, 2023
