Christy Dignam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christy Dignam
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Dignam onstage circa 2004
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christopher Dignam |
| Born | 23 May 1960 Finglas, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 13 June 2023 (aged 63) |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocalist |
| Years active | 1980–2023 |
| Labels | EMI |
| Associated acts | Aslan, Dignam & Goff |
Christopher Dignam (23 May 1960 – 13 June 2023) was an Irish singer who was best known as the lead singer of the popular Irish rock band Aslan. His career of over 40 years was characterised by numerous successes on the Irish charts.
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Early life
Born at Holles Street Hospital in Dublin on 23 May 1960, Dignam grew up in the north Dublin suburb of Finglas. He studied the classical art of bel canto singing with teacher Frank Merriman at the Bel Canto House School of Singing in Dublin.
Music career
Dignam formed a precursor of Aslan called Meelah XVIII. A review in Hot Press of a gig to shut a toxic dump in Finglas said "What a great singer!" Meelah XVIII created a recording for The Dave Fanning Show on RTÉ Radio 2 in 1980. The Meelah XVIII songs "Toy Soldier" and "Meelah Pt. 2" were included on the Aslan triple CD, The "Rarities" disc from The Platinum Collection. Meelah XVIII musicians were Dignam, Tony Talbot, Mick McKenna, Joe Jewell, and Gerry Conlon.
As Aslan singles "This Is", "Please Don't Stop", "Loving Me Lately", "Pretty Thing" and "Feel No Shame" and the album "Feel No Shame" became popular, Dignam's relationship with his bandmates was becoming strained and this became a contributing factor to him leaving the band.
On 7 September 1988, The Star newspaper ran with the headline "ASLAN: IT'S THE END", informing the public of Dignam's separation from Aslan. The remaining members of the band continued as Aslan for some time with new lead singer Eamon Doyle, before the band changed its name to Precious Stones with vocalist Dave McGinly. Dignam went solo with guitarist Conor Goff, forming Dignam & Goff.
However, on 11 July 1993, Aslan reformed, for what was supposed to be a "once off gig" at a friend's party in Finglas. With a reignited spark and new material, Aslan continued to become one of Ireland's most successful bands. Their studio albums include Feel No Shame, Goodbye Charlie Moonhead, Here Comes Lucy Jones and Waiting for the Madness To End. They have had two "best of" albums: Shame About Lucy Moonhead and the triple album The Platinum Collection. They have also had a best-selling live album Made in Dublin and an official bootleg album (available at gigs) called Aslan Live at the Olympia, which featured appearances from Jerry Fish, Relish and Damien Rice.
In October 2021, his debut solo album The Man Who Stayed Alive was released by Sony Music Ireland and charted at number 7 on the Official Charts Company's Irish Albums Chart Top 50.
Personal life
Dignam was married for more than 37 years to his wife Kathryn, and had a daughter, Kiera Dignam, who is also a singer. He had two grandsons, Cian and Jake and a granddaughter, Ava. He wrote an autobiography (with Damian Corless), My Crazy World, published worldwide by Simon & Schuster in September 2019.
Health
Diagnoses
Dignam was initially admitted to hospital with a suspected chest infection; this progressed to pneumonia.
After numerous tests were carried out in March 2013, he was diagnosed with both amyloidosis and myeloma. He underwent chemotherapy for the condition and received treatment for amyloidosis, however he continued to perform and make public appearances until his condition worsened.
On 16 January 2023, his family announced that Dignam was home since December 2022 and receiving palliative care.
Death
Dignam died at home on 13 June 2023, at the age of 63.
