“Shining star” Bap Kennedy was one of Ireland’s greatest musicians, a former bandmate has said as tributes continue to roll in for the late Belfast singer-songwriter.
Martin ‘Bap’ Kennedy died on Tuesday aged 54 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind his beloved wife Brenda.
Fellow artists have spoken of a genuine musical talent that will be long remembered after his early passing, five months after receiving his devastating cancer diagnosis.
The west Belfast native – brother of fellow singer Brian Kennedy – shot to fame locally as frontman with rock act Energy Orchard, and the band went on to enjoy success throughout the early 1990s, with their breakthrough hit named after Bap’s home city.
Throughout the band’s lifespan, they toured with such names as Belfast blues king Van Morrison, and following the band’s split, Bap continued to collaborate with luminaries such as Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame.
Both Van Morrison and Knopfler paid tribute.
“Bap was loved by both fans and musicians in equal measure,” Van Morrison said, while in a statement to the Irish News, Mark Knopfler spoke fondly of his time recording and touring with his friend and collaborator.
“This is such sad news. Bap was an extremely talented and committed songwriter who applied himself to his craft at all times,” the ‘Money For Nothing’ singer said.
“I have nothing but happy memories of our days and nights in the studio and out on the road.”
Meanwhile, his former Energy Orchard bandmate Kevin Breslin spoke of how he believed Bap would join the long list of musical greats to have hailed from Ireland and inspired fans and fellow artists both at home and far beyond the island’s shores
The keyboardist was previously in the band 10 Past 7 with Kennedy before the pair moved to London in the 1980s and formed the group that would bring their talent to a wider audience.
“Bap was a shining star who exuded a lot of energy; it’s apt that our band was called Energy Orchard,” Kevin said.
“I knew him from around the age of 17 and I will always cherish the memories of our times together as bandmates, and as friends. He was flower full of nectar, and I think he will be recognised as one of Ireland’s greatest musicians when the history books are written.”
