TRIBUTES have been paid to Belfast folk musician Ray McAreavey, who will be remembered as a “legendary Irish rebel balladeer”.
A former member of Irish rebel band The Wolfhound, who rose to fame in Ireland during the outbreak of the Troubles, Mr McAreavey died last Friday at his home in south Belfast.
He formed The Wolfhound in 1970 with bandmates Gogie McCullough and Danny Burns, and their first single, The Boys of the Old Brigade, was released in 1972.
The lyrics were given to the group to record by the song’s writer, late west Belfast musician Paddy McGuigan of the band Barlycorn, who famously penned 1971 anti-internment song The Men Behind The Wire.
The Wolfhound’s debut album Freedom Sons was released on Derry Records in 1973.
Mr McAreavey also recorded a solo album of rebel songs, 1976′s The Blood Stained Bandage.
In 2019 he featured in an episode of TG4 show Ceol Chogadh na Saoirse, which charted the history of Irish rebel songs, and discussed how his band was named in honour of Irish mythological hero Cú Chulainn.
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A funeral for the musician will take place at St Brigid’s Church in south Belfast on Thursday.
Newry folk singer Damien Quinn said in a social media post: “RIP to my favorite rebel and ballad singer of all time, the legend that is Ray McAreavey.”
Belfast singer Gary Og wrote of Mr McAreavey: “A legendary Irish rebel balladeer. His music will always be an inspiration to our scene.”
Fan Jim Owen said in a tribute post: “Those who lived through the dark days of the 70s were kept sane (reasonably) by live music in bars and social clubs.
“Foremost amongst the many quality folk and ballad singers was Ray McAreavey. He had a distinctive, raw feel to his voice that delivered tales, messages and protest songs with passion. He’ll be missed.”
