Northern Ireland

Tributes paid to Belfast-born musician Joe Cassidy following his death in Chicago

Joe Cassidy passed away last week
Joe Cassidy passed away last week Joe Cassidy passed away last week

BELFAST-born musician Joe Cassidy was last night described as a "profoundly gifted and hard-working" individual following his death in the United States.

The singer and songwriter, who was behind the band Butterfly Child, died suddenly in Chicago on Thursday.

Originally from north Belfast, Mr Cassidy was also involved in the band, Assassins, which was known for its electro-pop dance tracks. He was also a music producer and composer.

During a career that spanned more than three decades, he performed across the USA and Europe and supported New Order, Muse, Travis and Duran Duran.

Mr Cassidy also wrote scores for string quartets made up of members of the Liverpool Symphony and the Chicago Lyric Orchestra and for several films.

He had made Chicago his home since 1997 after moving to the city to begin work on Butterfly Child's third album.

A death notice described Mr Cassidy as a "beloved son" of Michael and Anne and sibling to Frances and Michael and family circle. It said that "a celebration of his life will be held in Belfast as soon as is practicable".

Numerous tributes have been paid to Mr Cassidy since his death last week.

Belfast music journalist Stuart Bailey wrote on Twitter: "Sending love to family and friends of Joe Cassidy.

"A great musician and a lovely human. Awful news.

"Travel well, Joe."

Drummer and music producer Cal Campbell, son of country legend Glen Campbell, also wrote on social media that he was "absolutely gutted by the tragic loss of my good friend and manager".

"His music and voice will forever be with me," he wrote.

"Don’t think I’ll ever meet another Joe and that’s sad because this world needs millions of people like Joe.

"I had the pleasure of playing baritone guitar on his tune Holding On. He was such a big fan of my dad’s that you can see one of his albums in the passenger seat of the car in this video.

"Thanks for all the love you shared, Joe and for seeing me for who I am. Your love and life touched everyone who crossed your path."

Another tribute described Mr Cassidy as "brilliantly talented, and such a humble and kind person. What a huge loss."