A commemorative Mass is to be held at Derry’s St Eugene’s Cathedral in memory of Horslips’ guitarist, Johnny Fean.
The Co Clare man, who died at his home in Shannon last month, played on all recordings made by the group which popularised the Celtic Rock genre of Irish music. Hugely popular in the 1970s, Horslips took traditional Irish tunes and turned them into Celtic rock hits.
Following the break-up of the band in 1980, they were persuaded to re-group in March 2004 after attending a Horslips’ exhibition organised by three fans from Derry. The exhibition was curated by theatre worker Jim Nelis along with Paul Callaghan and Stephen Ferris and featured memorabilia such as posters, glam-clothing worn by the group and other items.
The five group members, including Mr Fean attended the exhibition at Derry’s Orchard Gallery and gave an impromptu performance. That in turn led to the band re-forming and going on to enjoy success as an acoustic outfit.
Mr Nelis has now organised a commemorative Mass for Mr Fean which will take place at St Eugene’s Cathedral on June 2.
Announcing details of the Mass on the band’s social media sites, the group said: “Derry has been a constant throughout Horslips’ lifetime and many fans and friends - some of whom were unable to travel to Shannon on Thursday (for Mr Fean’s funeral) – of the band may find a comfort in being able to pay their respects to Johnny in St Eugene’s.”
Following the guitarist’s death last month, Mr Nelis posted a sympathy note on social media.
He said: “I am devastated to hear of the passing of Johnny Fean, my hero since I was 14 years old and the influence of my career path for nearly 30 years in the theatre business. No words would adequately describe my sadness but also my thanks for the best years of my life following Horslips.”
