John “Irish” Earle, Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis

John Earle passed away to his reward on the 7th May 2008 at his home in Rathmines, Dublin. He will be sadly missed on the music scene, not only for his contribution to popular music with bands like Ian Dury & The Blockheads, Graham Parker Band, and Thin Lizzy to mention only a few, but also for his infectious love of music, his lovely character and gentle nature.

John was a great travel companion and he entertained me many times with his wild and often hilarious stories about his adventures on the road. I consider myself privileged not only to have heard him perform live but also to have known and worked with him.

The YouTube video above records John at the height of his career performing live on stage with Thin Lizzy. Here’s to John and Phil, now forever Dancing in the Moonlight.

His funeral takes place at 10am Tuesday 13th May at Ballyroan Church. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis (may his devoted soul be at God’s right hand).

Read the Irish Times Obituary