A couple of days late with this sorry – such sad news. Bap played Americana One back in 2002 in Liverpool, Americana UK’s first festival, and gave a memorably awesome performance. BBC News reports: “The well-known Belfast singer-songwriter Bap Kennedy has died. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year and passed away on Tuesday evening. He was 54. His death was announced on a post on his Facebook page which said: “Bap was extremely brave until the end. “We would like to thank everybody for their kind messages of support over the past few months, these meant a lot to Bap and Brenda and helped Bap stay positive throughout his illness.
“We are also extremely grateful to all the staff at the Marie Curie hospice for their kindness and warm heartedness during his stay.” He was noted for his collaborations with Steve Earle, Van Morrison, Shane MacGowan and Mark Knopfler, as well as for writing the song “Moonlight Kiss” which featured on the soundtrack for the film Serendipity (starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale).
In a statement to BBC News NI, a spokesperson for Van Morrison said: “It is with deep sadness that Van has heard of the passing of Bap Kennedy. “Bap was loved by both fans and musicians in equal measure. Van’s thoughts are with Brenda, and the family, at this very sad time.”
Mark Knopfler said he was “an extremely talented and committed songwriter who applied himself to his craft at all times. I have nothing but happy memories of our days and nights in the studio and out on the road,” said the Dire Straits frontman.
Read more of the obituary over at BBC News here
Very sad news. Our condolences to Brenda and Bap’s family and friends