Paddy Moloney, member of The Chieftains, has died

Tonight, Ireland loses one of its monuments: Paddy Moloney, famous Irish musician with the Chieftains, died on Tuesday. He was 83 years old. A terrible loss for Ireland and lovers of traditional Irish music: Paddy Moloney was a flamboyant symbol of Irish culture.

Paddy Moloney leaves Ireland in mourning

A musician who has influenced artists on the international scene

The Chieftains

In Ireland, there are some true legends of traditional Irish music. And Paddy Moloney was almost the figurehead. A true master of the uilleann pipe (the Irish bagpipe), he also played the bodhràn (Irish tambourine) and diatonic accordion to perfection.

Sadly, his death signals the end of an iconic Irish band.

Paddy Moloney was known for his passion for music and his talent, but also for exporting Irish music abroad. He has collaborated with such greats as Stanley Kubrick on the film Barry Lyndon, and sung with the Rolling Stones, Mark Knopfler and Sting… not forgetting his Irish compatriot, Sinead O’Connor.

He was also a great inspiration to Carlos Nùñez, who saw him as a mentor.

In short, Paddy Moloney has helped democratize Irish music and propel it onto the international scene. Much appreciated in Ireland, he was acclaimed for his simplicity, kindness and talent.

Ireland is in mourning tonight, and will no doubt be paying tribute over several days to the man who made traditional Irish music timeless. A tribute to the Chieftains, too, a band forever bereft of one of its founding members.