Liam Reilly, the lead singer and keyboardist for Bagatelle, has passed away at the age of 65.
In a statement released to RTÉ this morning, Reilly's family confirmed the news. "With sad hearts, the family of Liam Reilly, musician, songwriter and frontman of Bagatelle, wish to confirm that he passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on January 1st 2021," the statement reads.
"We know that his many friends and countless fans around the world will share in our grief as we mourn his loss, but celebrate the extraordinary talent of the man whose songs meant so much to so many."
Best known for their hits 'Summer In Dublin', 'Second Violin' and 'Leeson Street Lady', Bagatelle began performing in the late '70s in Ireland, opening for the likes of Bob Marley at his now historic 1980 concert at Dalymount Park. Indeed, Bagatelle even influenced U2 in the early days of their career. Reilly also competed for Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990, performing the song 'Somewhere In Europe', and placed 2nd that year.
Here's 'Second Violin'.
