BAGATELLE FRONTMAN and former Eurovision song contest star Liam Reilly has died aged 65.
Originally from Dundalk in Co Louth, Reilly was the driving force behind Bagatelle’s success and wrote the band’s signature hit Summer in Dublin.
In their heyday, the band shared stages with the likes of Bob Marley and Don McLean while U2 duo Bono and Larry Mullen have both previously cited Bagatelle as an early influence.
Reilly went on to represent Ireland at the 1990 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
He did his country proud at the 35th edition of the song contest too, finishing a commendable joint-second with the track Somewhere in Europe.
News of his sad passing was confirmed by Reilly’s family in a statement issued to the public.
“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,” it said.
“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.
“We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
Reilly was a founding member of Bagatelle alongside Wally McConville in 1978 with Ken Doyle and John O’Brien also joining the band.
While Summer in Dublin was their biggest hit, Bagatelle were also known for songs like Leeson Street Lady and Second Violin.
See More: Bagatelle, Liam Reilly, Music, Obituary
