Glenn Keating, Musician with Bell X1 and Jape, Dies After Cancer Battle

Irish musician Glenn Keating, known for his operate with bands including Jape, Houseplants, Bell X1, and The Redneck Manifesto, has died after a battle with cancer. The news was announced on March 5, 2026, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the Irish music community.

A Versatile Musician

Keating was a multi-instrumentalist, electronic music producer, and sound designer. He was best known as one half of the “gothic pop” band Jape and for his collaborations with numerous Irish artists. Beyond Jape, Keating contributed his talents to Houseplants, Bell X1, and The Redneck Manifesto, demonstrating a remarkable versatility across genres.

Bell X1’s Tribute

Bell X1, the Irish rock band, honored Keating’s memory with a special video for their track “Spacewalk” last April, inspired by his cancer journey.

Artist in Residence

At the time of his death, Keating was an Artist in Residence at the National Concert Hall in Dublin. His work under the moniker BoNs Synth Ensemble explored the intersection of electronic music and emotional expression, seeking to challenge perceptions of electronic music as emotionally void.

Legacy and Tributes

News of Keating’s passing has been met with widespread sadness and remembrance within the Irish music scene. Nialler9 described the news as “very devastating.” He is remembered as a talented and innovative musician who left a lasting impact on the Irish music landscape.

About Bell X1

Bell X1 are an Irish rock band from County Kildare, consisting of Paul Noonan, David Geraghty, and Dominic Phillips. The band has performed on the Late Display with David Letterman and their music has been featured in television series such as Grey’s Anatomy and The O.C.