Glenn Keating, Influential Irish Musician, Dies After Cancer Battle
Dublin musician Glenn Keating, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and sound designer known for his work with prominent Irish acts including Jape, Bell X1, and HousePlants, has died after a six-year battle with bowel cancer. He was 53 years old.
A Versatile Career Spanning Multiple Genres
Keating’s career encompassed a wide range of musical collaborations. Beyond his work with Jape, Bell X1, and HousePlants, he also performed with David Kitt and The Redneck Manifesto. He also created music under the moniker BoNs Synth Ensemble, showcasing his diverse talents as a sound designer and producer.
Diagnosis and Continued Creativity
Keating was diagnosed with Stage IV bowel cancer in 2020. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and other treatments, he continued to perform and record music, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication to his craft.
Bell X1’s Tribute and Fundraising Efforts
Last April, Bell X1 released a music video for their track “Spacewalk” to coincide with Daffodil Day, inspired by Keating’s cancer journey. The band praised Keating’s “thoughtful, funny, musically intuitive and gifted” nature and his “infectious positive energy.” Keating, along with his brothers Cormac and Tony, also raised nearly €14,000 for the Irish Cancer Society through their ‘Coast 2 Coast Cycle’ campaign.
Advocacy for Early Intervention
In an interview with the Irish Cancer Society earlier this year, Keating emphasized the importance of advocating for oneself when facing health challenges. He stated, “You know the phrase ‘the squeaky wheel gets the oil?’ I have discovered this is definitely true. It’s hard to advocate for yourself, but when it comes to ill health and cancer, you have to learn how to do it. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions, ask what something means or push for answers. If you catch things early enough, it can make a massive difference. Don’t be afraid to be a squeaky wheel.”
Tributes from the Irish Music Community
News of Keating’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Irish music community. Nialler9 described him as “one of the nicest people you could encounter,” while RTÉ 2FM DJ Dan Hegarty called him “a kind and lovely guy – an all-round gentleman.”
Family and Funeral Arrangements
Glenn Keating is survived by his wife, Leda, and sons, Arlo and Llewyn. His funeral service will be held at Dardistown Crematorium, beginning at 10am on Saturday.