Tributes paid as founder of Belfast City Blues Festival Seamie O’Neill dies

“Seamie was a true titan of the Belfast music scene.”

Tributes have been paid to musician and founder of the Belfast City Blues Festival, Seamus O’Neill, who died on Sunday evening after a short illness.

Seamie O’Neill found fame as a drummer with The Bankrobbers alongside fellow musicians Joby Fox, John McDonald and Liam Carville and appeared on Channel 4’s music programme The Tube before the band broke up in 1984.

Aside from this, Seamie also came to feature in the lyrics of a popular Nanci Griffith song after he was asked to look after her while she was in Belfast on tour.

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He previously recalled how he had known a member of her band, Fran Breen, whom he had taken on a tour of the city alongside other members of the band. He later got a call asking if he would show Nanci around with the pair eventually being stopped at an army checkpoint in Ardyone.

The episode went on to feature in the lyrics of Griffith’s hit ‘It’s A Hard Life Wherever You Go’ as she recalled being driven up the Falls Road by Seamus and spotting a young boy, and wondered what would become of him in the conflict.

In a statement, the Belfast City Blues Festival said: “It is with immense sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Festival Director, Seamus O’Neill, affectionately known to many as ‘Seamie.’ He passed away peacefully amongst his family on Sunday evening after a short illness.

“Seamie was a true titan of the Belfast music scene. For 17 incredible years, he was at the helm of the Belfast City Blues Festival, tirelessly spreading the magic of the blues across our city and hosting countless fantastic events. His passion and vision were instrumental in making the festival what it is today. “Beyond his work with the festival, Seamie was a highly respected producer who brought some of Belfast’s biggest events and awards ceremonies to life for many years. He will be sorely missed by our entire team and, indeed, by the people of Belfast whose lives he touched through music and unforgettable events. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Seamus’ family and friends during this profoundly difficult time. We kindly ask that you respect their privacy as they grieve. “Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course.”

Féile an Phobial said: “Féile an Phobail would like to extend our condolences to the family of our friend Seamie O’Neill, who sadly passed away after a short illness. Seamie was a treasured member of our community and a passionate advocate for the music and festival scene.

“His unwavering support for local talent and commitment to creating vibrant cultural experiences has left a lasting legacy that will resonate for many years to come.

“Rest in peace, Seamie. Your passion and generosity will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh do anam.”

Meanwhile, musician Kaz Hawkins said that “Belfast has lost a true legend.”

“Waking up to the news that this wonderful bluesman, Seamus O’Neill, has passed through the Blues Gates is heartbreaking. I will a lways be thankful for the support he gave me,” she posted on Facebook.

“His dedication to Belfast City Blues Festival deserved an award of its own, but instead, he put all his energy into supporting the rest of us as we carried Belfast’s blues around the world.

“Even though I live in France now, my heart will always be in Belfast, where I learned my trade, supported by people like Seamie. He always understood my quirky eccentricity and always supported my mental health mission, which personally meant so much to me. This was part of his charm.

“Today, I send my deepest condolences to his family and to the whole team at Belfast City Blues Festival. The Belfast blues scene has lost a giant.

“Goodbye my friend. Now you are at peace.”

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