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Bono and stars pay tribute to 'true icon' Ronnie Drew
Monday, 18 August 2008
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Bono has paid his own special tribute to Ronnie Drew on the band's website.
"Ronnie has left his earthly tour for one of the heavens... they need him up there... it's a little too quiet and pious," wrote the U2 frontman.
"God is lonely for a voice louder than His own.
"Weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs... that's what I loved about Ronnie Drew's voice and spirit. Music to inspire, to console... an optimism that was contagious... that's what U2 took from The Dubliners."
Fellow Dubliner John Sheahan said that when you had known and worked with someone for over 46 years it was like a member of a family had passed away.
Mr Sheahan told RTE radio that while Ronnie had a gruff exterior, behind it was a very caring and sensitive man.
"He was an absolutely unique character, a one-off. He had a wonderful sense of humour, very sharp wit, a great man to put down a heckler in the audience. It's been a privilege and a great pleasure to work with the man over all those years."
Singer and song writer Phil Coulter described Ronnie as a gentleman who had great passion for words, literature and history who was also terrific company.
"He was supremely gracious and apart from his talent he was a fine man," he said. "He really was a true icon, one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the country. "Nobody ever called him Mr Drew. He was Ronnie to everybody."
Singer Andrea Corr said Ronnie and the Dubliners were inspirational in the 1960s and 1970s and notably managed to break the international music market. This paved the way for groups like The Corrs and she and the band would always be grateful for that, she said.
Sinead O'Connor, who met Ronnie and performed with him on several occasions, said she adored him. She was happy for him because he had been ill for a long time and could now finally be with his wife, Deirdre again.
Cancer specialist Professor John Crown, who treated Ronnie, said he bore his final illness with great courage and dignity.
"He was a great source of humour and good cheer to other patients on the unit," Prof Crown said.
Chris de Burgh described his death as a great loss to Ireland and to music.
Fellow singer Christy Moore said Ronnie was an inspiration to him when he was starting out in music. He was privileged to have been welcomed into Ronnie's family home and he would miss his dear friend.
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The world is a much colder place today with the passing of Ronnie Drew. I first saw the Dubliners in the City Hall in Glasgow in 1968, and was a fan for life! Your a great loss for us but a gain for Heaven!
Posted by Peter Farmer | 20.08.08, 18:35 GMT
god guard you ronnie, you will never be forgotten. R.I.P.
Posted by Nick Langeland | 20.08.08, 17:15 GMT
Our condolences to the family and friends of Ronnie Drew. He has been a great inspiration to all and he will never be forgotten because his songs are sung by many all over the world. May his soul rest in peace, we love you Ronnie Drew.
Posted by The Hootenizers | 18.08.08, 20:10 GMT
I'll miss you, old man! Not much more to say but: Thank you!
Michael from Germany
Posted by Michael Gorytzka | 18.08.08, 19:17 GMT
Ronnie, a truely great entertainer with a warm and dry wit , I have listened to his latest CD "There is life in THE OLD DOG yet" There were wonderful warm songs song as only Ronnie could sing them.
May he rest in peace with his lovely wife .
His legacy will live on and hopefully inspire others to emulate him
Posted by Jim Finn | 18.08.08, 17:57 GMT
Ronnie Drew will be remembered with affection by all Dubliners fans. I met him a number of times including at his home in Greystones, County Wicklow. I will raise a toast to him when next in O`Donoghues pub in Dublin.
Posted by Aidan | 18.08.08, 17:35 GMT
Im just happy that Ronnie's lifes work was recognised when he was alive, with the fantastic tribute they paid to him on RTE's late late show a few months ago when Ronnie was in the audience! RIP
Posted by The Guddy Whitener | 18.08.08, 13:22 GMT
A smile is spreading across my face as I envisage the warm embrace Ronnie will receive from Luke and Ciaran in the heavenly O'Donoghues.
Posted by Strucker | 18.08.08, 12:02 GMT
With a voice that sounded like coke being ground underfoot - Ronnie Drew introduced me to folk music in the 60's at a time when my friends were into the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Although my musical tastes changed - I never forgot the Dubliners and saw them in concert in venues across the country....sometimes 2 or 3 times a year. Predictable songs and well worn repartee never dimmed the enjoyment and fun at every concert....
He will be missed ......
Posted by Cazz | 18.08.08, 10:42 GMT
an icon will be missed,I had the pleasure of seeing him live and meeting him, i was raised on his music along with other great balad bands such as the clancy brothers, his legacy will remain with us, he was irish and proud, a dubliner and a great lover of dublin, he has gone to join his good friend Luke Kelly RIP Ronnie
Posted by sean mcgovern | 18.08.08, 09:47 GMT
Sad news for us who stay behind but he will live forever in his songs and stories. Memory is the only paradise we can not be expelled from and there he may dwell with Luke and Ciaran and all the others whom we love. May his great soul rest in peace. Thank you, Ronnie.
Posted by Michael Skuppin | 18.08.08, 09:06 GMT