Irish singer and saxophonist Paddy Cole, a beloved figure in the Irish showband era, has passed away at the age of 85. Cole, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022, was receiving hospice care at the time of his death. Known for his vibrant personality, infectious music, and signature blend of jazz, Dixieland, and showband sounds, Cole left an enduring legacy on the Irish music scene.
Irish singer and saxophonist Paddy Cole passed away at the age of 85. Cole, who celebrated his 85th birthday on December 17th, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022 and was receiving hospice care at the time of his death. Cole began his career in the 1960s with the Capitol Showband , after first appearing on stage at the age of 12. He was introduced to show business by his father, a postman who also played in dance bands. Cole, hailing from Co.
Monaghan, moved to Las Vegas in the early 1970s, where he joined The Big Eight Showband, a group of Irish musicians. He also owned a restaurant in his hometown of Castleblayney with his wife Helen, although he lived in Dublin at the time of his passing.In a previous interview with RSVP, Cole admitted that he 'never thought' he would reach 85 after his diagnosis of incurable cancer. He shared, 'My health is up and down, I have some good days, some bad days, but I'm keeping the best side out as best I can. I keep in touch with the people in the hospice all the time and they keep me on the pain killers and all that sort of stuff, so I'm getting on with it is the only way I can put it.'His son, Pat, confirmed his passing in a statement, saying, 'The music world mourns the loss of the legendary Paddy Cole, a beloved entertainer who brought joy to thousands with his vibrant personality and infectious music. From the Capitol Showband to his own Superstars, Paddy Cole's saxophone, clarinet, and vocals filled dance halls and concert stages with his signature blend of jazz, Dixieland, and showband sounds. His music transcended generations, creating memories that will forever be cherished. On behalf of his family, we express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Paddy's legacy will live on through the music he created and the joy he shared with the world. Rest in peace, Paddy Cole.' The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, also paid tribute to Cole, stating, 'The loss of Paddy Cole is the loss of one of the founding icons of the great period of the Irish showbands. From the Capitol Showband to the great brass sound, what Paddy Cole did for music and for jazz will be remembered across generations. The significance of the showband era is perhaps one of the insufficiently recognised aspects of Irish music history. There are places that became famous because of the artists they produced. Castleblayney, always known as 'Blayney', is one such place for producing Paddy. Paddy Cole's music was first class, with jazz of international quality, and Sabina and I knew and admired him as a friend. May I send our condolences to Paddy's wife, Helen, to his children Pat, Pearse and Karen, and to all of his family, fellow musicians and many friends.
Paddy Cole Irish Showband Musician Death Lung Cancer Jazz Dixieland Showband Castleblayney Capitol Showband The Big Eight Showband Ireland
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