LIMERICK’S music community was saddened to hear of the death of the legendary Joe Browne on Sunday, January 8.
Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and music and will be sadly missed by his daughter Dawn, heavenly son Mark, grandchildren, extended family and his many friends.
A musician, a singer and a mentor to younger players, Joe’s gigs with members of the band Tuesday Blue are the stuff of Limerick music folklore. The gigs were a friendly Sunday afternoon music session playing country and roots to a packed bar (The Granary, The Shannon Arms, The Parkway and other venues) but it was so much more.
Ray Fean, Ralph Lindheim and Dave Keary would deliver a powerhouse performance led by a smiling Joe Browne making this musical masterclass look completely effortless.
Friends and bandmates paid tribute on social media this week ….
“This old town owes you a multitude .. shining a light, kicking down the doors of the conventional and the safe , listening to the young, nurturing the new …always nourishing us with your songs and that voice …always with your voice … There is no more to say that hasn’t been already said…Safe travels,” Dave Keary (Musician)
“Massive influence on all us young fella’s in the mid 70’s starting bands. He was patient and loved our enthusiasm. And always pointed us in the right direction. A lovely soul.” – Ger Costelloe (Musician)
“Legend is a word that we Limerick people probably overuse, but there’s no doubt that a real legend has left us.” – John Steele (Musician)
“He influenced many young musicians and taught them by example. It was a privilege to share many a stage with this man,” – Brian O’Connor (Musician)
“They were known as Tuesday Browne and they were absolutely awesome.. An afternoon gig in a pub became a reference point for us thereafter at our own rehearsals. It should be THAT tight. It should be THAT powerful. It should be THAT slick.” – Niall Quinn (Musician)
“His ability and professionalism was something that successive generations of young Limerick musicians aspired to. In a parallel universe, he’s on his twenty-third album and headlining stadiums, but in this one he’ll be remembered as a true gentleman who contributed enormously to the cultural well-being of the city he loved and who in return loved him.” – Stuart Clarke (Journalist)
