Christy Dignam’s daughter opens up on dad’s death ahead of first anniversary

THE daughter of rock legend Christy Dignam has opened up on her dad’s passing ahead of his one year anniversary.

The Aslan frontman sadly passed away aged 63 on June 13 2023 after he battled amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder cancer, for 10 years.

In a recent interview with the Irish Mirror, Kiera told how she is still struggling to listen to her dad’s music and interviews, nearly a year after his passing.

The singer’s daughter also revealed that after finding an old voice note from her dad, she discovered that it’s difficult for her to find comfort in his voice.

Kiera said: “I’m still struggling with that personally. I know my mam and my husband find a lot of comfort listening to him speaking and watching his interviews. I personally find it very difficult.

“But at the same time, I think in a year or two or three or ten I might find great comfort in that and we’re blessed we have all of that footage of him because it is something that a lot of people don’t have the luxury of and I am grateful for that.”

Trying to stay ahead of her grieving, Kiera admitted that she threw herself into her work as a means of therapy.

She then went on to explain: “There is only so long you can avoid the inevitable, that you have to really face what has just happened. I’m not in a great place at the moment. It’s rough.

“Rough isn’t even the right word, I don’t even know how to word it. I think anybody in grief can relate to that.”

Kiera added: “I’ve lost grandparents who I was close with down through the years but there is literally nothing like this. I can’t even explain the physical pain that hits you sometimes.

“It’s hard. I’m getting to the stage like I might see a new singer, or a new song out or a funny video and I’ll go to send it to him and then you realise that it is pointless.”

Kiera followed in her dad’s footsteps and became a singer, signing her first record deal just a few months after her father passed.

The Irish star released her debut album ‘Nepo baby’ in October 2023, just weeks after signing with her label.

Aslan recently announced a new singer is joining their line-up – as they confirmed their first gigs since Christy Dignam‘s death.

The band said they had “mixed emotions” about making the move after 40 years of playing with frontman Christy.

And band members Billy McGuinness, Joe Jewell and Alan Downey revealed new singer Lee Tomkins will be added to their line-up.

BAND FUTURE

Aslan, who previously confirmed they planned to continue with a new singer, said: “New beginnings… this announcement comes with many mixed emotions for us.

“After 40 years of playing with our frontman Christy, we absolutely know it’s not the same and never will be but we want to continue playing our music and bringing our music to you.

“This is our way of letting our memories of over four decades live on and keeping Aslan alive within each of us and together and keeping our music alive for you all.”

The band said new singer Lee had been a “huge support”.

The statement continued: “We are looking forward to seeing you again and we welcome Lee Tomkins, who will be singing our Aslan songs and has been a huge support to each of us, in being able to make this happen.”

The band said they hope to make fans proud as they announced their “new beginnings”.