Irish songwriter Cathal Coughlan has died.
The Cork artist built an incredible catalogue across a multitude of projects, fuelled by his imposing baritone and incisive lyrical wit.
Linking with Sean O'Hagan in 1980, the two master-minded Microdisney, a project that seemed to fuse industrial elements with aspects of folk.
Heavy duty songwriting, the group splintered at the dawn of the 90s, with Cathal Coughlan forming Fatima Mansions.
Across a three album span Fatima Mansions garnered critical acclaim, with U2 citing the band as an influence in interviews.
Joining the ZooTV tour, Fatima Mansions caused uproar in Milan when Coughlan insulted the Pope onstage, almost causing a riot.
The Millennium saw Cathal Coughlan focus on solo activities, a helter-skelter run that included 2021's 'Song of Co-Aklan'.
News of his passing was confirmed by fellow songwriter Luke Haines.
I'm so sorry to say that my dear friend Cathal Coughlan has passed away. I have no words at the moment. Just sadness and anger really.
— Luke Haines Rock N Roll (@LukeHaines_News) May 23, 2022
One of the greatest honours of working on The @LlSTENlNG_PARTY is to be able to share time with some of our heroes. Cathal Coughlan was certainly one of those.
Rest easy man x x
You’re a genius, you’re a giant pic.twitter.com/Jg5NV6wjYh
— Tim's Listening Party (@LlSTENlNG_PARTY) May 23, 2022
Cathal Coughlan, music genius, has left this realm. His brilliant songs remain. Play them loud and remember him
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) May 23, 2022
Ah, boy…
This is just the worst news…
‘Cathal Coughlan passed away on 18th May 2022. He slipped away peacefully in hospital after a long illness. He was 61.’ pic.twitter.com/N4CsZwa8nH
— Tony Clayton-Lea (@TonyClaytonLea) May 23, 2022
BREAKING: The death has been announced of Cathal Coughlan, the Cork music legend who fronted such acts as Microdisney and Fatima Mansions… more to follow pic.twitter.com/ktq2Udl36x
— Irish Examiner Arts & Culture (@IEArtsCulture) May 23, 2022
Photo via Wikipedia
