BRENDA BOYD KENNEDY

MEDIA & PUBLIC TRIBUTES TO BAP


Marian's challenge (Bap's sister)

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As a tribute to Bap, his sister Marian has pledged to abstain from alcohol for a full calendar year.  She has taken on this challenge as a way to raise funds for Marie Curie Hospice who looked after Bap so well in his final months. 
​To sponsor Marian or find out more about her challenge, click here.

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Bap Kennedy (17 Jun 1962 - 1 Nov 2016)

Steve Earle

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"He was a great songwriter, a take-no-prisoners performer and one of the nicest guys I ever knew. I will miss him very much."   ...More

Van Morrison

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 ​It is with deep sadness that Van has heard of the passing of Bap Kennedy.
"Bap was loved by both fans and musicians in equal measure. Van's thoughts are with Brenda, and the family, at this very sad time."    ...More

Mark Knopfler

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​"This is such sad news. Bap was an extremely talented and committed songwriter who applied himself to his craft at all times. I have nothing but happy memories of our days and nights in the studio and out on the road."    ...More

Ralph McLean, BBC broadcaster

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"[Bap] was shocked at the messages of heartfelt support he was getting from all over the world and couldn't believe how much he was loved and how much his music meant to people.
​I told him it was a pretty extreme way to find out and he just chuckled. Bap rarely did anything the easy way."   ...More

Charlie Connelly, author

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"He was one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever met in any field and was a lovely, lovely man.
Thank goodness he’s left us the songs."  ...More


Terri Hooley, founder of "Good Vibrations"

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"Bap was a very talented and genuine person. He was a great performer and a friend. It's a sad time but he leaves a great legacy."

Stuart Bailie, BBC broadcaster

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"Bap Kennedy was heroic in his final months. He faced up to mortality with honesty and even humour."
Read More

Stuart Bailie's video tribute

Stuart Bailie speaks about Belfast's love and respect for Bap, and Bap's relationship with his home town.
(Click to play video)

The Irish Times

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"One of Ireland's greatest contemporary song writers - a musician's musician who died at the height of his powers"  ...More

The Irish News

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​Bap Kennedy remembered as "one of Ireland's greatest musicians"   ...More


Belfast Telegraph (including BTel video tribute)

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Poignant tributes paid to 'one-in-a-million' step-father and perhaps the greatest songwriter of his generation   ...More

Culture NI

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"One of the most gifted singer-songwriters and performers ever to emerge from the Northern Irish scene."

Across The Line (BBC Radio)

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Tributes to "one of Northern Ireland’s truly great songwriters"   ...Read More

Americana UK

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"Bap Kennedy, Americana legend"   ...More   

Folk & Tumble

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"His influence and inspiration will continue to shape a new generation of writers."   ...Read More

BBC News

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From BBC News report 1 Nov 2016
From BBC News report 2 Nov 2016



Aisling Award (posthumous)

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Bap's memory was honoured in Ireland when he was announced as the Roll Of Honour recipient at The Aislings ceremony (N Ireland’s Oscars) in Dec 2016. The award was accepted by Bap’s step daughter.
Click here for more from Christine
Click here for Aisling's video tribute

​To access other pages from our “Remembering Bap” section, please click the buttons below.
Bap's music
Off stage
Obsessions & A.S
Final interview
Audio from Brenda
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