MEDIA & PUBLIC TRIBUTES TO BAP
Marian's challenge (Bap's sister)![]() 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. |
Steve Earle
"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
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Van Morrison
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
"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
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Ralph McLean, BBC broadcaster
"[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
"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"
Stuart Bailie, BBC broadcaster
"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
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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
"One of Ireland's greatest contemporary song writers - a musician's musician who died at the height of his powers" ...More
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The Irish News

Bap Kennedy remembered as "one of Ireland's greatest musicians" ...More
Belfast Telegraph (including BTel video tribute)
Poignant tributes paid to 'one-in-a-million' step-father and perhaps the greatest songwriter of his generation ...More
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Culture NI
Across The Line (BBC Radio)
Tributes to "one of Northern Ireland’s truly great songwriters" ...Read More
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Americana UK
"Bap Kennedy, Americana legend" ...More
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Folk & Tumble
"His influence and inspiration will continue to shape a new generation of writers." ...Read More
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BBC News

Aisling Award (posthumous)
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 |
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