MUI says Philip Chevron will be sadly missed

The Musicians Union of Ireland has expressed its sadness at the death of the talented and much loved guitarist, Philip Chevron.
The popular musician passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, 8th October.
Chevron grew up in Santry, Dublin, and was regarded as a pivotal figure in the Irish music scene as a member of Irish punk pioneers, The Radiators from Space. Their 1979 production, Ghostown, is regarded as a landmark Irish album.
Chevron went on to join The Pogues as a full-time member in 1984 and wrote some of their greatest songs including ‘Thousands are Sailing’ – an anthem for Irish emigrants, indeed any traveller far from home, and for those who never came back.
He was first diagnosed with throat cancer in the summer of 2007 and had been undergoing treatment since.
Philip who was 56, was last seen publicly in August for a fundraiser testimonial which saw Aidan Gillen and writer Roddy Doyle join 15 acts to pay tribute to The Pogues’ guitarist.
Others who took part in the benefit concert included Horslips, Gavin Friday, Paul Brady and Declan O’Rourke. Shane MacGowan also performed.
The influence that he had on a whole generation was expressed by many of artists and writers who attended. The writer, Joseph O’Connor, summed up how many people felt when he said:
“Philip Chevron is one of the greatest Irish songwriters of all time, certainly the best of my generation, an artist of a unique and absolutely compelling sensibility.”
Eamon Murray, vice-president of the Musicians Union of Ireland (MUI), which is affiliated to SIPTU, said: “I was always delighted to meet him in Dublin when he was visiting or when on tour. A real gentleman, he will be missed by family, friends and fellow musicians.”