Acclaimed Irish drummer Noel Bridgeman, who played and recorded with Skid Row, Mary Black, The Waterboys, Van Morrison, Christy Moore and many others, has died.
"I love the man. The best days of my life, musically, were with that man," musician Brush Shiels on the death of his good friend Noel 'Nollaig' Bridgeman who died today. #Liveline @joeliveline
— Liveline (@rteliveline) March 23, 2021
He enjoyed a long career after emerging from the Irish blues boom in the 1960s and went on to record and play with Skid Row, before becoming a much in-demand drummer in both studio sessions and in concert.
I'm very sorry to say the drummer Noel Bridgeman, one of Dublin's greatest-ever musicians, and a great Waterboy, passed away this morning after a short battle with cancer. He taught me so much. A pioneer, a gentleman and a great spirit. Travel on well, my friend. #NoelBridgeman pic.twitter.com/pWOJkKS71I
— Mike Scott (@MickPuck) March 23, 2021
Noel, who could also sing, also played and recorded with Jackson Browne, Sharon Shannon, Steve Earle, Mick Hanley, Donal Lunny, Paul Brady, The Chieftains and The Corrs.
Friends and fans have been paying attention on social media.
God bless Noel Bridgeman - not only a great drummer but a beautiful man. From Skid Row and Granny's Intentions to Waterboys to playing on my next album... the road goes on forever. Noel, thank you for the joy you brought, thank you for the miles of smiles. I send you love. BP x
— BP Fallon (@bpfallon) March 23, 2021
My brother just shared the awful news of Noel Bridgeman's departure. What a charming, talented and inspirational man. We shared a lot of laughs. And a drum kit! I’ll miss Nollaig my friend 💔
— Eamon Carr (@carrtogram) March 23, 2021
I am so sorry to hear that the great drummer & singer #NoelBridgeman has passed away.I will never forget the first time I heard Noel sing 'Across the Universe' it was mind blowing!my deepest condolences to his family & all who loved him 🌻#sleepwellNoel https://t.co/jHY0XVE1cc
— Frances Black (@frances_black) March 23, 2021
Wow. I'm also so sorry to hear that. I particularly remember him singing and playing a wonderful version of "
— Dr BRIAN KENNEDY (@KennedySinger) March 23, 2021
across the universe" a great loss. #noelbridgeman https://t.co/DxSumFSsGe
