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18/10/2002
Belfast-born Chieftains musician dies in US
Derek Bell, a member of traditional Irish supergroup The Chieftains, has died suddenly in the United States.
Belfast-born Mr Bell, 67, had been recovering from minor surgery and had only recently been given the all clear to return home.
As a member of The Chieftains for 30 years, he joined the group in 1972 after working as a harpist with the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra. As well as making more than 30 recordings with the group, Mr Bell also had nine solo albums to his credit.
In 2000 he was made an MBE for his contribution to traditional Irish and classical music.
Paying tribute to his fellow countryman, flautist Sir James Galway, a friend since they were students together at the Royal College of Music, said Derek had retained a "unique position in the music world".
He added: "Derek was an essential member of The Chieftains professionally and personally. He retained a real passion for folk music and will be sadly missed."
Mr Bell is survived by his wife Stephanie, his mother and two sister's.
Meanwhile, a concert by The Chieftains scheduled to have been held at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Friday November 1 has been cancelled due to the death of Mr Bell.
Anyone with tickets may claim a refund by contacting the ticket outlet from which the tickets were purchased.
(MB)
Belfast-born Mr Bell, 67, had been recovering from minor surgery and had only recently been given the all clear to return home.
As a member of The Chieftains for 30 years, he joined the group in 1972 after working as a harpist with the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra. As well as making more than 30 recordings with the group, Mr Bell also had nine solo albums to his credit.
In 2000 he was made an MBE for his contribution to traditional Irish and classical music.
Paying tribute to his fellow countryman, flautist Sir James Galway, a friend since they were students together at the Royal College of Music, said Derek had retained a "unique position in the music world".
He added: "Derek was an essential member of The Chieftains professionally and personally. He retained a real passion for folk music and will be sadly missed."
Mr Bell is survived by his wife Stephanie, his mother and two sister's.
Meanwhile, a concert by The Chieftains scheduled to have been held at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Friday November 1 has been cancelled due to the death of Mr Bell.
Anyone with tickets may claim a refund by contacting the ticket outlet from which the tickets were purchased.
(MB)
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