h Posted October 18, 2002 Report Share Posted October 18, 2002 Chieftains harpist dead at 67 By JAM! Music Derek Bell, harpist for traditional Irish group The Chieftains, has died suddenly in the U.S., Pollstar reports. He was 67. The band issued a statement saying: "Following a recent concert in the U.S., Derek had remained behind for minor surgery and a number of routine health checks. He had just been given the all-clear to return home, so his death comes as a great shock to all those close to him." Bell joined the group in 1972 after a stint in the Northern Ireland BBC Orchestra and came in as the band was gaining popularity in the U.S. Bell also established himself as a successful solo artist, recording nine albums and was regarded as a historian of traditional Irish music. Shows the band had scheduled for the end of the month in Ireland have been cancelled. (More on The Chieftains) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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