Renowned Irish folk musician Francis McPeake III has died, his family have announced.
A part of the traditional music dynasty in Belfast, he passed away on Saturday aged 82.
His family said he had given his life to traditional music, while other tributes posted online described the musician as “inspirational man” and someone who brought “Irish traditional music to our ears”.
Originally from Tyrella in Co Down, Francis followed in the footsteps of his musical family, who took “Irish traditional music from the kitchen to the concert stage”.
Known to have worked with some of the biggest names in mainstream world music such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Pete Seeger, Francis also taught John Lennon to play the Uilleann pipes after the McPeake Family performed as a gift to the Beatles in 1967.
In a statement paying tribute to the late musician, his family said it was when Francis “heard his own father playing Uilleann Pipes on the radio that the spark was ignited and a great love and ultimate dedication to Uilleann Piping was born”.
“Francis started learning Uilleann Pipes in 1956 and became the latest in the family line to sing and play Uilleann Pipes simultaneously,” they said.
“A talent unique to the family to this day.
“After the McPeake Family trio released their first album, ‘The McPeake Family of Belfast’ for Prestige International in 1959, it was in 1962 that Francis III alongside his sister Kathleen and cousin Tommy, joined The Trio to form ‘The McPeake Family’.
“In 1962 the renowned American folk-singer Pete Seeger, whilst on his world tour, filmed the McPeake Family in their Belfast home, famously having to take the window out of its frame so that the camera could stand in the street and film the family in their living-room.
“Subsequent albums ensued for The McPeake Family throughout the 1960′s and whilst touring USA in 1965, they worked alongside Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Pete Seegar and many more.
“The McPeake Family took Irish traditional music from the kitchen to the concert stage, with arrangements and harmonies and stage craft that was ahead of their time and put their stamp firmly on Irish traditional music.”
https://www.mcpeakemusic.com We are devastated and broken-hearted to announce the passing of our beloved Francis...
Posted by MCPEAKE on Saturday 12 October 2024
His family added that “Francis lived a remarkable life” performing on some of the most iconic stages in the world and “influencing and making an impact on musical giants”.
But they said he also “devoted his time, energy and talent to teaching” in Belfast and “as a result thousands of children and adults learnt tin whistle and many other traditional instruments”.
“Francie was devoted to this labour of love,” they said.
“In 1977, Fr McNiff of Clonard Monastery approached Francis II and III to host traditional music lessons in Clonard Hall.
“From what was originally intended to be tin whistle lessons for six weeks, designed to get children off the streets during The Troubles, it grew into a glowing cultural icon of Belfast from 1977-2010.
“In the 33 years, Francis taught and influenced the lives of thousands. His impact on traditional music in Belfast alone cannot be overstated.”
The Francis McPeake School of Music closed in 2010 following funding struggles, however, his family said Francis continued to perform at selected concerts and tours.
In 2014, he was cleared on all charges of sexually abusing a 15-year-old schoolgirl.
His funeral is due to take place at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hannahstown on Tuesday at 1pm.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, children Francis and Eugene and wider family circle.
