In a statement, the band said they are “deeply saddened” to announce that Feen died this morning at his home in Shannon, Co Clare.
“For well over 50 years, Johnny was our best friend, our creative collaborator, our guitar hero,” the band said.
“Johnny wasn’t only one of the greatest guitar players ever, he was also the sweetest man in rock and roll. His immeasurable talent won him countless supporters throughout the years. We remain his biggest fans,” they said.
“He devoted his life to music and we’ll be forever thankful that he did,” they added.
Horslips were formed in 1970 with Fean joining shortly after. The band’s best known songs include Dearg Doom and Trouble with a Capital T.
Creating nine original studio albums in their ten-year run, the band were trailblazers for contemporary music in Ireland – coming out of retirement in 2009, beginning with gigs at Dublin’s former 02 Arena, and Belfast’s Odyssey Arena.
Fean also worked with Zen Alligators and the Miami Showband, as well as part of the duo Fean and Travers, with Miami Showband bassist and massacre survivor Stephen Travers.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians for the talented guitarist.
Rest in Peace Johnny Fean.
A master of the trade, an Irish legend who delivered into the Irish psyche forever our most famous guitar riff.
Those of us lucky enough to remember Italia ‘90 owe the soundtrack of that summer to the fingers and soul of Jonny Fean.An incredib… pic.twitter.com/flWpMeJ6J5
— Fiach Moriarty (@Fiachmusic) April 28, 2023
Rock on, Johnny Fean. RIP.https://t.co/OkYyxwQiDL
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) April 28, 2023
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy#RIP Johnny Fean #Horslips
Faster Than The Hound: https://t.co/chvaOjAAoC pic.twitter.com/iEOPublE7y
— 𝐄.𝐒. 𝐇𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐧 (@RedbrickedSlums) April 28, 2023
Horslips – Faster Than The Hound (BBC Old Grey Whistle Test, 1974) https://t.co/bJbk5xvgPH via @YouTube Johnny Fean #RIP
— Willie Quinn (@liamocoinn) April 28, 2023
Really sad news of the passing of Johnny Fean. A great guitarist and a beautiful man. For so many of us he was our first guitar hero. Thanks Johnny for everything. pic.twitter.com/09paup22eD
— John Kelly tweets (@johnkellytweets) April 28, 2023
