Christy Dignam Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, Net Worth And Death
|Christy Dignam (23 May 1960 – 13 June 2023) born at Holles Street Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He was an Irish singer, best known as the lead singer of the popular Irish rock band Aslan. His career of over 40 years was characterized by numerous successes on the Irish charts as well as recurring problems with drug addiction and recovery. He grew up in the north Dublin suburb of Finglas. During his childhood, Dignam studied the classical art of bel canto singing with teacher Frank Merriman at the Bel Canto House School of Singing in Dublin.
Christy Dignam Profile
Name | Christy Dignam |
Real Name | Christopher Dignam |
Date of Birth | 23 May 1960 |
Date of Death | 13 June 2023 |
Age | 63 years |
Place of Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
Nationality | Irish |
Religion | Christianity |
Occupation | Singer |
Marital Status | Married |
Net Worth | $5 Million |
Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Christy Dignam pursued his studies in the classical art of bel canto singing under the guidance of Frank Merriman at the Bel Canto House School of Singing in Dublin.
Career
Christy Dignam began his music career with a precursor band called Meelah XVIII, which later evolved into Aslan. As Aslan gained popularity with singles like “This Is,” “Please Don’t Stop,” and “Feel No Shame,” Dignam’s struggle with heroin addiction strained his relationship with his bandmates.
In 1988, his separation from Aslan was announced, and the band continued with a new lead singer, Eamon Doyle. Dignam went on to form a duo called Dignam & Goff with guitarist Conor Goff. However, in 1993, Aslan reunited for a one-off gig in Finglas, and they continued to produce successful albums and perform extensively. Dignam released his debut solo album, “The Man Who Stayed Alive,” in October 2021.
Controversies
At the age of six, Christy Dignam became a victim of sexual abuse by a neighbor. This traumatic experience continued for three years until he sought help from his best friend’s brother, who also abused him. Christy Dignam later suggested that his drug addiction may have been a result of the psychological trauma caused by these events.
Personal Life
Christy Dignam was married to his wife Kathryn for more than 37 years and had a daughter named Kiera, who is also a singer. He was a proud grandfather to two grandsons, Cian and Jake, and a granddaughter named Ava. In September 2019, he published an autobiography titled “My Crazy World,” co-written with Damian Corless.
Christy Dignam battled drug addiction throughout his career, which led to conflicts within Aslan and his eventual departure from the band. He sought treatment in various drug rehabilitation programs, including a stay in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand in 2004, which was documented in the film “Heroin: Facing The Dragon.” In 2013, Christy Dignam was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a condition in which amyloid proteins build up in the body’s organs, as well as myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. He underwent chemotherapy for his conditions and continued to receive treatment until his health declined.
Christy Dignam Net Worth
Christy Dignam was estimated to be worth approximately $5 Million.
Death
Christy Dignam passed away at home on 13 June 2023, at the age of 63. His death marked the end of a remarkable music career and left a lasting impact on the Irish music industry.