'Thank you for the music, Willy': Sadness as well-known Limerick musician passes away

LIMERICK musician Willy Browne, a member of the band Reform that were signed by CBS Records in the 1970s, has passed away.

His death notice states that he was late of the Limerick music community and he will be remembered fondly by all in that circle. Mr Browne's death will strike a sad chord with those who knew him, attended his gigs or loved his music.

Mr Browne, of Ballysheedy, passed away peacefully in Milford Care Centre on Saturday. 

According to the Irishrock.org website, Reform were a longstanding, stomping, rowdy rock band. Formed in Limerick in early 1968, the original line up featured Don O’Connor (drums, vocals), Noel Casey (bass), Joe Mulcahy (rhythm guitar) and Willy Browne (vocals, lead guitar). 

Their first gig was in what is now known as the Belltable in Limerick city. They supported Granny's Intentions in the Jetland Ballroom in 1968. They would also open for Rory Gallagher in the years to come. Reform became a trio after Noel Casey left in 1970. One Bill Whelan produced some of their early material.

Reform were very well-know in Limerick and the south west of the country but the talented trio didn't get the breaks their talent deserved.  They had a string of hit records in Ireland during the 1970s - You Gotta' Get Up reached number three in the Irish charts in 1978 - but never quite made the transition to the international stage. The closest they came was a record contract with CBS Records.

They toured widely with Joe Mulcahy saying in interview, "There's not a hall in the country where you could say we played bad gigs". Their last show was in Killorglin, Co Kerry, in 1984.

The first ever collection of music on CD by Reform was launched in 2014. See story below.

Reform-ing Limerick’s musical heritage

THE first ever collection of music on CD by Limerick band Reform will launch next week.

Mr Browne remained in the music scene and younger generations will know him from a regular weekly summer gig he played in Myles Creek in Kilkee in the late 90s / early 2000s that was very popular.

In Pictures: Out and about in Limerick at the Wolfe Tones concert in TUS Gaelic Grounds

Many tributes have been paid on RIP.ie with one saying, "Thank you for the music, Willy". Another wrote, "My childhood hero". 

"He was such a huge part of the music scene, both in Limerick and throughout the country - and he was such a big part of my music experience throughout my life," said a fan.

Mr Browne is survived by beloved wife Margaret, dearly loved children Cian, Ríoghnat, and granchildren Aifric, Dubheusa, Daisy, Louis, Teddy. He is sadly missed by his sons-in-law Neil and David, sisters-in-law Frances and Susan, and brother-in-law Dave, nephews and nieces, extended family and friends.

The family asked for donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre and expressed their thanks to Dr Denis O’Keeffe and his team at University Hospital Limerick, and all the staff at Milford Care Centre who "looked after him with such great love and care".

Reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street this Tuesday, August 29 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Arriving at Donoughmore Church on Wednesday for Requiem Mass at 11.30am. Followed by cremation service at Shannon Crematorium at 2pm.

May he rest in peace.