{"id":1656,"date":"2025-06-27T07:12:42","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T07:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=1656"},"modified":"2025-06-27T10:32:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T10:32:22","slug":"aslan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/aslan\/","title":{"rendered":"Aslan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"192\" height=\"164\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Aslan.png\" alt=\"Aslan\" class=\"wp-image-1657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Aslan.png 192w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Aslan-150x128.png 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Aslan-50x43.png 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Aslan-100x85.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 192px) 100vw, 192px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aslan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lists:<br><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-134-the-best-irish-band-of-all-time\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-134-the-best-irish-band-of-all-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Irish Bands of All  Time<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aslan is one of Ireland\u2019s most beloved rock bands, known for their anthemic sound, heartfelt lyrics, and deep connection to working-class Dublin. Formed in 1982 in the northside suburb of Finglas, the band blended elements of rock, pop, and soul with a raw, emotional delivery that earned them a devoted following. Despite industry setbacks and personal challenges, Aslan remained a powerful force in Irish music for over four decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Origins and Formation:<\/strong><br>Aslan was formed in Dublin in 1982, taking their name from the lion in <em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Chronicles_of_Narnia\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Chronicles_of_Narnia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Chronicles of Narnia<\/a><\/em> by C.S. Lewis, a symbol of strength and resurrection. The original lineup included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\">Christy Dignam<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/strong> \u2013 vocals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joe_Jewell\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Joe_Jewell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joe Jewell<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 lead guitar, vocals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tony_McGuinness_(English_musician)\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tony_McGuinness_(English_musician)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tony McGuinness<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 bass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm2004786\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm2004786\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Billy McGuinness<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 keyboards, harmonica, guitar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aslan-news.co.uk\/artist\/alan-downey\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/aslan-news.co.uk\/artist\/alan-downey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alan Downey<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 drums<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The band quickly gained attention with their gritty lyrics reflecting urban Irish life, combined with Dignam\u2019s powerful, emotive voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Early Success:<\/strong><br>Their debut album, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F0HmrVssOM0&amp;list=RDF0HmrVssOM0&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F0HmrVssOM0&amp;list=RDF0HmrVssOM0&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Feel No Shame<\/em> (1988)<\/a>, went straight to No. 1 in Ireland and included hits like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;list=RD4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;list=RD4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This Is<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crazy World<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F0HmrVssOM0&amp;list=RDF0HmrVssOM0&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F0HmrVssOM0&amp;list=RDF0HmrVssOM0&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Feel No Shame<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The band was lauded as one of the next big acts out of Ireland. However, their growing success was halted abruptly when they split in 1988 due to internal tensions and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\">Christy Dignam&#8217;s<\/a> struggles with addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Comeback and Continued Success:<\/strong><br>In 1993, Aslan reunited and experienced a major resurgence. The single \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crazy World<\/a>\u201d became an Irish classic, winning \u201cSingle of the Year\u201d at the Hot Press Awards and reestablishing the band in the public eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They followed up with a series of successful albums including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p1qJs31_ir4&amp;list=RDp1qJs31_ir4&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p1qJs31_ir4&amp;list=RDp1qJs31_ir4&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Goodbye Charlie Moonhead<\/em> (1994)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eJFGWD-Sh_0&amp;list=PLdLQ5BHHKy6GVAqsdbAhTcSEcA-T_-ylY\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eJFGWD-Sh_0&amp;list=PLdLQ5BHHKy6GVAqsdbAhTcSEcA-T_-ylY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Here Comes Lucy Jones<\/em> (1997)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3LBEBPlOjXg&amp;list=PLNM80WILZ0ApcJDk6QJMLZHXkS918-Wrz\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3LBEBPlOjXg&amp;list=PLNM80WILZ0ApcJDk6QJMLZHXkS918-Wrz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Waiting for This Madness to End<\/em> (2001)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tzst6d1mhtk\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tzst6d1mhtk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>For Some Strange Reason<\/em> (2007)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These albums showcased their ability to evolve while staying rooted in authentic storytelling and emotional intensity. Songs like \u201cWhere\u2019s the Sun?\u201d and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VTgmBEA_QXc&amp;list=RDVTgmBEA_QXc&amp;start_radio=1\">Too Late for Hallelujah<\/a>\u201d further cemented their legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Live Performances and Fan Base:<\/strong><br>Aslan became known for their electric live shows and deep connection with their fans. They regularly sold out venues like Dublin\u2019s Olympia Theatre and played festivals and benefit concerts across Ireland. Their appeal was multigenerational, with lyrics that resonated deeply with everyday Irish people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Challenges and Christy Dignam\u2019s Illness:<\/strong><br>In 2013, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christy_Dignam\">Christy Dignam<\/a> revealed he had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer (amyloidosis). Despite his illness, he continued to perform for nearly a decade, demonstrating immense courage and dedication to the band and their fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The band released the moving <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3LBEBPlOjXg&amp;list=PLNM80WILZ0ApcJDk6QJMLZHXkS918-Wrz\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3LBEBPlOjXg&amp;list=PLNM80WILZ0ApcJDk6QJMLZHXkS918-Wrz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Waiting for the Madness to End<\/a><\/em> during this period, and Dignam also released a memoir and a solo album. His health battles were met with nationwide support and admiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Death of Christy Dignam:<\/strong><br>Christy Dignam passed away on June 13, 2023, at the age of 63. His death marked the end of an era, and tributes flowed from across the Irish music world and beyond. He was remembered not just as a powerful vocalist, but as a symbol of resilience, honesty, and authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Legacy:<\/strong><br>Aslan\u2019s influence on Irish music is profound. They represented working-class Dublin with unflinching honesty, offering hope, vulnerability, and strength through their music. Their songs became part of the national fabric, especially \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crazy World<\/a>,\u201d which remains one of Ireland\u2019s most cherished anthems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite never achieving massive international fame, their impact at home was deep and lasting, with fans viewing them not just as a band, but as a voice for the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Discography Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Studio Albums:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F0HmrVssOM0&amp;list=RDF0HmrVssOM0&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F0HmrVssOM0&amp;list=RDF0HmrVssOM0&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Feel No Shame<\/em> (1988)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p1qJs31_ir4&amp;list=RDp1qJs31_ir4&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=p1qJs31_ir4&amp;list=RDp1qJs31_ir4&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Goodbye Charlie Moonhead<\/em> (1994)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eJFGWD-Sh_0&amp;list=PLdLQ5BHHKy6GVAqsdbAhTcSEcA-T_-ylY\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eJFGWD-Sh_0&amp;list=PLdLQ5BHHKy6GVAqsdbAhTcSEcA-T_-ylY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Here Comes Lucy Jones<\/em> (1997)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3LBEBPlOjXg&amp;list=PLNM80WILZ0ApcJDk6QJMLZHXkS918-Wrz\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3LBEBPlOjXg&amp;list=PLNM80WILZ0ApcJDk6QJMLZHXkS918-Wrz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Waiting for This Madness to End<\/em> (2001)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tzst6d1mhtk\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tzst6d1mhtk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>For Some Strange Reason<\/em> (2007)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Nudie Books and Frenchies<\/em> (2012)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Notable Singles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XXYGjyM2BNY&amp;list=RDXXYGjyM2BNY&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crazy World<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;list=RD4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;list=RD4aeL3ewlxr4&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This Is<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VTgmBEA_QXc&amp;list=RDVTgmBEA_QXc&amp;start_radio=1\">Too Late for Hallelujah<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kcN-JIeCYAA&amp;list=RDkcN-JIeCYAA&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kcN-JIeCYAA&amp;list=RDkcN-JIeCYAA&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hurt Sometimes<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5fxcortVenE&amp;list=RD5fxcortVenE&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5fxcortVenE&amp;list=RD5fxcortVenE&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where\u2019s the Sun?<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FfpG3jUvRD4&amp;list=RDFfpG3jUvRD4&amp;start_radio=1\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FfpG3jUvRD4&amp;list=RDFfpG3jUvRD4&amp;start_radio=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">She\u2019s So Beautiful<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong><br>Aslan\u2019s story is one of talent, perseverance, and emotional truth. Through triumph and tragedy, they remained true to their roots, capturing the soul of Dublin in their music. Their legacy continues through their timeless songs and the enduring love of their fans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lists:The Best Irish Bands of All Time Aslan is one of Ireland\u2019s most beloved rock bands, known for their anthemic sound, heartfelt lyrics, and deep connection to working-class Dublin. Formed in 1982 in the northside suburb of Finglas, the band blended elements of rock, pop, and soul with a raw, emotional delivery that earned them [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1657,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-singers-musicians"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1656"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1769,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1656\/revisions\/1769"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}