Aslan announce new singer and string of tour dates

Aslan has welcomed new singer Lee Tomkins to the group as they prepare to embark on an Irish tour this spring.

Their frontman Christy Dignam died on 13 June after a long illness.

In a statement posted to Facebook, band members Billy McGuinness, Joe Jewell and Alan Downey said they had “mixed emotions” making the announcement.

“After 40 years of playing with our front man Christy, we absolutely know it’s not the same and never will be but we want to continue playing our music and bringing our music to you,” the post began.

“This is our way of letting our memories over 4 decades, live on and keeping Aslan alive within each of us and together and keeping our music alive for you all.”

The band went on to welcome new singer Lee Tomkins, writing: “We are looking forward to seeing you all again and we welcome Lee Tomkins, who will be singing our Aslan songs and has been a huge support to each of us in being able to make this happen.”

They added: “We, as always, are so grateful for the love and support you have all shown us, through our difficult times and our good times.

“We truly hope we will make you proud and we are looking forward to bringing you some songs that we have never performed live before. See you soon, Joe, Alan and Billy.”

Aslan will embark on an Irish tour on 22 March in Cork, taking in dates in Waterford, Wexford, Limerick and Galway before concluding in Dublin’s iconic music venue Whelan’s on 25 April.

A concert in celebration of Dignam’s life will take place in Vicar Street on Friday 3 May, with Aslan previously confirming that they would not be involved in this concert.