Bernard “Barney” McKenna
December 16, 1939 – April 5, 2012
Barney McKenna was an influential Irish musician who is best remembered as the banjo player in the legendary folk group, the Dubliners, since its formation in 1962. He was, in fact, the only living original member up until the time of his death. Formed by Ronnie Drew out of Friday night jam sessions at a Dublin pub, the Dubliners went on to become one of the most popular Irish folk groups of all time. Their influence can be heard in such acts as Bob Dylan, the Pogues, Bruce Springsteen, Sinead O’Connor, U2, Dropkick Murphys, and Thin Lizzy. A fan favorite on stage, McKenna often humored the crowds with colorful and sometimes not-so-true anecdotes between songs. The Dubliners had just finished a tour of the UK during the month prior to his passing, and McKenna gave his final public performance at a funeral the day before he died. Barney McKenna was 72 when he passed away on April 5, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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