2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)

Subject: Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 11:44 AM

Hi,
Just passing the news of the Death of Dave Burns. A regular at Cardiff folk clubs, and who will be missed. This is after several years of ill health.

More details here: golwg 360 Cymru (in Welsh, but it should offer you a translation)

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 12:02 PM

If you can find a translate button on that page please post a link through it - I don't see anything that offers to publish in English.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 18 Dec 23 - 12:09 PM

It may be my browser that offers a translate facility.
I usuall avoid doing long cut'n'paste bits, but here's the translation:

"Tributes have been paid to Dave Burns, a founding member of the bands The Hennessys and Ar Log, following his death.

Ar Log shared the news on X's website (formerly Twitter), saying he will be "sorely missed".

"We think of Clare and Daniel in their bereavement," the band said.

One tribute to him says his music will continue to "speak to the hearts of those listening".

The Hennessys
In 1966, Frank Hennessy and Dave Burns, members of Cardiff's Irish community, won a talent competition organised by Cardiff Council, which persuaded them to pursue a career in professional music.

Having achieved success in the Cardiff area, they teamed up with Paul Powell to tour Ireland building on their musical experiences.

During this time, the band decided to develop a stronger Welsh identity, and they went on to begin introducing Welsh songs into their collection.

Their success exploded from that time, and many of their songs such as 'Farewell to the Rhondda', 'Tiger Bay' and 'Cardiff Born' have become folk classics.

Ar Log
Ten years after founding The Hennessys, Dave Burns was involved in setting up another band, Ar Log.

The four original members came together led by the Lorient Festival Welsh Committee, who were keen to get a traditional folk band to represent the nation at that year's Lorient Interstellar Festival.

Dave Burns was the band's original singer and guitarist, with Dafydd Roberts on harp and flute, Gwyndaf Roberts on knee harp and bass, and Iolo Jones on fiddle.

When they arrived in Brittany, they had to come up with a name, and to reflect their status they called themselves Ar Log.

During the festival, they met The Dubliners, who had suggested they stay together and turn professional.

Dave Burns left the band in 1979, after they released their first album, Ar Log, in 1978.

'A true pioneer of folk music'
"The music world mourns the loss of a true pioneer, Mr Dave Burns, one of the founders of the iconic bands Ar Log and the Hennessys," said one named Eric in a memorial obituary to him.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of his death, leaving a legacy that has profoundly influenced the landscape of folk music.

"Dave Burns, the visionary musician, was not just a performer, but a key figure in shaping the folk music scene.

"His dedication to preserving and celebrating Wales' rich cultural heritage was evident in the tunes and lyrics of Ar Log – a band he co-founded in the early 1970s.

"Ar Log, with its unique blend of traditional Welsh melodies and contemporary influences, quickly became a symbol of Welsh musical identity.

"Later in his glittering career, Dave Burns contributed his talents to the Hennessys, another musical ensemble renowned for their harmonious voices and socially conscious lyrics.

"His ability to weave narrative through music resonated with audiences around the world, making him a beloved figure in the folk music community."

'Warm soul'
"Beyond his musical talent, Dave Burns was a warm and generous soul who shared his passion for Welsh culture with audiences worldwide," he said afterwards.

"His performances were not just musical events, but cultural exchanges that bridged communities and connected peoples through the universal language of music.

"In this time of reflection, we extend our deepest condolences to Dave Burns' family, especially his wife Clare and son Daniel.

"His absence leaves a void in the hearts of those privileged to know him, and the folk music community is united to mourn the loss of a true luminari.

"As we remember Dave Burns, let's celebrate the melodies he gave to the world, the stories he told through his music, and the enduring impact he has left on the folk music landscape.

"His legacy continues in the songs he shared and the hearts he touched, ensuring his contributions to Welsh music will be remembered for generations to come.

"In the words of Victor Hugo: 'Music expresses what cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent'.

"Dave Burns' music will continue to speak to the hearts of those listening, an eternal tribute to his enduring spirit.

"May he rest in peace, surrounded by the echoes of the melodies he created so passionately."

Cardiff folk legend
Another person who has paid tribute to the musician is MP Kevin Brennan, who is also a musician.

"Very sad news that we have lost the great Dave Burns – a legendary figure in Cardiff folk in his own right but also the heart of Ar Log and The Hennessys – 'so fill to me the Parting Glass – goodnight and joy be with you all' – love to Clare and Daniel," he said on X (formerly Twitter)."

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: GUEST,Beachcomber
Date: 19 Dec 23 - 11:05 AM

I am very much saddened by word of the passing of Dave Burns the magnificent folksinger that I have known since 1966. In Ardmore, Co.Waterford we called him "Dai", when he came here with Frank Hennessy and Paul Powell (sadly, also passed on) in that year and took the prize at our festival They showed us how a proper folk music group performed. I had hoped to meet him again.
Leaba imeasch na naomh a bheadh agut a Daithí

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: GUEST,Anne Lister sans cookie
Date: 19 Dec 23 - 04:33 PM

I first met Dave when I was in my late teens (still living with my parents in Cardiff) and it's fair to say he made a huge impression on me then. I had seen him a few times since returning to Wales, and I am greatly saddened to hear he's gone. A fine musician, and a very fine human being.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: GUEST,John James
Date: 20 Dec 23 - 10:09 AM

When we reach a certain age and news of friends and family dying comes with increasing regularity, you'd think it would get easier. No. Not at all. It's still a hard 'hit ' to take.
For with that person goes the chance to sit down and share the memories of the times you spent together. For me Dave Burns was one of those friends.
Whether it was TV shows in Wales, enjoying warm hospitalty at his Cardiff home or on the road in Germany, all remembered with a laugh, even the bad gigs !
In Wales , through the medium of television, Dave was a household name. This was largely due to him being a member of the 'Hennessys'. The group had various members through the years but the founders of the band were Frank Hennessy & Dave.
Though being Cardiff-Irish , Dave also sang in Welsh. For a short time he was also in the folk band Ar Log.
It has to said, though should go without saying, Dave Burns will greatly missed on the Cardiff scene .He will be remembered as an important part of the city's folk music history.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: GUEST,Peter O'Sullivan
Date: 21 Dec 23 - 07:42 AM

Go in peace Dave & condolences to Clare & family.

The Hennesey's ‘Kairdiff after Dark’
The Hennesey's 'The Gypsy'
The Hennesey's 'The Grangetown Whale'

I first met Dave in 1961 when he followed me from St Illtyd's College in Splott, Cardiff to St Cassian's College in Kintbury near Newbury. St Cassian's was a pre-novice training college for becoming a De La Salle monk, the catholic order who ran St Illtyd's. I found out that Dave's & my father knew each other working on the Bristol Channel docks, Dave's from Cardiff, mine from Barry; and from serving in WWII.
Dave left his 'religious' career before I did and I next met up with him when the Hennesy's played at my sister (Liz & Terry Lamb's) 25th wedding anniversary and my brother (Cardiff journalist John O'Sullivan)'s funeral.
I also saw the Hennesy's play before an international at the Arm's Park; when I asked 'when will you be doing it again', I got a sarcastic reply - 'never, we asked how much will we be paid!'
Our daughter, Abi Tierney, who also met Dave and grew up on ‘Kairdiff After Dark’ etc, is the newly appointed chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union; she will now not have he opportunity to invite Dave, with Frank Hennessy, to play again at the Stadium.
Dave was a very talented a loving man, who will be greatly missed.
Go in peace.
Peter & Pat O’Sullivan

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 23 Dec 23 - 06:38 AM

A Facebook message from Dave's widow, Clare:
It is with sadness that I have to share that my dear husband David Burns passed away on Sunday 17th of December. All of you who knew him will remember with affection his passion for social justice, politics and of course his immense musical talent and love for his family. The funeral will be Tuesday the 9th January at 1pm at St Mary of the Angels church Canton Cardiff, then Thornhill Crematorium at 2:45. You are all welcome. There will be a reception afterwards at Whitchurch Rugby Club. Later in the year, in accordance with David's wishes we will be organising a concert to celebrate his life, with all proceeds going to the Musicians Union. Please don’t send floral tributes, if you wish to make a donation please do so to Myeloma UK. Please share widely so that we can reach all of his friends.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: GUEST,John Steele
Date: 06 Jan 24 - 07:17 PM

So sorry to hear about Dave. I used to bexa guest at his open mic night in St. Joseph's in Cardiff in the 1990s. My niece loved seeing him in the 1982 video that Frank and Dave made in connection with Billy The Seal.

Dave was a fantastic musician and a great person. I am privileged to have known him especially as his and my mum wete in the same class at school.


Rest in peace Dave. That great gig in the sky has just gained another talent.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dave Burns (Ar Log & The Hennessys)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 Jan 24 - 12:12 PM

Tribute to Dave Burns
Sunday 14th January (Today)
8-10p.m. Celtic Hearbeat.

May or may not be available elsewhere, but the relative BBC website is here: Celtic Heartbeat (BBC Radio Wales)

Time correction: Currently 12:10 pm Mudcat time 17:10 UK time, so show is at 15:00 to 17:00 'Mudcat Time'