Con Cluskey, one of the founding members of Irish vocal trio the Bachelors has passed away. He was in his 80s.
The Bachelors were the first Irish group to top the British charts.
Having originally formed as the Harmonichords in the 1950s, Con Cluskey performed with his brother Declan, along with John Stokes.
They subsequently changed their name to the Bachelors, and the band had several hits in Ireland. Their single Diane secured their first number one in the UK, becoming the first Irish band to achieve such a feat.
Other hits from the band also include I Believe and Charmaine.
The Bachelors also released over 70 albums, performed in venues worldwide, along with appearing in two films.
Con and Dec
The Bachelors continued to perform into the 1970s and 80s, before Con and Declan Cluskey subequently performed as a duo.
The pair continued to stay closely involved in the entertainment industry, while being based mostly in the UK.
Con and Dec were performing music right up until last week. His death was confirmed by his brother Declan.
His managment team also said that Con will “never be forgotten”.
“Con Cluskey was a huge star working alongside some of the greatest names in showbusiness – especially during the 1960s and 1970s when his band”, Noel Gee said.
“The Bachelors enjoyed enormous success across the world”, he continued. “Con was a family man and his close family will be missing a loving father who brought them up without any of the craziness that superstardom often brings”.
“Con was a religious man and a devout Catholic”, he added. “As his business colleague I held him in exceedingly high regards. He was my friend”.
“Sadly missed but never forgotten”.
Con Cluskey Tributes
Tributes have been paid to Con Cluskey, after his death was confirmed.
“So sorry to hear of the passing of Con Cluskey of The Bachelors over the weekend. Spent many happy hours in his company over the years. (Photo with brother Dec). RIP Con”, Twitter user Peter Conway wrote.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Con Cluskey of The Bachelors over the weekend. Spent many happy hours in his company over the years. (Photo with brother Dec). RIP Con🖤 pic.twitter.com/5zyI6Ex0zM
— Pete Conway (@poppapete299) April 11, 2022
Peter Burton added, “I was sad to hear that Con Cluskey of The Bachelors has passed away. I worked with Con and Dec on my 21st birthday. In fact, I ended up on stage with them, but that story is for another time. RIP, Con”.
“Seen them in Blackpool when I was a kid in the 60s. RIP Con”, Mike Murphy commented.
