Tributes are paid to ‘best drummer in Ireland’

TRIBUTES have been paid to “one of the most talented drummers in Ireland,” Anthony ‘Tony’ Phillips, following his sudden death on Saturday.

Son of the late entertainer Paddy Phillps who died in May, Tony Philips had been a mainstay of the local music scene for many years and he was also an accomplished sound engineer.

An Omagh man, Mr Phillips played with various groups during his career including Kickin Mule and Keltic Storm.

He also played with internationally renowned Arty McGlynn who described Mr Phillips as the best blues drummer in Ireland.

“He was an all round musician,” one of Mr Phillips’s one-time band-mates, Dominic Kirwan said yesterday (Sunday). “He could play anything, and he understood it all.

“Tony was with me for at least three or four years as my main drummer. The man himself was one of the most talented drummers in Ireland. I know that he had so much to offer.

“I actually don’t know if he knew how good he was. His death on Saturday has been a tragic shock for us all in the music scene.

“He was just a good human being. He had a lot of time for a lot of people. He’s going to be tragically missed by us all.”

Paying tribute on social media, Imelda Chism said, “Sorry to hear about Tony. May he rest in peace.”

Gerry Logue added, “Saddened to hear of the death of my long time, good friend Tony Phillips. A sound man, top engineer and one of the best groove drummers around. Thanks for the memories. Rest easy sir.”