- Music
- 24 Feb 22
"Donegal lost a genuine visionary, and a beautiful human," said Belfast band Junk Drawer.
Friends, fans and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to Aengus Friel – also known as Shammen Delly – today, following news of the electronic artist's death.
Drawing inspiration from the hills of his native Donegal, as well electronica, ambient soundscapes and local folklore, Friel's experimental approach established him as an underground star in Ireland – releasing projects on labels like Culture Glitch Records, Psychonavigation Records, The Department of Energy, and Touched Records. He also self-released music on Bandcamp, including 2020's The Peoples Temple OV Big Tom.
Donegal band Tuath – who Friel had worked with – described him as a "fiercely loyal, fiercely beautiful soul."
I can't believe I am writing this but one of my closest friends ever, my literal brother from another mother has died. He was a fiercely loyal, Fiercely beautiful soul.
RIP Aengus aka @ShammenDelly I love you so much.
Rest in piece brother— Tuath (@Tuathband) February 24, 2022
Advertisement
Maija Sofia also paid tribute, noting that she "loved Aengus's work"
"...and he was always so supportive and encouraging towards my own work over the years," she resumed. "A truly genuine and generous artist who will be so missed, rest in peace."
Belfast band Junk Drawer remarked that "Donegal lost a genuine visionary, and a beautiful human being last night."
In tribute, Dublin Digital Radio will be "broadcasting some shows he did for the station tomorrow."
See more tributes to Friel below:
We are so saddened by the loss of our friend Aengus Friel @ShammenDelly. A visionary and creative force with the kindest disposition. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and the music community who hold him so dear. RIP pic.twitter.com/J78h17moKn
— The Thin Air (@thethinair) February 24, 2022
Advertisement
RIP Aengus Friel aka @ShammenDelly, friend, supporter and collaborator with @the_doe________ – not to mention visionary genius and all-round lovely dote of a human being. You will be missed 💔 pic.twitter.com/Ya52uLwbOA
— The Department of Energy (@the_doe________) February 24, 2022
RIP @ShammenDelly An amazingly talented artist and one of the soundest fellas you could meet. pic.twitter.com/LnIT94uj8R
— Turn It On 🎧 (@turnit0n) February 24, 2022
Aengus aka @ShammenDelly was truly the rarest of wizards. He put the (Dún na nGall) sham in shaman, he was the Buncrana man with the plan. People with Aengus' etheric energy never die: He's just away on for a wee rip with Padre Pio, Big Tom & the lads. RIP https://t.co/2YmzKjlvPN pic.twitter.com/dN9GotYlOg
— Brian Coney (@brianconey) February 24, 2022
Advertisement
Not surprisingly, we all loved you @ShammenDelly and we know you loved us. It was your whole energy. Play on, Aengus. You’ll never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/TkkUKcI0oG
— Katie Gerardine O'Neill (@KatiegONeill) February 24, 2022