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Kirsty MacColl killed in boating accident
posted by davidt on Tuesday December 19 2000, @09:30AM

 First to report the news at NME.com is Stuart Goodwin:
Kirsty MacColl dies in boating accident

Singer songwriter KIRSTY MacCOLL has died in a boating accident, NME.COM has been told.

A source at her last record label V2 said that she was swimming off the coast of Mexico when she was run over by a speedboat. This is as yet unconfirmed and no further details of the story are currently available. A statement is expected this afternoon.

Daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl, Kirsty released her first single 'They Don't Know' in 1979. Though the track failed to reach the charts, it was a massive hit a few years afterwards when it was covered by Tracey Ullman. However, Kirsty herself shot to fame with her single 'There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop (Swears He's Elvis)' in May 1981.

She went on to further chart success with 'A New England' in 1985, a cover of the Billy Bragg original, 'Days' in 1989 and her most popular track - especially at this time of year - her duet with Shane MacGowan on The Pogues' 1987 Christmas classic 'Fairytale Of New York'. Her albums included 'Electric Landlady', 'Titanic Days' and her most recent release, this year's 'Tropical Brainstorm'.

Kirsty, 41, separated from record producer husband Steve Lillywhite in 1997. She had two sons.

Other musicians she had collaborated with included Talking Heads, Simple Minds and Robert Plant.

Kirsty recently recorded an eight-part series on the music, culture, politics and history of Cuba, inspired by her love of Cuban music. The series, largely recorded in Havana, featured interviews with Talking Heads' David Byrne, Ry Cooder and Buena Vista Social Club members including Reuben Gonzales.

It was due to begin broadcast on BBC Radio 2 tomorrow night (December 20). Producers are currently deciding whether or not to go ahead with the series.

Keep checking back for more details as we get them.
UPDATE (Dec. 19) - Statement issued - (NME.com). Additional links:Sad news from the many people who sent in links. An additional note from Ezra, "Besides singing backing vocals on 'Ask' and 'Interesting Drug', Kirsty had a brilliant solo career of her own, and was once married to Morrissey producer, Steve Lillywhite, with whom she had two children. She also covered 'You Just Haven't Earned it Yet, Baby,' and her hit single, 'Walking Down Madison' was written by Johnny Marr."

 
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    Kirsty MacColl killed in boating accident | Log in/Create an Account | Top | 33 comments | Search Discussion
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    The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
    Tremendously sad news (Score:1)
    What can I say?
    David T (different) -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @09:45AM (#5930)
    (User #256 Info)
     david_t[at]boltblue.com
    Kirsty (Score:0)
    This has got to be the worst news ever!

    It truly saddens me to know that such a beautiful person is no longer with us.

    My heart goes out to her family and her fans.

    Kirsty you will be greatly missed.

    May you rest in peace.
    Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @09:50AM (#5931)
      This Is, Indeed, Sad (Score:1)
      What a terrible way to go, too. My goodness.

      I wanted to mention that her music still lives on - a band called Departure Lounge put out an album this year called "Out of There" and on it is a beautifully done cover of "They Don't Know." Whereas Tracy Ullman's was a sugary, poppy rendition, this version is haunting and somber. Very dreamy.

      You won't be forgotten, Kirsty.
      Lifeguard Sleeping -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @10:01AM (#5932)
      (User #58 Info)
        Thank You for the Days!!! (Score:1)
        Goto www.freeworld.demon.co.uk for the equivalent of morrissey-solo on Kirsty
        Johnny Marr -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @10:12AM (#5933)
        (User #1113 Info)
         There is no such thing in life as normal.
          i cant believe it (Score:1)
          i wasnt even a huge fan but i still feel totally devistated by this news.
          i bet she had so much more beautiful music in her, and she was saving it, to slowly release her talent over the years. and now there are no more years.
          how sad. just really really sad.
          alrightalex -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @10:29AM (#5935)
          (User #1695 Info)
          • sad by Morrissey Sucks (Score:1) Tuesday December 19 2000, @10:41AM
            A sad day (Score:0)
            Sigh
            It's always the best ones... I was fortunate enough to see Kirsty at King Tuts in February and she was stunning, a very talented lady with a wonderful sense of humour. I'm a relatively new fan, but I believe that her last album was her best and it is terrible that she has been taken away seemingly in her prime. My thoughts are with her two sons.
            On a lighter note, I couldn't help chuckling at Shane MacGowan's incomprehensible 'contribution' to the tribute on BBC news...
            But thank you Kirsty you were special
            Alison (Mozaholic@aol.com)
            Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:15AM (#5942)
              Sad synergy... (Score:1)
              Just two days ago, I introduced my boyfriend to "Tropical Brainstorm" and he loved it...and immediately wanted to hear her other CDs...then went out and bought them all.


              I showed him the photo of Kirsty and I at her show in Cleveland during a snowstorm when only 34 people showed up....


              And now this...

              DJJonLenin -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:22AM (#5943)
              (User #81 Info | http://hometown.aol.com/eltororojosd )
                just awful. (Score:1)
                jesus, and to make things even creepier, i had just downloaded "they don't know" off napster just 10 minutes earlier. she's someone that will be missed. she was never fully appreciated.
                eugenius -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:24AM (#5944)
                (User #1665 Info)
                 I'm almost sure you can do better than that.
                  kirsty (Score:1, Informative)
                  really saddened to hear of the death of kirsty maccoll.
                  she supported morrissey at alexandra palace in london in december 1992 and performed fairytale of new york with shane mcgowan. it was quite a night and her version of you just haven't earned it yet baby bought the house down. as morrissey himself wrote in the sleeve notes to her latest album "she was a supreme original...not one of the original Supremes." thank god for that and let's never forget...there's a guy works down the chip shop swears he's elvis, now he's a liar and i'm not sure about you. RIP
                  Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:29AM (#5945)
                  • Re:kirsty by Anonymous (Score:0) Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:43AM
                    Tragic (Score:1, Interesting)
                    I am deeply saddened by the news of Kirsty's tragic death. I loved her voice and as an Irishman will never forget what she did with 'Fairytale Of New York'. To me that song is the irish national anthem and I swell with pride every time I hear it. I always cry at Christmas when I hear that song. Then again it's a song that can be listened to any time of year and still create the same impact. Thank you Kirsty, I'll be thinking of you and your family.
                    Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:46AM (#5947)
                      So Sad (Score:0)
                      We'll miss you,lovely lady.
                      Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @11:54AM (#5948)
                        She was a great songwriter (Score:2, Interesting)
                        Not only did Kirsty choose great songs to cover (A New England, You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby) but she was a phenomenal songwriter herself (check out Can't Stop Killing You about spousal abuse with great guitar work by Johnny Marr and of course Walking Down Madison--great social commentary with wit and compassion).

                        Interestingly, Kirsty was also a common link between Morrissey and Johnny having collaborated and associated with both of them after the Smiths breakup...I can't help but wonder if she could have been a uniting force among them someday...now we'll never know.
                        darrinsatiableone -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @12:18PM (#5949)
                        (User #1650 Info)
                          My condolences (Score:0)
                          My condolences to her family and friends.
                          She will certain live on in hearts, minds, and most especially in our ears.

                          Lots of Love and Good wishes. I hope one day I find the cloud you are on, and can say Hello.
                          Goodbye Kirsty.
                          M
                             
                          Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @12:52PM (#5952)
                            truly a saddened day . . (Score:0)
                            I am familiar with her work and I must say that she was a brilliant artist and it saddens me to hear of this tragic news . She will be missed .
                            Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @01:07PM (#5953)
                              Such tragic news... (Score:1)
                              Kirsty was a beautiful, intelligent, and fiesty woman full of charisma and charm.

                              I've only ever seen her once in concert, but her music always makes my spirits soar...

                              Her angelic voice will never be forgotten here.

                              Rest in peace, Kirsty. My prayers to your boys and family...
                              Queen Ska -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @06:18PM (#5956)
                              (User #2046 Info)
                                Don't come the cowboy with me Sonny Jim... (Score:0)
                                What a shock to hear of her untimely passing. I am saddened by the terrible news for she was one of my favorite artist. With such a distinct voice and clever lyrics, I always regarded her as the female Morrissey. And for me, that's the ultimate compliment. Yes, she was that talented. May she rest in peace and my condolences to her family. Indeed, Kirsty, thank you for the days..........
                                Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @06:19PM (#5957)
                                  Terrible (Score:0)
                                  This is such terrible news. To know that her young children were nearby and witnessed this is unfathomable.

                                  A question--I used to have small CD single with her cover of "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby" and a song called " Closer to God." I checked on Napster to get this, but to no avail.

                                  My dog destroyed the CD.

                                  She is in my prayers.

                                  Ay help?
                                  Anonymous -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @07:18PM (#5958)
                                    *whimper* (Score:1)
                                    today is a sad day indeed. I'm so sad now. The world will not be the same without Kirsty. Now you find an "athiest" praying for her to be well taken care of in or whatever place she might be headed for. Thank you Kirsty for your music and for you.

                                    Love, love, love,
                                    Freddy Bedolla
                                    Golden Lights -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @08:44PM (#5960)
                                    (User #100 Info)
                                     "There were 2 many of us.We had access 2>2 many of 2 much money...2>much equipment and little by little we went insane."
                                      Thank you (Score:1)
                                      "Thank you for the days.
                                      Those endless days.
                                      Those sacred days you gave me.
                                      I'm thinking of the days.
                                      I won't forget a single day believe me.

                                      I bless the light. I bless the light that lights on you believe me.
                                      And though you're gone
                                      you'll be with me everyday believe me

                                      you took my life
                                      but then again I never knew that you would leave so soon
                                      but it's not right
                                      'cause i'm still frightened of this world

                                      thank you for the days
                                      you'll be with me every day believe me

                                      love, love, love,
                                      Freddy Bedolla
                                      Golden Lights -- Tuesday December 19 2000, @08:56PM (#5961)
                                      (User #100 Info)
                                       "There were 2 many of us.We had access 2>2 many of 2 much money...2>much equipment and little by little we went insane."
                                        We love you more than life (Score:0)
                                        Thank you for the days....(athens greece)
                                        Anonymous -- Wednesday December 20 2000, @01:12AM (#5962)
                                          too close to home... (Score:0)
                                          My presume is we're all so shocked by this because it was a name that belonged so close to our Morrissey...
                                          Anonymous -- Wednesday December 20 2000, @07:15PM (#5977)
                                          kirsty (Score:1)
                                          many thanks for the kind thoughts and words,
                                          it hasn't been an easy time .
                                          cheers
                                          boz and lyn
                                          boz and lyn -- Friday December 22 2000, @04:40PM (#6002)
                                          (User #2053 Info)
                                            kirsty (Score:0)
                                            so so sad. the last time i saw her she was waiting on the side of the stage at the brixton acdemey to pay her tribute to ian dury, she was fantastic as always, kirsty you will be missed but as they say "only the great go young" god bless sweetheart.
                                            Anonymous -- Friday December 22 2000, @10:29PM (#6003)
                                              Kirsty MacColl - truly underappreciated (Score:0)
                                              Kirsty wowed us with beautiful music, NOT great PR like mediocre Top 40 musicians. I think "He's On the Beach" just about sums it up for me. Strange, I happen to be going to Australia for the first time next month - perhaps I won't return either!

                                              I hope they burn the bastard in the speedboat...
                                              Anonymous -- Saturday December 23 2000, @10:19PM (#6017)
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