Wexford music scene unites in grief following tragic passing of Andrew Hall (53)

Andrew was a renowned sound engineer, guitarist, keyboard player and handyman. Whether he knew it or not, at one time or another, Andrew had worked on the sound of a large proportion of Wexford’s musicians.

For many, the image of him raising and lowering the faders and emerging in front of the stage at venues such as the old Dun Mhuire theatre is forever etched in the memory. Quiet, unassuming and a man of infinite patience, Andrew had to listen to his fair share of budding rock stars on the Wexford music scene, but he wasn’t always shy about telling them when they were out of line!

Originally from Mulrankin, Bridgetown, Andrew’s remains were tragically discovered following a search at Raven Point on Thursday last week.

Over the past few days, Andrew’s heartbroken colleagues in the band Divine Invention have been sharing stories of his warm nature and how, over many years of gigging around the country, he was a calm person and a great man who kept them from the inevitable problems and tensions that come with being in a band.

A former bandmate, Colm Ó Cuanaigh, summed things up perfectly when he said of his late colleague: “You will live on in the walls of all the venues you played and pushed open sliding doors. You will live on under the bonnets of all the vans you helped repair on the side of the road and your talent will echo through the cones of all the speakers you worked magic on.”

It was one of countless tributes paid to him by musicians on social media in recent days. Many recalled that Andrew, or Mutley as he was affectionately known, was there to offer help and advice when they first took to the stage.

Ian ‘Mocha’ Moloney, a musician who has known him for more than 30 years, said Andrew “truly loved and lived for music” and described him as “the Swiss Army knife of bands”.

“Andrew’s importance and his enormous contribution to Wexford music is immeasurable,” he said.

“Thank you for your patience in making us musicians sound good over the years, Mutley. Your presence, your characteristic grumpiness and that little wink and smile at the end of a good show will be sorely missed.”

Trax Music Store, which has been a regular visitor to its doors over the years, also paid tribute to Andrew.

“From guitars to keyboards to sound engineering, Andrew’s passion for music was evident to all,” they said. “He worked with many people in the music industry over the years, and Andrew’s knowledge and character will be remembered by all he worked with. Our thoughts are with his family, relatives and friends at this very sad time.”

Andrew was the beloved son of Joe and Phyllis and brother to Ian. He is deeply missed by his family, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and many friends he met over the years, particularly for his love of music.

Andrew’s funeral was held on Monday at St David’s Church, Mulrankin, and his remains were later cremated. May he rest in peace.