The music writer and psychiatrist passed away on Friday.
Niall Crumlish, who was a music writer for Hot Press and later State Magazine, passed away on Daffodil Day. Niall was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022.
For those who were lucky to talk to Niall, or read his writing, there was a palpable sense of a deep thinker, someone who really thought about intent, meaning, words, and motivation behind the music.
He was a natural communicator, one who operated with his sense of passionate fandom fully intact, that gave his work an insight drawn from a genuine unyielding love of the craft of songwriting.
He applied that same sense of deep interest and care in the human condition to his work in the field of psychiatry.
Niall was a gentle man – who always had a question in mind, and was always interested in what others had to say.
Niall Crumlish’s work was an inspiration, with a profound consideration and empathy that a less-experienced, younger writer could aspire to every time you read his work.
As Hot Press’ tribute to the man made clear, Niall had this interest and was always thoughtful in his prose from the beginning.
In recent years, Niall’s music writing was limited to his website Psychiatry and Songs, which is a great comfort to know his words and his work can continue to speak to us, now that Niall is no longer here.
As just one example, there is a beautiful exchange between Niall and Prefab Sprout’s Wendy Smith about the nature of collaboration and connection, against the backdrop of Niall’s surgery.
His work for Hot Press is also thankfully on their archive.
Condolences and love to his wife Sharon, children Olivia, Michael and Evan and all who were lucky enough to be in his pensive orbit.
The funeral takes place tomorrow April 1st.
Niall’s Goosebumps playlist.
