Updated: 14.10
Eamonn Campbell of the Dubliners is being described as a great character and "musical genius".
He died in hospital in the Netherlands on Wednesday after becoming unwell at the end of a European tour with The Dublin Legends.
The 70-year-old was surrounded by his family when he passed away.
Mr Campbell is survived by his wife Noreen, six children and 10 grandchildren.
In a statement, his family said: "Eamonn was touring with The Dublin Legends in Holland and Belgium when he fell ill late last week and was admitted to hospital.
"He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family.
"Eamonn started his career over 50 years ago in his hometown of Drogheda, Co Louth.
"He first came to prominence as a guitarist with Dermot O’Brien and His Clubmen in the 60’s.
"He became the go-to session guitar player in Ireland and played on countless recording sessions for practically every act in Ireland."
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Tributes are pouring in for the much loved musician - whose suggestion to team up with the Pogues brought the band worldwide fame.
The Dublin Legends wrote in a Facebook statement: "[Eamonn] will be greatly missed by all his friends and fans around the world.
"We are heartbroken and we thank you all for your thoughts and prayers at this time."
I'm so sad to hear of the passing of the great Eamonn Campbell, a brilliant guitar player who played with the Dubliners for many years 🌹#Rip pic.twitter.com/L3fShKXUpC
— Frances Black (@frances_black) October 18, 2017
Rip Eamonn Campbell. A true Drogheda gentleman and musical genius. pic.twitter.com/Zbqs5KjbZz
— Fleadh Drogheda 2018 (@FleadhDrogheda) October 18, 2017
Eamonn Campbell RIP, no better guitar player anywhere, our condolences to Eamonn's family and friends #dubliners
— The Wolfe Tones 🇮🇪 (@wolfetones) October 18, 2017
Sean Cannon, singer with The Dublin Legends, said: "I am devastated. We have spent the last 30 years together touring and playing concerts. He was a great player with a great feel for Irish music."
Gerry O’Connor, banjo and player, added: "I have not come to terms with it yet. He was such a lovely guy. Always had a big smile on his face.
"He just adored playing live. He is a huge loss."
Singer Paul Watchorn added: "We always had such a good time in Europe. A little bit of sightseeing and then the concert.
"That’s what he loved most. Playing live. He was a real musicians musician and he always knew what the audience wanted to hear. Devastated".
Additional reporting: Jack Quann
