Aslan to gig for first time since Dignam cancer diagnosis

Dublin rock veterans Aslan have announced their first live show in more than a year on May 31st next at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.

Lead singer Christy Dignam will return to the stage for the first time since he was diagnosed with cancer in February 2013.

“It’s been a very tough year for us,” said Dignam. “I didn’t think I’d even be alive right now to be honest.”

The singer confirmed his cancer treatment is working and he’s currently in remission. “I have to eat healthily and keep walking.”

Despite many hiccups along the road, Aslan are still together after nearly 30 years, he noted. “We’ve gone through everything together - drug addiction, breaking up, cancer.”

Bandmate Billy McGuinness said: “We’re taking things at a slow pace and will play our first gig back in comfortable surroundings at the Olympia. This is a day we thought we’d never see - we’re looking forward to getting back on stage.”

Guitarist Joe Jewell said the band plan to record a new studio album and will perform their new single, I Need a Little Time, on the Late Late Show on May 23rd.

“My family has been my main motivation to keep going, but the band are like family,” said Dignam. “Aslan has always stood for camaraderie - that’s how we’ve lasted as long as we have.”