In Loving Memory of Francis McPeake III, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Musician and Teacher
We Are Coming
SOON
Saturday 12th October 2024
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The McPeake Family regretfully announce the death of Francis McPeake III, who passed away peacefully on Saturday surrounded by his family.
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Francis ‘Francie’ McPeake III of Belfast, was born in Tyrella, Co. Down 30th April 1942, son of Francis McPeake II and Mary McPeake.
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Francis married Sarah Pinkey in April 1966 and they had two sons Francis IV and Eugene. Francis is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah, sons, Francis and Eugene and his four grandchildren, Hannah, Rebecca, Lucia and Francis V and his daughter-in-law Paula McPeake. Also, the remaining members of The McPeake Family; sister Kathleen McPeake, uncle James McPeake and cousin Tommy McCrudden.
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Although it would seem his destiny was to play Uilleann Pipes, it wasn’t until he heard his own father playing Uilleann Pipes on the radio that the spark was ignited and a great love and ultimate dedication to Uilleann Piping was born. Francis started learning Uilleann Pipes in 1956 and became the latest in the family line to sing and play Uilleann Pipes simultaneously. A talent unique to the family to this day.
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After the McPeake Family Trio released their first album, ‘The McPeake Family of Belfast’ for Prestige International in 1959, it was in 1962 that Francis III alongside his sister Kathleen and cousin Tommy, joined The Trio to form ‘The McPeake Family’. In 1962 the renowned American folk-singer Pete Seeger, whilst on his world tour, filmed the McPeake Family in their Belfast home, famously having to take the window out of its frame so that the camera could stand in the street and film the family in their living room. Subsequent albums ensued for The McPeake Family throughout the 1960’s and whilst touring USA in 1965, they worked alongside Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Pete Seegar and many more. The McPeake Family took Irish Traditional Music from the kitchen to the concert stage, with arrangements and harmonies and stage craft that was ahead of their time and put their stamp firmly on Irish Traditional music.
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Discography:
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1963 ‘The McPeake Family’ Topic Records
1964 ‘Irish Folk! The McPeake Family’ Fontana Records
1965 ‘At Home with the McPeakes’ Fontana Records
1965 ‘Introducing The McPeake Family’ Fontana Records
1967 “Pleasant and Delightful’ Philips Records
To say Francis lived a remarkable life would be an understatement, underpinned always by a humbleness that was almost palpable. He performed on some of the most iconic stages in the world, influencing and making an impact on musical giants but yet, he devoted his time, energy and talent to teaching the young (and not so young) in Belfast and as a result thousands of children and adults learnt tin whistle and many other traditional instruments ‘from Francie’. Francie was devoted to this labour of love. In 1977, Fr McNiff of Clonard Monastery approached Francis II and III to host traditional music lessons in Clonard Hall. From what was originally intended to be tin whistle lessons for 6 weeks, designed to get children off the streets during The Troubles, it grew into a glowing cultural icon of Belfast from 1977-2010. In the 33 years, Francis taught and influenced the lives of thousands. His impact on traditional music in Belfast alone cannot be overstated. Alumni from these classes, scattered all round the world, include countless professional musicians, tutors of traditional music, session players and those who can take the tin whistle out at family gatherings and say with fondness ‘I learnt that at McPeake’s’. It is fair to say, that this 33-year labour of love every Saturday and Wednesday night, for which people paid a mere £1 ‘lesson fee,’ laid the foundations of todays vibrant traditional music scene.
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A mentor, tutor and friend to many, Francie had a unique ability to seamlessly break through any barriers and treated everyone to the same openness and warmness whether you were holding a tin whistle in your hand for the first time or were a seasoned professional musician. In December 1967, The McPeake Family were smuggled into The Lancaster Hotel as the surprise act to perform at The Beatle’s ‘Magical Mystery Tour Party’ after Paul McCartney and John Lennon had seen the family perform on TV a few weeks prior. A fascination grew with the ‘fairy music’ as John Lennon described it. As a result, Francis taught John Lennon the Uilleann Pipes for a period of time. Touchingly, the Uilleann Pipes that Francis then played throughout the later 1970’s and onwards were in fact John Lennon’s set, gifted to Francis as a token from John Lennon.
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As taken from The Beatles Monthly Magazine, No. 55 Feb 1968:
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“The most unusual part of the night’s music came a little later on — after we’d all watched the “Magical Mystery Tour” film in colour on a large screen. A folk group called The McPeake Family was announced. There was quite a fittie story behind their appearance at the party. Apparently John and Paul had seen The McPeake Family on telly a few weeks earlier and been extremely impressed. John was so keen on the group’s “fairy music” that he wanted one of their pipes. So Alistair Taylor, General Manager of the Apple organisation, traced the Family in the North of England where they were preparing to head home to Belfast. Instead they postponed their return trip and came to London.
Their delicate playing and full-of-feeling singing impressed everybody at the party. When they’d finished Paul and Jane spent ages chatting to the Family — to father (Francis), son (also Francis) and daughter (Kathleen). Now and again the Family’s 84-year-old grandfather travels and performs with them but he had not accompanied them to London. The McPeake Family have performed all over the place — from Russia to America — winning something like 16 awards at top international music festivals. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear more of them. Certainly we shall if The Beatles have their way!”
It is a testament to Francis that his influence and impact is felt from what were the simplest troubled street corners of Belfast through to the biggest band in the world.
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The Francis McPeake School of Music closed in 2010 following funding struggles, however, Francis continued to perform at selected concerts and tours including with Francis IV band McPEAKE at Milwaukee Irish Fest and performed 'Wild Mountain Thyme' at BBC Proms in the Park at Titanic Slipway. Most recently, Francis performed in six traditional themed Christmas short films with his son Eugene, uncle James McPeake and cousin Tommy McCrudden. This led to a featurette of the combined short films into a limited release feature film and a later documentary on the McPeake legacy.
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May You Rest in Peace Francie. You have given your life to traditional music and now you join with your family and the other musicians gone before you.
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Funeral Arrangements:
Tuesday 15th October
1pm
St Joseph's Catholic Church
23 Hannahstown Hill, Hannahstown, Belfast, BT17 0LT
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​Francis will repose at O’Kanes Funeral Directors, Donegall Street, Belfast Sunday 9-5.30pm and Monday 9-8.30pm
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For Press Enquiries Contact:
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Mairead Forde
Mobile: 07832021069
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Ends.