Roy Taylor was always full of optimism, for example in this Facebook photo. © Facebook
Shock among Eurovision Song Contest fans: They mourn the loss of a legend of the competition, who is not only deeply respected for her musical achievements.
Dublin - Great mourning for Roy Taylor: The former Eurovision Song Contest participant has lost the battle against his serious illness at the age of 66. This is reported by numerous Irish media and ESC portals. His relatives had announced the news via the Facebook page of the organization "Watch your Back MND", which he founded, according to irishmirror.ie.
ESC participant Roy Taylor (Jump The Gun) is dead: he fought MND
"It is with deep sadness that we would like to announce the passing of our father and hero Roy Taylor," it reads. "Because of his contagious positive attitude, he has achieved so much in the fight against MND in recent years. His work has helped the world get closer to freeing itself from MND. This makes us burst with pride. A great father, a great person and a great musician. To everyone who has supported us: We know who you are. We love you and he loved you all."
MND refers to the group of motor neuron diseases, which includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The University Hospital of Würzburg defines these on its homepage as "degenerative diseases of certain nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscles". Taylor has been fighting MND for years with remarkable openness, but also with confidence, as could be seen on the aforementioned Facebook page and various interviews, among other things. He was diagnosed in 2018, reports independent.ie, among others, and in 2020 he climbed to number 1 in the Irish iTunes charts with the song "My New Dream" and thus also drew attention to the disease.
ESC participant Roy Taylor (Jump The Gun) is dead: Fans in deep mourning
Not only with his brave fight he collected a lot of sympathy: Many Irish and Eurovision Song Contest fans also remember his appearance at Europe's most important song competition: In 1988 he entered the race as a bassist and singer with the band "Jump The Gun" and the song "Take Him Home", they took eighth place for Ireland. In the comments on YouTube, fans mourn: "Great song, a fantastic lifetime achievement. Rest in peace, Roy" and "RIP Roy. I was so shocked by the news today."
The Facebook message on his death even collects hundreds of comments. Not only his achievements as a singer are appreciated, but also his fight against the terrible disease. He has been described as an "MND warrior" and a "true fighter", and one follower writes with admiration: "Roy was an inspiration. I loved meeting him and interviewing him about MND. He was always so positive. I'm thinking of all of you. Roy left a lasting impression and will be remembered forever." In addition, it says in deep mourning: "Sleep with the angels, Roy." A few months ago, fans also had to say goodbye to a German ESC star. (lin)
