One Last Dance for Paul: Life of County Derry musician to be celebrated at memorial gig

The life of a much-loved local musician is to be celebrated at a special memorial gig on Boxing Night to raise money for two charities that were close to his heart.

Paul Beattie, from Coleraine, passed away peacefully at his home in September aged just 53.

A former head of economic development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Paul was also well-known as bass player with The Fix.

ABOVE: Paul, pictured centre, with members of the band.

The band was formed with his Coleraine Inst classmates Jonny Lennox and Shaun Giffin in the late 1980s before becoming a regular fixture at Kelly’s Complex in Portrush.

Although entrance to the concert at Kiwis Brew Bar will be free of charge, everyone is being asked to donate to one or both of two chosen charities – Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, and Paul’s Legacy, a local charity set up in memory of Paul Murray, a nurse practitioner and fan of The Fix who died suddenly from cardiomyopathy.     

Every £5 given via the link to either dedicated JustGiving page will entitle the donor to a raffle ticket for a gala prize draw with the lucky numbers being drawn on the big night itself.

“Everyone who knew Paul continues to be devastated by his death,” Jonny commented.

“After talking with his family and friends, we decided it would be fitting to play - one last time - the songs that are so familiar to those who saw The Fix play over the years.

“Paul will not be replaced because Paul could never be replaced. Instead, his bass guitar will be on the stage where he would have stood.”

Jonny says he has been overwhelmed by the amazingly generous response to his appeal for raffle prizes. 

“We have some been given some genuinely stunning prizes, and the list is growing by the day. 

“It is being constantly updated and can be seen by visiting our Facebook page at ‘The Fix Portrush.’ 

“There are also links there to the two JustGiving sites where people can buy tickets by making donations.  I would ask that they include their name on the JustGiving page so we know how many tickets to allocate, or they can contact me directly.

“I know not everyone can make it on Boxing Night, including some of Paul’s old schoolfriends who have moved away to live and work.

“However, I would encourage them to buy tickets and we will get their prizes to them if their number is drawn out.” 

Jonny added: “We hope to honour Paul’s memory with a night to remember, and a lot of money raised to celebrate his legacy.” 

The Fix: One Last Dance for Paul’ will take place at Kiwis Brew Bar, 47 Main Street, Portrush on December 26 from 8pm.