‘Beautiful soul & true artist’ – Irish musician, 37, dies at home after short illness as pals left ‘devastated’
IRISH musician and architect Eoin French has died aged 37 following a short illness, leaving his family and friends "devastated".
The Cork native, best known as the voice and creative producer behind band Talos, "passed peacefully in his sleep" on Sunday, August 11.
Confirming his sad passing, a post from Talos Instagram page, said: "It is with great sadness that we let you know that our friend Eoin French, known to many the world over as Talos, has passed away after a short illness.
"Eoin passed peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of Sunday August 11, 2024 in his native Cork, surrounded by his loved ones.
"A beautiful soul, a true artist, a son, a husband, a father, and a friend. We are devastated by his passing.
"As was his wish, there will be new music from Talos to share with you all in the future."
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Fans were quick to express their grief and shock online as the bands page was flooded with heartfelt tributes.
Lyra wrote: "Sending all my love to you all. What devastating news. Eoin was one in a million, a true talent and a beautiful soul."
Bambie Thug said: "Rest in peace."
Steven cried: "Just so unfair! Remembering all our laughs/creating/singing along in the car…utterly gutted and always sending my love to his wonderful family and friends."
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'An incredible human being'
Cian added: "Absolutely devastated. An incredible human being, will miss him terribly."
While another fan commented: "We’re all going to miss him, a legend forever."
Eoin started off his career in Cork-based band titled Hush War Cry.
The young lad spent his time living between his home city and Reykjavik, Iceland.
Continental tours
However, since 2013 he has been renowned for producing and performing records under the name Talos.
French has toured all over the UK and Europe as Talos and has shared the stage with stars such as Bon Iver, Bell X1 and Dermot Kennedy.
Talos also performed a headline gig at the Cork Opera House and appeared at several festivals including All Together Now and Cork's Sounds from a Safe Harbour.
The band released their first album Wild Alee in 2017 through label BMG which was shortlisted RTÉ Choice Music Prize that year.
Recent work
The album was well-received by critics and earned a four-star review from The Irish Examiner.
Talos went on to release two more dynamic bodies of music with Far Out Dust in 2019 and Dear Chaos in 2022.
His most recent single, Solarr was released in 2023 and sampled the voice of Irish-Sierra Leonean vocalist Loah.
In his life outside of music, French studied, tutored and lectured at the Cork College of Architectural Education.