The Canadian music community is mourning the loss of Denny DeMarchi on Friday after a battle with cancer.
The Toronto native played with bands like The Cranberries and Alias (he played keyboards on the 1990 hit ballad “More Than Words Can Say”) as well as with the late Dolores O’Riordan.
“We lost a beautiful soul, a gifted musician, an empathetic friend who was filled with kindness and compassion,” shared musician Wolf Hassel on Facebook. “We are diminished by the loss of Denny DeMarchi. I was lucky enough to play with him in a Sheriff and Alias Reunion....memories I will always cherish. It was a heartfelt honour to call him friend.....he will be sadly missed.”
Musician Chris Sutherland remembered DeMarchi as “one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. Full of love, caring, empathy.. and talent. SO much talent… You just don’t get many people that special go through your life.”
DeMarchi played on O’Riordan’s solo albums Are You Listening? and No Baggage and backed her on tour in 2007 and during several television appearances. He also toured with her band The Cranberries for their 2009 reunion and released his own material.