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THE MAN BEHIND
THE MUSIC
THE MAN BEHIND
THE MUSIC
The Sound.
The Laughter.
The Heart.
ROOTED IN LOVE. REMEMBERED ALWAYS
Russell Taylor was known for his guitar, but those closest to him knew the man behind the music. Quiet, loyal and deeply devoted to the people he loved. Russell built a life around family, friendship and music.
This is the story of the moments, people and passions that shapped him.
Russell Taylor was known for his guitar, but those closest to him knew the man behind the music. Quiet, loyal, endlessly curious and deeply devoted to the people he loved.Â
Home was
where his
heart was.
FAMILY WAS EVERYTHING
MUM
Ma Taylor,
Her love, Strength and support shaped the man he became.
WIFE
His love, his partner and his best friend. They built a life together filled with laughter and adventure.
STEPSON NATHAN
From his first disco to his college graduation & Masters graduation, Russell was proudly there for every milestone.
GODSON MIKEY
A young musician carrying the music forward - something Russell would have loved.
COUSINS - GILLIAN, DAVEY and ANDY
Gillian, Davey and Andy were part of the family circle Russell loved. Gillian and Davey were a steady support during his final weeks, helping Dorothy and Jena through each day.
THE HUMOUR BEHIND THE MUSIC
The stories that made Russell, Russell
MUM
Ma Taylor,
Her love, Strength and support shaped the man he became.
WIFE
His love, his partner and his best friend. They built a life together filled with laughter and adventure.
STEPSON NATHAN
From his first disco to his college graduation and Masters graduation, Russell was proudly there for every milestone.
GODSON MIKEY
A young musician carrying the music forward - something Russell would have loved.
COUNSINS - GILLIAN, DAVEY and ANDY
Gillian, Davey and Andy were part of the family circle Russell loved. Gillian and Davey were a steady support during his final weeks, helping Dorothy and Jena through each day.
The Twinkle In His Eye
"Everything he did was with a twinkle in his eye."
- Rob Craven
Love Me?
Russell had a phraseÂ
When words failed him. He had a simple solution. A grin, a raised eyebrow &
"love me?"Â
Every single time it worked.Â
Galway Girl
Russell's guitar was built for heavy metal, not Irish ballads. Yet somehow he once played Galway Girl on it.
His Friends & bandmates never let him forget it, and the guitar's rock credentials were questions for years afterwards.
Two Spoons
Of all the things I miss, one of them is hearing Russell ask:"Can we get two spoons?". He'd pretend he didnt want dessert, I'd order one, and before long, we'd both be eating it.Â
A small ritual, A lifetime of memories.Â
School Days
After school, Russ took his huge Marshall amp outside to the garden, turned it up full & blasted it for a few minutes of excellent power, lead guitar licks. The sound reverberated off the old quarry.
- Craig Armstrong
Music was his first love, but never his only passion. The same curiosity that drove him as a musician led him to rivers, cameras, classrooms and open roads.
BEYOND THE MUSIC
Where he found peace
THE FISHERMAN
Cong and Lough Corrib were more than fishing destination. They were Russell's sanctuary.
Mayfly season was his favourite time of the year, outside of Easter that is, and countless hours were spent exploring, the river, photographing wildlife and perfecting his craft.
His final fish, caught late one evening before returning to Dublin, became one of his most treasured memories.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Russell rarely travelled without a camera. Wildlife, landscapes, people and unexpected moments all captured his attention.
When reports emerged of a Yellow Crowned Night Heron appearing in Mayo - believed to be the first sighting in Ireland - Russell immediately set off to find it.
His successful photographs became part of an extraordinary chapter in Irish birdwatching history.
Curiosity through a lens
CYCLING & FITNESS
Always moving forward
Fitness was a lifelong commitment.Â
Russell spent countless hours cycling, training and challenging himself to improve.
Over the years he owned several specialist road and mountain bikes, each reflecting his dedication to health, discipline and personal growth.
If he wasn't holding a guitar, camera or fishing rod, there was a good change he was holding a set of handlebars.
Where music, friendship and curiosity took him.
JOURNEYS & ADVENTURES
Where Love Began
SOUTH AFRICA
The country where Russell and I truly got to know one another.
What began as a work project became a friendship and eventually the start of a relationship that would shape the rest of our lives.
Among the wildlife, landscapes and adventures of South Africa, we discovered something far more important - each other.
To celebrate Russell's 50th birthday, we flew to Hong Kong together. While staying in the same hotel before an upcoming concert, we unexpectedly crossed paths with Duff McKagan.
The two musicians talked shop - guitars, touring, recording and life on the road. Duff shared how he was applying for his Irish passport through his family heritage, something that fascinated Russell.
Moments like these were never about celebrity, they were about music, friendship and shared experiences between musicians who love their craft.
Music, Memories & Unexpected Encounters
HONG KONG
HE NEVER MET A STRANGER
From Dublin to Hong Kong, New York to Istanbul, South Africa to airports in between - no matter where he travelled, Russell somehow knew someone.
During visits to South Africa. Russell formed a close friendship with Adam, affectively known by him as
"The King of Soweto".
Built on humour, curiosity and genuine respect - a bond that lasted a lifetime.
HIS OTHER FAMILY - THE DOGS
Dogs weren't just pets to Russell. They were family. Loyal, Loving and always by his side.
WORDS HE LIVED BY
"How great it is to do nothing....
.and rest afterwards."
"What grows in the garden stays in the garden."
THE CHOCOLATE MONSTER
Rehearsals, Gig nights, long drives, Chocolate biscuits were essential.
He was known among friends and bandmates as an absolute chocolate monster!.
HIS GREATEST LEGACY
Not the music.
Not the photographs.
Not the recordings.
The people whose lives he touched.
His Love never ends. It lives on in us all.
FRIENDSHIPS THAT LASTED DECADES
Russell collected friendships that same way others collect records. Carefully for life.
From school friends and bandmates to photographers, fishermen and cycling friends, Russell built friendships that lasted a lifetime.​
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