Again sad news, just at the start of 2021: Liam Reilly passed away at age 65. Liam Reilly was the Irish participant in the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest and became 2nd with the song “Somewhere in Europe”.
Liam Reilly, was an Irish singer/songwriter and musician . He was a member of the group Bagatelle. He left the group in the mid-1980s and moved to the USA. There he started a solo career and recorded his first album “Savannah Serenade”. In 1988 he took part in the Irish National Song Contest, the national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the song “Lifeline”. He became 2nd but came back to win the event in 1990. As a composer, Reilly returned to Eurovision in 1991 when he wrote Kim Jackson’s entry “Could it be that I’m in love”.
Liam Reilly also produced cassette ‘Throwing Caution to the Wind’. All songs were written by him except ‘Georgia on My Mind’ and ‘Moonriver’.
Reilly passed away “suddenly and peacefully” at his home on 1 January 2021. May he rest in peace.
Vienna 12 points: Live music at Eurovision 2026
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Live music at Eurovision 2026 is making an unexpected return for Finland. The EBU has given Linda Lampenius special permission to play her violin live during the live shows in Vienna. Why Finland asked for live violin Lampenius represents Finland together with singer Pete Parkkonen. Their song, “Liekinheitin”, means “Flamethrower” in English. The act is built around a strong musical dialogue between Parkkonen’s voice and Lampenius’ violin. For that reason, the Finnish team asked the EBU to allow real violin playing on stage. A rare Eurovision exception This is a remarkable decision. Since 1999, Eurovision performances have mostly used pre-recorded instrumental tracks. Artists may sing live, but instruments on stage are usually not heard live. They are often used as part of the visual show. The rule helps the production team, because Eurovision has many acts and very quick stage changes. However, Finland’s request has been approved. According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, the live violin was tested first. After that test, the EBU accepted the plan. The news is important because live music at Eurovision 2026 could give Finland a more natural and emotional performance. It also makes the act stand out in a year full of big staging ideas. Lampenius has said she is happy with the decision and sees it as a historic moment. There was a small exception in 2025, when Italy’s Lucio Corsi played harmonica on stage. That was possible because the sound could be picked up through the vocal microphone. Finland’s case is different, as Lampenius has official permission to play her violin live. What happens next? Finland will perform in the first semi-final on Tuesday 12 May. The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna on Saturday 16 May. The decision does not mean that all countries can now use live instruments. For now, it looks like a special exception for Finland. Still, many fans will watch closely. If the live violin works well, it may start a new discussion about the future of live music at Eurovision.
