Heartfelt condolences are pouring in after the passing of a talented Cork artist, father and dear friend to many over the weekend.
Gary Thompson, most known by his stage name ‘Trigger’, passed away on Sunday, 25th October. The songwriter was from Dunmanway and had been living in Cork city. He is remembered for his passion for rap and hip-hop, and pride in representing his city and country in his music. He recently spent time in the US making music and performing.
His RIP notice reads that he was the “loving son of Betty (née McConnell) and the late John (Sonny), loving Dad to Jayden, and loving brother of Anthony. Sadly missed by his mother, son, brother, sister-in-law Nichola, nephew Sonny, Jayden’s mother Chloe and his sister Sophie, the Lewis family, and many friends and relatives.”
He rose to fame with music about life in Cork city and the harsh realities of social issues such as crime and drug abuse. He previously opened up about his struggles with homelessness and living in challenging conditions, as well as losing a close friend, Corey, to suicide. Trigger later dedicated one song, Let ’Em Know, in Corey’s memory.
Gary ‘Trigger’ Thompson, RIP(Image: RIP.ie)
His albums include Triggernometry and Double Perspective, and his tracks have been played on radio stations including RTÉ Radio 1, 96FM and RedFM. Over the years, he has worked with a number of US artists, including Tupac’s group The Outlawz. He recorded several music videos with the group, including for one song, ‘Purpose’, which was filmed in Los Angeles.
Cork DJ and radio presenter Stevie G paid a heartfelt tribute on social media: “Stayed thru to his love of hip-hop no matter what musical fashions were in vogue, and went and worked with many of those he looked up to outside of Cork and across the world in the US.
“Never stopped making music and made a lot of friends along the way, too. All the while rapping in his own Cork accent and representing his country, which he was very proud of. Deepest sympathies to his family & friends.”
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Cork musician Myles Gaffney wrote: “It was an honour to have met and befriended Gary on my music journey. Gary was an Irish Rap artist who contacted me a few years ago asking could he use my music on one of his tracks and would I sing a chorus on a track he had written titled ‘Tales from the Northside’ which I obliged without hesitation.
“I admired Trigger in how he went about his writing and his music, he did it his way, if you didnt like it then listen to something else which is very similar to my own attitude. Trigger wrote how he saw it and performed from the heart. He made his own contacts in America and Rapped with big names even with Tupac Shakur’s Outlaws which is something to behold.
“I recently spoke to Gary about the difficulties being an independent artist and the financial strain on self production and promotion and the outcome of the conversation was we were both in it for the music and the love of performing along with his cheeky smirk. Trigger it was a pleasure pal. Rap high in the Sky. Until the next time.”
Trigger’s RIP notice reads: “Reposing in Casey’s Funeral Home, Inchigeela, on Wednesday evening from 5.00pm until 7.00pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday in St. Enda’s Church, Johnstown at 11.30am. Funeral afterwards to St. Oliver’s Cemetery, Ballincollig.”
May he rest in peace.