Downpatrick musician Deborah performing at gig in memory of dad

Downpatrick musician Deborah performing at gig in memory of dad

5 February 2025

A DOWNPATRICK woman is hoping to follow in her late father’s footsteps with her musical dreams. 

Deborah Fitzsimons (26) has been gigging in venues all over the district and in Belfast since she was 17.

Her passion for music came from her father, Damien, who played in the bands Purple Haze and Red Biddy and who Deborah had often gigged with before he sadly passed away in 2023.

This Saturday, Deborah and her family have organised a night of live music at Denvir’s Coaching Inn in memory of Damien.

“My dad raised us on all the best music from the 60s and 70s – Bob Dylan, Dire Straits and the Eagles,” she said. 

“My favourite gig was with my dad one Christmas at the Harp Bar in Belfast. Everyone was in a really good mood that night and were singing along and chanting, it was magical.”

Deborah describes the genre of her music as “fluid” – a mixture of pop, country and blues.

“I love contemporary artists like Amy Winehouse and Frank Ocean. I listen to the likes of Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton and Luke Bryan too. I love the storytelling in their music,” she said.

“I try to engage with the creative process constantly, anytime I’m out for a walk or doing something lyrics will just pop into my head and I have to note them down.”

With a talent for songwriting, Deborah released her debut songs last year, The Gem and Final Ending.

“I wrote The Gem as a tribute to my dad – ‘The Gem’ was the nickname we had for him,” she explained.

“Final Ending touches on people’s bittersweet moments. It was released in October and has had 10,000 streams already. The response to my songs has been amazing.”

With her success to date, Deborah would love to take her music passion further in 2025.

“I’m constantly gigging,” she said. “In 2025 I’m planning to release my next single and then later in the year an EP. I’d love to play bigger stages and festivals.

“In November I went to the NI Music Prize and met so many talented local musicians and artists. My dream would be to win an award for my music there in the future.”

Saturday’s concert is called entitled ‘If the Music Fitz’ and a big welcome is extended to everyone. It will feature performances from 14 local bands, including all those Damien played with over the years.

The event will kick off at 8pm and a £5 donation is welcome. All proceeds are in aid of the MacDermott Cancer Centre at the Ulster Hospital. 

To follow Deborah’s music, search for Deborah Fitz on Spotify and deborah_fitz_ on socials.