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Musicians in shock following Danny Costello’s passing

July 23, 2019 4:30 pm

Danny Costello [Source: You tube]

The passing of Fiji born Daniel Rae Costello following a long battle with cancer in Australia last night has left many fans and musicians in shock.

Dubbed as one of the Pacific’s most successful musicians, 58-year-old Costello’s iconic voice and music captured many hearts across Fiji, the Pacific, and the world.

Musician, Phil Dakei who is also a member of the Makare group says that memories is all that Danny has left behind.

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“I grew up listening to Danny in Primary and Secondary School and I could not believe it when I met him because I put him up on a pedestal and when I met him I got disappointed because he was just real, raw and was not that person I was listening to on the CD because he would never hide anything and would be straightforward with you.”

A close friend of Danny’s, Bill Beddoes recalled the time when they produced “We Are Fiji” after the Fiji 7s team won the World Cup in 2005.

“He wrote some beautiful songs and he also produced and we did the “We Are Fiji” song the one after the 7s World Cup in 2005. He produced that at SPR called all the musicians and we did it. It’s a big loss to all of us.”

Another close friend, George Moore says that Danny was a very talented artist that loved what he did.

Costello spent 36-years as a musician in Fiji and released many albums like ‘Tropical Sunset’ in 1979.

One of his songs that resonates with many Fijians and Pacific Islanders alike is ‘Take me to the Island’.

His hit songs include Samba, Dark Moon and Take Me To The Island.

The famed Pacific musician attended Marist Brother High School and started his music career at the Beachcomber Resort in the Mamanucas.