Joe Cassidy was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 31 August 1969. His music career carried him to Manchester, London, Los Angeles, and finally Chicago where he died suddenly on 15 July 2021.

Joe performed and recorded as Butterfly Child, with his band Assassins, and was a pivotal member of the Shepard Fairey project, NØISE. He was also involved in music production and management, and worked with a broad array of artists including Jimmy Webb, Ashley Campbell, Michael McDermott, Jonny Polonsky, Ree-Vo, Ethan Gold, Plastic Crimewave Sound, and the Webb Brothers.

On 28 August 2022, the legendary Chicago venue Metro hosted “Hear in Heaven,” where 42 musical artists whose lives had been touched by Joe's gifts came together to perform in honour of his legacy.

Joe was well-known for the impressive songwriting and production talents that he so selflessly shared with others, but was also loved because of his warm and generous heart and willingness to help anyone in need.

To commemorate his combination of unmistakable talent and vast generosity of spirit, Joe's family and friends are establishing an award in his name (precise details forthcoming) to be presented next year at the annual Northern Ireland Music Prize ceremony in the Ulster Hall, Belfast.

This Localgiving page has been set up as a mechanism to enable contributions to this award intended to keep Joe's spirit of unbridled creativity and the nurturing of artistic talent alive. We thank you for your support.