Joe Jewell

Joe Jewell, born on 25 December 1958 in Dublin, is the esteemed lead guitarist, backing vocalist, songwriter, and producer for the renowned Irish rock band Aslan. With a career spanning over four decades, Jewell has been instrumental in shaping the band’s distinctive sound and enduring success.

Early Life and Formation of Aslan

Jewell’s musical journey began during his school years at Patrician College in Finglas, where he met future bandmate Christy Dignam. Prior to forming Aslan, Joe Jewell was part of a band named Meelah XVIII. In the early 1980s, alongside Dignam, he co-founded Aslan, naming the band after the lion in C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia.

The group quickly gained a following in Dublin, leading to their debut single, This Is (1986), which garnered significant attention and airplay on Irish radio. Their first album, Feel No Shame (1988), reached No.1 on the Irish Albums Chart and was certified Gold.

Formation of The Precious Stones (1991 – 1993)

After Aslan split, Joe Jewell formed a new band, The Precious Stones, alongside former Aslan members Billy McGuinness, Tony McGuinness, and Alan Downey, with Dave McGinley on vocals.

The band were active between 1991 and 1993, releasing several singles, including:

• Jesus Says He Loves Me (1991) 
• Won’t Let You Down (1992)
• Red Sky (1993)

The first 2 songs were originally intended for Aslan’s second album and later appeared on The Platinum Collection

Although The Precious Stones gained a cult following, they disbanded in 1993, paving the way for Aslan’s reunion that same year.

Songwriting and Musical Contributions

As a core songwriter, Joe Jewell co-wrote many of Aslan’s most celebrated tracks, including:

• Crazy World – One of Aslan’s biggest hits, winning Single of the Year at the Hot Press Awards
• This Is – Their breakthrough single in 1986
• Where’s The Sun? – A fan favourite

His distinctive guitar riffs and falsetto backing vocals have played a crucial role in Aslan’s sound, complementing Christy Dignam’s powerful voice.

Producer for Aslan

In recent years, Joe Jewell has taken on the role of producer for much of Aslan’s music, helping to refine and evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. His deep understanding of the band’s identity has ensured that their records maintain the raw emotion and authenticity that have defined their music since the beginning.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Joe Jewell’s career has been marked by several key achievements:

• Platinum-Selling Albums: Feel No Shame (1988) and Made in Dublin (1999)
• Hot Press Music Awards Winner: Single of the Year for Crazy World
• Meteor Music Awards – Lifetime Achievement (2005): Recognising Aslan’s impact on Irish music
• Sold-Out Live Shows: Made in Dublin (1999), recorded at Vicar Street, remains one of their most celebrated performances

Recent Activities and the Future of Aslan

Following the passing of Christy Dignam in June 2023, Jewell and the remaining members of Aslan decided to honour his legacy by continuing the band’s journey. They introduced Lee Tomkins as their new lead vocalist and released the single “Hear Your Call” in March 2025, marking a new chapter for the band.

Musical Equipment and Style

Joe Jewell is known for his melodic yet powerful guitar style, often using Takamine acoustic guitars and a Fender Telecaster during live performances. His ability to craft memorable riffs and emotive melodies has been a cornerstone of Aslan’s enduring appeal.  In recent years Joe has also been enjoying the crafting building guitars himself.

Legacy

Joe Jewell’s dedication to his craft, his song writing contributions, and his work as a producer have solidified his status as a pivotal figure in Irish rock music. As a founding member of Aslan, Joe continues to shape the band’s legacy while ensuring their music remains timeless for future generations.