Gary Dwyer obit

Legendary Liverpool musician dies as bandmate pays heartfelt tribute

The Teardrop Explodes drummer Gary Dwyer, who played an integral role in Liverpool's alternative music scene, has died

 

He was not on the list.

Tributes have been shared after legendary Liverpool musician Gary Dwyer died. The drummer was renowned for his role as part of the pioneering post-punk band, The Teardrop Explodes.

A post on the British Music Experience's Instagram and Facebook account has paid tribute to Gary's influence on Liverpool's vibrant alternative music scene in the 1980s. The post, shared on the Liverpool based museum's account, said: "Sad news today that former Teardrop Explodes drummer Gary Dwyer, a much-loved figure on the Liverpool music scene, has passed away.

"He was an integral part of the band that burst onto the scene in the early 1980s with hits like Reward and Treason, and while the band went through numerous line-up changes, it was always Dwyer behind the kit.

"After the band's split, he drummed on Julian Cope's debut solo album, and also for Terry Hall's outfit The Colour Field.Rest in Peace 'Rocky'."

The sad news of the musician's death was announced by The Teardrop Explodes bandmate, David Balfe, earlier today, Monday August 10.

The keyboard player took to Facebook to pay tribute to Gary's memory as he said: "It is with enormous sadness that I must pass on the news that my wonderful friend of nearly fifty years, Gary Dwyer, Teardrop Explodes drummer and very special man, passed away last night. He'd been fighting Leukaemia for nearly two years.

"We'd stayed in touch and met often over the decades. I saw him last in Liverpool just a few weeks ago, over breakfast in Bold St. He was going through a good patch in his roller-coaster medical battle.

"We laughed often. Even when I spoke to him last on the phone about ten days ago, he was still in high spirits. Though his body was slowly giving up and he knew he was approaching the end.

"One advantage of the last couple of years was that it had allowed him the time to come to peaceful terms with the inevitable outcome. I could write about his extraordinary personality and sense of humour for hours, but I'm too sad to do so now. Maybe soon."

Liverpool musician Ian McNabb was another to pay tribute to Gary's memory. The former frontman of the Icicle Works said: "Fare Thee Well to my lovely mate Gary Dwyer.

"It was a joy to spend an afternoon with you recently, laughing, reminiscing and giving it all a good kicking. Whenever I think of you I will smile. Safe home, Rock In Peace, x"

People took to the comments of Ian's post on social media platform X to share their own tributes to Gary. Tim Baldwin said: "A lovely man, Gary. I am sorry for your loss Ian and I'm sure everybody who knows Gary will always smile when they think about him."

Paul Sudbury added: "Such sad news, Gary was the beating heart of the Teardrop Explodes. Condolences to his family, RIP mate." Noel Douglas said: "Legend gone too soon x."

The Teardrops Explodes was formed in Liverpool in 1978 by Julian Cope. The band was named after a panel in a Daredevil comic and Gary was a founding member alongside Julian, Mick Finkler and Paul Simpson.

The group played a defining part in the alternative post punk sound fostered at famous Liverpool club, Eric's. The band released three studio albums and are renowned for timeless hits such as Reward and Treason.