Gary Dwyer, the founding drummer of influential 1980s post-punk band The Teardrop Explodes, has died following a battle with leukaemia. His cousin Paul Dwyer confirmed the news on Facebook, writing: "Gary my wonderful gentle giant of a cousin passed at 2:05 am this morning thank you for all your kind words and messages he was pleased when I read them to him a few days ago. Such a brave fight no fuss no drama rest now ROCKY TWMA xx."
Friend and bandmate pay tribute
The Icicle Works singer Ian McNabb, a close friend, also paid tribute on X, alongside a recent photo of Gary smiling in a hospital bed. He wrote: "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, Ix"
Four months ago, McNabb had shared news of Gary's illness, writing: "I hope he won't mind me posting this but our rockabilly brother Gary Dwyer...is unwell at the moment but 'Rocky' is powering on in his usual manner. Skinnie and I spent the afternoon with him recently and top larfs were abundant..."
Career highlights
The Teardrop Explodes formed in Liverpool in 1978 and are best known for their Top Ten UK single "Reward." Singer Julian Cope met Gary, nicknamed "Rocky," and suggested the band name, taken from a Marvel comic strip panel in Daredevil. Gary reportedly replied "that’s a weird one you’ve got there, Jules" but was intrigued enough to learn drums. He and Julian remained the band's core until their split in 1982.
After the band, Gary played drums on Julian's 1984 solo debut "World Shut Your Mouth," joined Manchester band The Colourfield in 1986, and played with Balcony Dogs in the late 1980s. He later left music and took various jobs, including as a fork-lift driver.
Fans react
Tributes flooded in from fans on X. One wrote: "Such sad news, Gary was beating heart of the Teardrop Explodes. Condolences to his family, RIP." Another said: "Legend gone too soon x." A third commented: "Condolences to his family. He was a helluva presence as someone in a poster on my wall." A fourth shared: "RIP Gary Dwyer...x Rare in the Liverpool music scene, you'll not hear anyone say a bad word about Gary, universally loved."
A fifth fan added: "Farewell, Gary Dwyer. Drummer with The Teardrop Explodes and The Colourfield. For those of us who loved post-punk and new-wave… raise a glass to this legend of the Liverpool music scene. #RIPRocky."
