The Teardrop Explodes drummer Gary Dwyer has died. He was a founding member of the pioneering post-punk band and a key figure in Liverpool's alternative music scene.
The British Music Experience paid tribute on Instagram and Facebook, saying: "Sad news today that former Teardrop Explodes drummer Gary Dwyer, a much-loved figure on the Liverpool music scene, has passed away."
Bandmate's tribute
Keyboard player David Balfe announced the death on Facebook, writing: "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."
Balfe added: "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."
Musician tributes
Ian McNabb, former Icicle Works frontman, 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"
Fans also shared tributes on social media. 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."
Band history
The Teardrop Explodes formed in Liverpool in 1978 by Julian Cope, with Dwyer as a founding member alongside Mick Finkler and Paul Simpson. The band was named after a panel in a Daredevil comic. They played a defining role in the alternative post-punk sound at Liverpool's Eric's club, releasing three studio albums with hits like Reward and Treason.
