Sunday, June 21, 2009

Midsummer’s Gig for Dave McHale - Blackrock Rugby Club - Sunday 21st June 2009 - 6.30pm

Dave McHale, 58, died in late May 2009 in Frankfurt after losing his battle with cancer.

Dave played on Mondo Bongo and V Deep and toured with the band in the early eighties. He was thought of as the unofficial seventh member of The Boomtown Rats. Dave played keyboards and saxophone and was a session musician of some repute.





The Midsummer’s Gig for Dave aimed to raise funds to erect a bench in his home town of Monkstown, County Dublin in his memory.




Garrick Roberts, Pete Briquette and Bob Geldof took part in a one-off musical tribute at Blackrock Rugby Club and sung Dave, from the In The Long Grass LP, the song that he wrote about his friend's plight .


Geldof was inspired to write 'Dave' after McHale's girlfriend died suddenly. "We had dropped Dave off in London after a tour," he explained. "He had a row with his girlfriend and she took off. Then he found her dead from a five-pound bag of heroin. I wrote this song the next day."






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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dave died on 23rd May. RIP

Unknown said...

God bless, Dave, I hope you're jamming with Jimmy Faulkner and all the rest who've gone ahead.

mary mac said...

rest in peace Dave with Declan and Jimmy if such a thing is possible.

Anonymous said...

At peace now Dave, many enjoyable discussions in Goggins. Love Rach

Anonymous said...

Very shocked to come across Dave's death on the internet, and have missed the tribute gig. I hadn't seen him for nearly 20 years, but always thought fondly of him. I always thought I'd meet him again some day. My deep sympathies to his nearest and dearest. Rest in peace, Dave.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know where the bench is? I would like to pay my respects as I worked withy Dave many years ago. He was such a talented guy.

Lizzie said...

came across this post whilst looking at info on another saxophonist.. Dave ah Dave,like many in our town you were so talented.. you'll always be remembered fondly. Prayers for all who suffer, both with us and passed XX