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In Loving Memory of

David Walker

Passed Away 5th September 2025 aged 75

Our Cheeky Southerner from London. A lovely kind gentleman, who enjoyed performing Blues Music.

I discovered David Walker at the Candlelite Club, the most striking things I first noticed was his London accent!

Still, being the only Southerner in the club was forgiven as his performances are amazing, and we, as a club, and indeed, his chums, have followed him through what he describes as the toughest journey of his life.

He joined the Hartlepool Ukelele Group 'HUG', when he realised that they desperately needed help, and became the band leader about 6 years ago.

December's 'pinup' bringing us into the new year.

Due to me having the sniffles, I asked them to conduct the interview, and safety first. And Pat, you did a fantastic job!

David's Musical life story in his own words.

1950's

I was influenced by my cousin Anne. She sat me down by her radiogram and said listen! I did, as any 8-year-old would.

Craig Douglas. Marty Wilde, Jess Conrad. Billy Fury, Neil Sedaka but it was early Elvis Presley that stuck in my mind. A raw bluesy sound.

1960's

The Beatles the Stones. Sounds like never before. The Stones singing blues songs, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters. Howlin Wolf. Little Walter and many more. The Blues had entered my life, not literally, but the music appealed to me.

I had a cheap B&M Japanese guitar and just sat and played along with them all. What a great time to be a teenager in London!

Carnaby Street, Charing X Rd music shops, 1965 seeing Bob Dylan at the Albert Hall. That’s when I bought my first harmonica and harness.

Then I helped a local group out and became the leader of SLIM CHANCE..... But Ronnie Lanes manager bought the name and we became FAT CHANCE. Left, 19-year-old David.

1970's

Moved from London to East Sussex and formed a duo with my younger brother Andrew. We bcame GADFLY, performing Simon and Garfunkel sings mostly. We played all over Sussex and Kent.

1980's

I Moved to Dubai for work. I was an area sales manager selling steel building materials in the Middle East and also the Far East based in Hong Kong. So, due to work, not much music for a while. I then moved to Hong Kong and joined a group of musicians for pleasure. I also saw Elton John. Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens and Jethro Tull.

1990's

I returned to UK and moved to Hartlepool. Hartlepool was a bit of a musical wasteland at the time. Until I discovered Open Mic Nights and Hartlepool Ukulele Group...

.... the rest is history.

He used to sing "I'm Ready" with a big pinch of irony.

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