Gerry Conway, drummer for British rock band Fairport Convention, has died aged 76 after a battle with motor neurone illness.
His bandmates confirmed he died on March 29, 2024, calling him ‘unique’ and ‘impressive’ throughout his music profession.
Throughout Conway’s life he performed with icons like Cat Stevens and progressive rock band Jethro Tull, in addition to being Fairport’s drummer from 1998 to 2022.
‘He brought to the band an impeccable understanding of “feel” and comradeship, a unique sense of subtlety and a complete understanding of what was required,’ wrote the band on their web site.
Conway had hung up his drumsticks two years in the past after being identified with MND, which impacts the management of muscle tissues and weakens them.
Cat Stevens, 75, lead the tributes having labored with Conway for over three many years each on tour and within the studio.
‘Sadly my great old drummer, Gerry Conway just passed away,’ he shared.
‘What a lad, and what ingenuity and style. May God grant him the beautiful reward of peace everlasting.’
Conway has taught himself drums at an early age, staring in class bands and catching the attention of London band Chico Arnéz Orchestra at simply 16.
His dad and mom forbade him from becoming a member of however the decided rocker landed a job at EMI report label and honed his expertise alongside different musicians.
In the tribute on the web site, Fairport continued: ‘Gerry’s spectacular musical CV started lengthy earlier than he joined Fairport. He got here to prominence as drummer and percussionist with Cat Stevens, each within the studio and in stay efficiency.
‘As well as his tenure with Pentangle from 1986 to 1993 (then with Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle till 2022) he was additionally admired for his work with Fotheringay and Jethro Tull.
‘His name spread far and wide and was the envy of his peers. Fairport Convention’s ideas and condolences are with Gerry’s companion Jacqui and the household.’
Along with this, bandmate Simon Nicolls added: ‘Wonderfully patient and wise, infuriatingly tardy but always ready and eager to play, and blessed with his own inner calm and solidity.
‘I’m going to overlook him greater than I can say.’
Former Fairport member Iain Matthews mentioned: ‘Gerry is gone and I don’t know the way I really feel, besides intensely unhappy. I knew him lower than many [in the Fairport circle] however we went wayyy again.
‘He played incredibly on my first solo album, If You Saw Thro’ My Eyes… pure Gerry Energy and spirit.’
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