Terribly Sad News for the Classic Banjo Community

[thereallyniceman]

I am really sorry to let you know that I have just received the very sad news of the unexpected death of a leading member of the UK Banjo Community.  David Wade, who has been a site administrator here on Classic Banjo Ning for ten years died suddenly, and unexpectedly, this afternoon.

We are all shocked and dismayed at this news. David was a leading light in arranging the Banjo Festivals across the UK and his contributions will be sadly missed.  I would like to send my sincere commiserations to Carolyn and his family. He is a great loss to us all and I am still shocked to hear the news.

[Carl Rothman]

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to David’s family and friends and to the entire banjo community.

[J J Hildreth]

RIP

[John Deller]

Absolutely shocked. I had literally just been chatting to him on messenger this afternoon when i heard this! I was hoping to meet him at last May's banjo meet but covid put a stop to that. He was so encouraging. RIP David, my condolences to his friends and relatives.

[John Cohen]

I was so sorry to hear this. RIP and condolences to his family. Who will take up the zither banjo torch now that David has passed?

[Ray Jones]

A great loss.   I had some communications with Dave way back when, he was a lovely friendly bloke.  We were both into Zither Banjos.  I am so sorry to hear the news .   Stay strong Carolyn.

Ray Jones in Melbourne Australia.

[steve leuschner]

RIP , condolences to friends and family

[Eric STEFANELLI]

Hello Ian, this is sad news, I had a great relationship with David in the past, he was a good man and a good musician, I didn't expect him to go away though quickly! I am in thoughts with his wife Carolyn and her family.

[Richard William Ineson]

DaveWade's death came as very sad and unexpected news. His amiable presence on the banjo scene will be much missed and his championing of the sadly neglected Zither Banjo will be remembered by its devotees.

He was a good man who had put a lot into the banjo world over the years, his death comes at time when the Covid pandemic had brought the banjo rallies, which Dave had a big part in organising, to a temporary halt. The three banjo rallies are the mainstay of the UK Classic banjo scene and Dave will be hard to replace. Let us hope that someone comes forward to take over this key task.

[Clem Vickery]

I was devastated to learn of the passing of my good friend and colleague Dave Wade. A proud Yorkshire man with a heart of gold, as he would say 'As sound as a pound'. His huge contribution towards Clifford Essex Music Co will never be forgotten. Farewell Dave. Clem Vickery - Clifford Essex Music Co. Ltd.

[Anthony Peabody]

I have known David for many years, always a welcoming and friendly face at Banjo Rallies, and he will be greatly missed. His repertoire usually included some pieces which would otherwise remain unplayed, and he very often accompanied Carolyn, a multi instrumentalist, on the concertina or pipe.  Sad news, and we shall all miss him.

[TONY BRYAN]

This is very sad news indeed.  In Dave's passing we have lost  someone who was always selflessly helpful with a big, welcoming smile and one of our most devoted banjoists.  We must be grateful that he managed to put so much of himself into promoting the banjo while he could, but when I was in contact with him earlier this year he was full of all the things he was going to be doing once all the restrictions are lifted:  so much to do, so little time to do it.  Dave will be sorely missed.  Condolences to Carolyn and family. 

Tony

[Geoffrey Chidley]

Very sad, met at the various Banjo Rally's, He also very kindly forwarded copies to me of some of David Miles arrangements.  I shall miss his little Zither stands at the various rally's.  Great loss.