David Fitzgerald — the first guitarist of cult English shoegaze/noise group the Telescopes — has died of cancer. He was 54 years old.
Fitzgerald recorded with the Telescopes for their classic 1989 debut album Taste and their 1992 self-titled follow-up. The artist was also a member of Junkyard Liberties, who released their debut album back in 2016.
Wrong Way Records confirmed his passing earlier today in a Facebook post, with label head Al Boyd writing: "Unfortunately, I bring some devastating news. David Fitzgerald of Junkyard Liberty and former and original guitarist in the Telescopes has sadly passed away."
He continued: "He was a close friend and awesome musician, and I'm holding back the tears as I try to pen this post. When I chatted to Stephen [Lawrie] at the Fuzz Club Festival he said David needs to make some more noise, I agreed, sadly it will never happen.
"The World seems a whole lot smaller today, RIP David and you will always be remembered [and] thanks for the music, memories and 2 awesome New Year's Eves."
The Telescopes have offered their own tribute to the late guitarist, sharing Junkyard Liberties' cover of "This Is the Last of Whats Coming Now," alongside the following message:
For David Fitzgerald, the first noise guitarist with the Telescopes and a main protagonist of its cause from the very beginning. For the unforgettable memories and the incredible music he left behind and to light his way on the journey ahead. This is David's band of recent years turning their attention to the B side of our first ever record together. Infinite love.
Listen to the cover and see tributes to Fitzgerald below.
Fitzgerald recorded with the Telescopes for their classic 1989 debut album Taste and their 1992 self-titled follow-up. The artist was also a member of Junkyard Liberties, who released their debut album back in 2016.
Wrong Way Records confirmed his passing earlier today in a Facebook post, with label head Al Boyd writing: "Unfortunately, I bring some devastating news. David Fitzgerald of Junkyard Liberty and former and original guitarist in the Telescopes has sadly passed away."
He continued: "He was a close friend and awesome musician, and I'm holding back the tears as I try to pen this post. When I chatted to Stephen [Lawrie] at the Fuzz Club Festival he said David needs to make some more noise, I agreed, sadly it will never happen.
"The World seems a whole lot smaller today, RIP David and you will always be remembered [and] thanks for the music, memories and 2 awesome New Year's Eves."
The Telescopes have offered their own tribute to the late guitarist, sharing Junkyard Liberties' cover of "This Is the Last of Whats Coming Now," alongside the following message:
For David Fitzgerald, the first noise guitarist with the Telescopes and a main protagonist of its cause from the very beginning. For the unforgettable memories and the incredible music he left behind and to light his way on the journey ahead. This is David's band of recent years turning their attention to the B side of our first ever record together. Infinite love.
Listen to the cover and see tributes to Fitzgerald below.
RIP David Fitzgerald, formerly of The Telescopes and who joined our reformed lineup of The Emerald Down as a drummer. Very sad news.
— Orange Crate Art ⭐️⭐ (@OCAheaven) December 16, 2020
We did the comeback single without his involvement but the plan was to record an album, atleast partially, at his studio. ->
Haven't posted of here for quite a while, but unfortunately I bring some devastating news 🙁 David Fitzgerald of Junkyard...
Posted by Wrong Way Records on Thursday, December 17, 2020
For David Fitzgerald, the first noise guitarist with The Telescopes and a main protagonist of its cause from the very...
Posted by The Telescopes (Official) on Wednesday, December 16, 2020
