David Fitzgerald, the former lead guitarist of The Telescopes, has died.
In a statement provided to NME today (November 17), the Telescopes’ Stephen Lawrie confirmed that the musician passed away following a battle with cancer.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of David Fitzgerald, the first noise guitarist with The Telescopes and a main protagonist of its cause from the very beginning,” the statement begins.
“We are thankful for the unforgettable memories and the incredible music he left behind. As a noise guitarist David was born beyond the realm of natural vision, a true original, in a field of his own.
“David had been battling cancer for a while and true to form he fought until the end but was comfortable and among those closest to him. Our deepest condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We celebrate his life in loving memory. May infinite suns light his way on the journey ahead.
“Rest in noise punk soul brother.”
Fitzgerald was one of the founding members of the band, who formed in Burton-upon-Trent in 1986, alongside frontman Lawrie, guitarist/singer Jo Doran, bassist Robert Brookes and drummer Dominic Dillon.
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
A post on the official Telescopes Facebook page last night (December 16) paid tribute to Fitzgerald, calling him “the first noise guitarist with The Telescopes and a main protagonist of its cause from the very beginning”.
The band went on to thank the late guitarist for “the unforgettable memories and the incredible music he left behind and to light his way on the journey ahead,” before sharing a link to a Telescopes cover recorded by Fitzgerald’s most recent band Junkyard Liberty.
The Telescopes’ Twitter account also shared some archive footage of Fitzgerald playing his guitar, writing: “Rest in noise punk soul brother”.
You can see that tribute, as well as a selection of others to Fitzgerald, below.
Rest in noise punk soul brother 🖤 pic.twitter.com/2DQrVTU37p
— the telescopes (@kickthewall) December 16, 2020
Really sad news. I love The Telescopes. They were the first band I ever saw at @TheBarrowlands when the opened for @uptoohigh https://t.co/ixABMcU7Aw
— stuart braithwaite (@plasmatron) December 17, 2020
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
RIP David Fitzgerald, formerly of The Telescopes and who joined our reformed lineup of The Emerald Down as a drummer. Very sad news.
We did the comeback single without his involvement but the plan was to record an album, atleast partially, at his studio. ->
— Orange Crate Art ⭐️⭐ (@OCAheaven) December 16, 2020
Rest in power
— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) December 17, 2020
sad to hear about David Fitzgerald has passed away. an original guitarist from one of my favourites band all of time @kickthewall. thanks Dave from music and beautiful noise, rest in easy🖤🖤 #thetelescopes #davidfitzgerald #creationrecords #chereerecords pic.twitter.com/j9fwg4R0Nd
— ☮✝☪☸✡☯☦ (@facingproblem) December 17, 2020
After releasing early singles ‘Kick the Wall’, ‘7th # Disaster’ and ‘The Perfect Needle’ (their breakthrough single), The Telescopes released their debut LP ‘Taste’ in 1989.
The band later signed to Alan McGee’s Creation label, releasing a self-titled album (later reissued as ‘#Untitled Second’) in 1992 which included the song ‘Flying’.
The Telescopes’ original line-up broke up in 1994, citing creative differences. Lawrie and Doran revived the band in 1996, before Doran left in 2006.
Lawrie still releases music under The Telescopes name, with the band set to release their latest album ‘Songs of Love And Revolution’ on February 5.