i spoke to Nickos son last night. Tragically Steve Gadd died yesterday , we believe from cancer. He was a great man, I knew him 25 years, a gentleman . RIP
I knew him too and called him last week but i only heard the mailbox. I didnt thought that the cancer took him so fast. I will miss him and thank you for all the good times with you mate. Very sad and i would move to the funeral but i have no information.
IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain and his bandmates attended their former tour manager’s funeral in Truro yesterday afternoon.
A service to celebrate the life of Steve Gadd took place at Truro Cathedral at 3.15pm in the presence of more than 200 family members and friends.
Mr Gadd, who moved to Truro in 1990, died peacefully at home on March 27 following extensive treatment for cancer.
Following the hymn Morning Has Broken, a tribute by Steve Tommo Thompson and song Chasing Cars by Sarah Hodder, Mr McBrain paid tribute to his former tour manager.
In his eulogy he spoke of Steve ‘Geezer’ Gadd’s sharp wit and his gregarious nature, mentioning their history together as gigging drummers in the 1970s and some of the other bands which Steve had worked with including W*A*S*P, Status Quo and the Scorpions.
“He was gorgeous,” he said wryly, adding: “All drummers are.”
He also spoke candidly of what a fundamental part Mr Gadd had played in the Iron Maiden family and the loss they would feel without him.
He said: “He was generous and a good looking drummer.
“When I asked if he would work with me he said ‘let me think about it’,” he reminisced.
“He loved his drink and he loved his fish but he had to have it with mashed potatoes.”
Afterwards, The Revd Canon Lynda Barley, who led the service spoke of the kind and generous man who immediately put people at their ease and how the illness could not overshadow his gregarious and charismatic nature and his love for music, family, friends and animals.
She said: “Steve taught himself to play drums at the age of 13 and he was in the band Charlie.
“He was part of the Iron Maiden family and made Truro his home in 1990.
“The illness would not overcome his loyalty to his closest friends.
“He was a rock 'n' roll man with deep love for animals, especially for cats, and he continually lied about his age.”
The coffin was carried out by the members of Iron Maiden followed by a private family ceremony at Penmount Crematorium.
Mr Gadd's family is still raising funds for the Oracle Cancer Trust in his name. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/Steve-Gadd
My niece arranged Steve's funeral as she works at the cathedral but when told it was the tour manager of iron maiden, bless her she had never heard of them ...
gaddy. i am so sorry i could not make it and it is something that will haunt me for ever. for all the things you did for me i will always be gratefull. rest easy mate xx
I'm one!!! just never had the balls to make contact, had my own lasts year and wish I'd pulled me finger out Before he wbless god bless, sleep tight xx
I'm one!!! just never had the balls to make contact, had my own lasts year and wish I'd pulled me finger out Before he wbless god bless, sleep tight xx
Ps...after years of soul searching and deciding that not imposing was the best thing, I wouldn't half mind meeting a sibling since i missed ouT on the real thing! been kinda stalking this page for years!!You can contact me on skyw41ker@yahoo.com...if you want!!! x
I was very sorry to read of Steve Gadd's passing. I saw Charlie when they supported Focus at the Johnson Hall in Yeovil and bought the album Fantasy Girls in 1976. It became one of my favourite albums! The band were fantastic live too! Steve was a great drummer and suited the band perfectly. I had the privilege of playing bass in Ted McKenna's band, McKenna's Gold, for two years, so I know an excellent drummer when I hear one. Steve's drumming was precise, uncluttered and sensitive too. He and Jon Anderson made a truly great rhythm section. 'Turning To You' remains one of my favourite songs from a wonderful band.
just one of my favorite... what great time you had you have tought me a lot about playing, so sad.... prayers will be with you & your loved ones........"one killer drummer"
I worked with Steve at TPL Magazines (Thomson's) in the early 70's when Steve worked in the accounts department there. I then left TPL for the BBC and lost touch with him. He was a great guy and wanted to break into the music industry, I've been trying to find news of him for many years (only able to find details of the USA guy) and sadly have only just found this tragic news thread.
I found Alan Davies` message about Steve. and was saddened by the news, as I also worked in the same office as Steve (and Alan) in the 70`s. As well as working for the same company, I followed Steve`s music career from his early band days with "Silk" and then "Charlie". Being a drummer myself, I was greatly influenced (and helped) by Steve`s playing and will not forget his huge personality, his wit and musical talent. Farewell Steve.
