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Popular Peterborough singer loses battle with cancer
Danny Welsh who was a lead singer for Quarto And, pictured in 2004. Photo: Alan Storer/Peterborough ET
TRIBUTES have been paid to talented Peterborough musician Danny Welsh, who has died after a five-year battle with a brain tumour.
Danny, from Paston, was a well-known face on the city music scene as the singer for bands Quarto And, Lucifer Blues and Riot TV.
He had to bring a halt to the gigs when he was diagnosed with the tumour after falling ill in 2007.
The 30-year-old lost his ongoing fight with the tumour while at his family home last Thursday. This followed a short stay at the Sue Ryder Care Thorpe Hall Hospice.
His sister Nicky said Danny, her younger brother, “was the nicest person you could ever meet” and he “would be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him”.
Nicky, mother to Danny’s two nieces Danielle and Alex, added: “He was a very outgoing, bubbly, cheeky chap. He had a lust for life and wanted to live it to the full.
“Never once in the five years he had the tumour did he complain or say, why me? He never gave up, nor did it cross his mind that the tumour would beat him.”
Parents Bernie and Terry called their son “a wonderful, courageous man whose smile would light up any room.”
After his initial diagnosis, Danny, a former pupil at Walton Community School, had an operation to remove the tumour at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge. This helped alleviate the pain but doctors informed Danny the cancer was terminal but could be controlled.
He continued to live his life as he wanted to, going to festivals, seeing friends, writing songs and working at Travelex, in Peterborough, until his health deteriorated last year.
Nicky added Danny had always loved his music.
She said: “He modelled himself on Liam Gallagher when he was younger. He had the green parka, the glasses, the swagger and the attitude.”
Quarto And guitarist Michael Meadows said it was Danny who inspired him to become a musician.
Now playing with city band Whisky Jax, Michael spoke fondly of his early gigging days with his friend.
He said: “I owe the fact I started and still do music to Danny.
“I was only 14 when I first met him but he was the most rock ‘n’ roll guy I’ve ever met.
“He loved having a good time but if you ever needed someone then he would be there.”
One of Quarto And’s first accolades was to win a battle of the bands competition supported by The Evening Telegraph at The Fiddlers Elbow in 2004.
They went on to play a number of shows at the Met Lounge including support slots for The Kooks, We Are Scientists, Sparta and Nine Black Alps.
Danny’s funeral is at St Peter and All Souls Roman Catholic Church, in Geneva Street, Peterborough at noon on March 1. Donations to Sue Ryder Care Thorpe Hall Hospice.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Comments
There are 7 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Si H
Monday, March 12, 2012 at 06:15 PMI went to primary school with Danny, we were quite good mates, we sat on the same table for a few years. My child minder lived down his street so we'd play-out around there together. We lost touch when we went to different secondary schools. My most endearing memory is of Christmas in our last year at Paston Ridings Junior School. We were allowed to watch a video on the last day of term and Danny rocked up with a copy of Hendrix playing Woodstock - we were about ten years old. That says it all to me.
Darren Urquhart
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 08:47 PMI never got to meet Danny in person but I did have the privilege of meeting some of his family members and after talking to them I know how much he meant to all of them and how much he will be missed. My most sincere heart felt condolances go out to all Danny's family members and freinds at this time. x
bubbles13
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 06:05 PMSo sorry to hear the news of Danny, who used to come and play in our garden when he was 5. A sad loss. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all the family
Wendy Caton
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 02:54 PMI have known Danny for a number of years now and I was so sad to hear about his death. We worked together for a couple of years and he was the most likeable, funny and kindest man I have ever met. He had a great sense of humour. He loved his music and going to festivals. We had lost touch for a while but I was lucky enough to see him again last year in the Harrier pub with his best friend Nathan. You will be greatly missed Danny by alot of people including me. My thoughts are with his family. Rest in piece Danny X
PottyBoroPensioner
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:04 AMSo sad and such a waste, my thoughts go out to all the Welsh family, RIP Danny
LeSabre
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:49 AMVery sad news indeed. I knew Danny's bands well and of course they were stars at The Willow Festival, when they played it a few years back. I was joint promoter and a judge of the Battle Of Bands that Danny's band won back in 2004 and saw first hand what a talent he was. Sad loss of a genuine talent. My thoughts are with his family.
rebel woman
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:41 AMSo sad. My thoughts are with his family. I lost my brother to the same cancer at the same age. Too young to die
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