Former D.O.A. guitarist Dave Gregg reportedly dead

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      Former D.O.A. guitarist Dave Gregg has reportedly died, with friends posting memorials on Facebook.

      Piecing together information from those close to him, it appears that the veteran musician was visiting his parents in White Rock when he collapsed on Saturday. Reports are that he had a heart attack after a possible aneurysm. He is said to have died later in hospital.

      Vancouver punk legend Brian Goble, who played with Gregg in D.O.A. from the early to mid-’80s, posted “as our ranks grow thinner, I salute the passing of a new spartan.”

      Long-time Canadian music publicist Melanie Kaye and close friend of Gregg wrote: “My life has been made happier by knowing Dave Gregg. Proud to call him my friend for the last 32 years. I will miss him as anyone that knew him will. Love you Dave.”
      Vancouver-based punk rock author Chris Walter posted “I’ve heard reports that Dave Gregg of DOA has passed on. I hope it’s not true.”

      Known as one of the nicest guys on the early Vancouver punk scene, Gregg played on D.O.A.'s iconic Something Better Change and Hardcore 81 albums. He was also considered an integral part of D.O.A.’s most fabled lineup, which included singer-guitarist Joe Keithley, bassist Randy Rampage, and drummer Chuck Biscuits.

      You can watch Gregg in action below in the video for D.O.A.'s cover of Bachman–Turner Overdrive's "Takin' Care of Business".

      Follow Mike Usinger on the Tweeter at twitter.com/mikeusinger.

       
       

      Comments

      22 Comments

      RIP

      Mar 31, 2014 at 12:57pm

      Punk rock never die,

      Bernice Page

      Mar 31, 2014 at 1:23pm

      I am in deep mourning over the loss of Dave Gregg.
      He always showed love and respect towards me in all the years I knew him. My grand daughter Isabella has been enriched during the past 10 years by his presence in her life. She will always remember him and miss him terribly.
      He will be sadly missed by all his friends and family.
      He is with his beloved mother now.

      Bruce

      Mar 31, 2014 at 1:37pm

      I was just a young kid and was lucky enough to meet Dave and share some watermelon with him at the house on Gore. Sad to hear he passed.

      Gary Floyd

      Mar 31, 2014 at 3:43pm

      A loss and a heavy one...always nice and so respectful of others. Musican of great status...I'm sad to hear this news....really sad.

      Michael Turner

      Mar 31, 2014 at 5:02pm

      I am so sorry to hear this. I didn't know Dave well, but I remember playing on a bill with the Grooveaholics in the late-80s and Dave was kind, fine, happy and fun.

      Mr Ed Banger

      Mar 31, 2014 at 6:17pm

      I knew Dave and promoted several of his bands back in the day. DOA, the Judas Goat, Groovaholics - the common thread through them all was the passion he had for playing live and the funk he displayed in his amazing guitar work. The fact that there were no airs about him and that he was a good guy with time for everyone, added to his appeal. For a boy from the Canadian prairies, he did experience life to the fullest in his world travels. My thoughts to Cathy and his family. Al Campbell

      Peter Carr

      Mar 31, 2014 at 6:29pm

      Knew him to hello to and he back to me. Always seemed like a nice guy. Sorry to his friends and family.

      A. MacInnis

      Mar 31, 2014 at 7:59pm

      Never saw Dave play, but I met him at the Meatmen show a couple of years ago, where he very generously posed for photographs - because every punk with a camera wanted to be part of a group pic that included Tesco Vee, Mr. Chi Pig, Dave Gregg, and... I think Jon Card and Willy Jak were in a few, too... Dave was friendly, unpretentious, and totally approachable, and afterwards I got to shoot the shit with him (and Bev Davies) a little outside Fortune Sound Club. You know how sometimes it only takes about five minutes to know that someone is a really good person? That was how it felt with Dave, that night.

      Like I say, didn't know him well, but my condolences to those who knew him better than I did... sad day.

      Rob Roy

      Mar 31, 2014 at 9:06pm

      Never was fortunate to know Dave.
      Shared the love of punk when it was first happening in the BC coast .
      DOA was an important part of what was happening on the Vancouver and Canadian punk scene of the early 80s. Was fortunate to spend a few days in the La Ronge and Otter Rapids area many years ago, Dave came from a beautiful part of the world. I hope you find the peace and tranquility of your home town. Kind thoughts to your family and friends

      Tim Dickson

      Mar 31, 2014 at 9:48pm

      What a massive loss. I can recall one show around the War on 45 era... DOA just blazed through a jaw-droppingly tight and wild set. I had seen a lot of pretty awesome rocknroll bands by then, but it was clear to me that I was at the best show on the entire planet that night. I had the the chance to chat after a few shows, and yes what a lovely man and a master musician.