From Beyond the Pale, Procol Harum's website:
We're very sorry to have to record the death, at age 65, of guitarist Dave Ball. Though Dave's time in Procol Harum was relatively brief, he was an essential part of the best-selling Live in Edmonton album and was involved in the groundwork for much of the Grand Hotel album too. After a thirty-plus year break from the music business, in a wide variety of 'straight' jobs, he decided to return to the creative arts and renewed his involvement in live music, songwriting and recording, writing and drawing: he was gifted in all these fields. With the advent of e-mail Dave had become a well-known and much-loved figure among Procol fans, not least for his participation as a musician, raconteur and drinking-companion at many of the Fans' Conventions organised by 'Beyond the Pale'.
On hearing of Dave's passing, Gary Brooker wrote to 'Beyond the Pale' on 1 April: ' ... the contribution he gave to us and his many friends around the world will last – but the MAN and his presence will be very sadly missed ...'
Read Gary's whole statement, a tribute from his band-fellow Chris Copping, and another from the BtP team on behalf of fans, by clicking
http://www.procolharum.com/whatsnew.htm . That page also gives details of the 65th Birthday and Rememberance Party that Dave's children have organised.
'Beyond the Pale' will publish a tribute page on which fans' memories of Dave Ball will be lastingly archived. If you'd like to contribute (or send in comments you've already made on more transient forums) please use this address:
daveballtribute@procolharum.comLastly, we would like to express our sincere condolences to Dave's family and close friends, on the loss of such a warmly endearing and funny man, whose talents touched so many around the world.
