Rod de’Ath, the drummer who was an integral part of Rory Gallagher’s band in the 70s, has died at the age of 64, it has been reported.

Gallagher brought the Welshman into the band in 1972 following the departure of Wilgar Campbell, and appeared on five albums with the Irish bluesman: Blueprint, Tattoo, Irish Tour ’74, Against The Grain and Calling Card.

In a statement on his Facebook page, drummer Ted Mckenna, who took over from de’Ath in Gallagher's band in 1978, says: “I got the sad news earlier today that Rod de'Ath had passed away. I only met him a couple of times when I worked with Rory, but was delighted to meet him again in 2012 when, for the first time, Rod, Brendan O'Neil and I, three of Rory's drummers, had all been together. Unfortunately, it was for another sad occasion when we gathered to pay our respects to Lou Martin. My thoughts are with his family, friends and those who knew him well.”

After leaving Gallagher, de’Ath joined Ramrod with Martin and then played with the Downliners Sect before moving to the US.

On his return to the UK to produce an album for Road Erect, the drummer almost died in an accident in which he lost and eye, suffered severe brain damage and left him in a coma.

With no permanent address in the UK, hospital staff struggled to find out his identity. He regained consciousness and began the slow road to recovery but was forced to rebuild his life in London with his wife and daughter, as their home in the US had been ransacked during his long absence.

As a result of his time out of the public eye, many believed the drummer was dead and it was for this reason he refused to go to Gallagher’s funeral in 1995. However, at a memorial service to the Irish guitarist, de’Ath decided to pay his respects, shocking many at his sudden appearance.

de’Ath had been unwell for some time, undergoing major surgery in June this year. It is believed he passed away in his sleep.

[www.teamrock.com]

Sad. That leaves only Gerry McAvoy from that line-up.

[en.wikipedia.org]

Rest In Peace. The article lists the albums he played on, I actually got Blueprint a few months ago. Rory's stuff is all fantastic.

The band with Rory Gallagher was superb. One of my favorite moments is Rod de Ath's drumming Going To My Hometown, so focused and concentrated. This is from the DVD Live In Europe 72 or 74. I'm not in my hometown now but will check this out in tribute later.
Respect.
RIP.

RIP Rod.

Another sad loss, and a great drummer. RIP

What a drag it is gettin' old

RIP

It's always a joy to listen to Rory Gallagher's band Vinyls and the Irish Tour'74
is a must to have

Saw the original RG band several times in 74/75 and Rod was a real powerhouse of a drummer. I remember being a bit freaked out that anyone could have the name de'Ath. RIP Rod.

Rorys original drummer was the equally late great Wilgar Campbell (thats Wilgar on the amazing Live in Europe LP which everyone on this forum should own). Wilgar was getting burnt out by 1972 and didnt show for a gig at the Limerick Savoy and Rod stepped in without any rehearsal and nailed it.