Popular rock musician Gary Dwyer has died at the age of 66 following a battle with leukemia.
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Dwyer was best known as the drummer and founding member of British rock band The Teardrop Explodes.
Following news of his death, the drummer has been remembered as a "legendary Liverpool musician". As well as a key figure in the city's influential post-punk scene.
Musician Dies at 66 Following Leukemia Battle
The British Music Experience museum announced Dwyer's death in a Facebook post, describing him as a "much-loved figure".
"He was an integral part of the band that burst onto the scene in the early 1980s with hits like Reward and Treason. While the band went through numerous line-up changes, it was always Dwyer behind the kit."
"After the band's split, he drummed on Julian Cope's debut solo album and also for Terry Hall's outfit The Colour Field."
The statement concluded, saying "Rest in Peace 'Rocky'".
The Teardrop Explodes formed in Liverpool in 1978, with Dwyer among the founding members alongside Julian Cope, Mick Finkler and Paul Simpson.
"The group played a defining part in the alternative post-punk sound fostered at famous Liverpool club, Eric's," Ryan Paton of the Liverpool Echo wrote.
Dwyer remained an important part of the group throughout its various lineup changes. He continued working in music following the band's eventual split.
Tributes Pour In for Gary Dwyer
The Teardrop Explodes released three studio albums during their time together. They became best known for songs including "Reward" and "Treason."
The band's keyboard player David Balfe also paid an emotional tribute to Dwyer. He revealed that his longtime friend had been battling leukemia for nearly two years.
"It is with enormous sadness that I must pass on the news that my wonderful friend of nearly fifty years, Gary Dwyer, Teardrop Explodes drummer and very special man, passed away last night," he wrote. "He'd been fighting Leukaemia for nearly two years."
Balfe reflected on a friendship that spanned "decades" and recalled Dwyer remaining positive despite his declining health.
During a phone call just 10 days before his death, Balfe said Dwyer remained in "high spirits" even though "he knew he was approaching the end."
"One advantage of the last couple of years was that it had allowed him the time to come to peaceful terms with the inevitable outcome," the keyboardist added.
Balfe said he could write about Dwyer's "extraordinary personality and sense of humour for hours," but was simply too saddened by the loss to do so yet.
He suggested he may share more memories of his longtime friend once the emotions surrounding his death have settled.
