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Sad News Dave McCadden RIP

Posted in 2006

Just have had word that Dave McCadden passed away on Sunday Night in hospital in Manchester, two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Dave was respected and well known on the soul side of things for his various writings and the fanzines that he run over the years. He was a member/visitor on here a few times since the start of the site, the first time was when featured clips of some of his Soul Galore writings and was then just setting off down the comedian road, he returned now and again over the years and was an active member fairly recently.

Though never met in person his writings over the years have given me great enjoyment and he definitely had a knack of telling a story, the Jades in the chipshop being a great example, and his Soul Galore fanzines have to the most revisited ones that have, the way he could bring a laugh in a just a few words when writing about a 45 was a gift .

Was a character and am sure many stories such as the real background to the soul sam letter to Echoes are just waiting to be retold

Sad news indeed RIP

Clips from issue 8 of Soul Galore can be read here in an article originally published on Soul Source in late 90s

 

(updated)

A tribute to him as Dave Purdy (his standup name) can be found here on the Chortle site here 

Update 2023 The Chortle link is no longer valid, so have added the below

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/feb/22/obituaries.readersobituaries

The funeral is next week, have took liberty of lifted the below from one of the comedy forums

 

just in case anyone knows Dave's family and is thinking of phoning with their condolences...Yvonne (Mrs. P) has asked that you PLEASE do it via me Paul Haslam  I'll collate any messages then pass them on when things aren't so hectic. This is because....well...they have enough to do right now. Cheers,

review and forum thread updated





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Oh god i have only just read this.

I knew Dave personally,although not seen him for quite a few years.

A Great guy with a good heart,and great personality.

Pretty Knowledgable too on northern soul.

Always made me laugh with some of his stories about the scene.

Will be sadly missed R.I.P. Dave.

Stu.

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Oh god i have only just read this.

I knew Dave personally,although not seen him for quite a few years.

A Great guy with a good heart,and great personality.

Pretty Knowledgable too on northern soul.

Always made me laugh with some of his stories about the scene.

Will be sadly missed R.I.P. Dave.

Stu.

I was only reading this thread at the weekend, odd that you should stumble across it too, certainly made me sit and contemplate for a while, still a much missed guy.

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Sad news indeed, my thoughts are with his family. His fanzine was one of the first I read when I was a young buck. Later I got to know him through people like Guy Hennigan on my early visits to Wigan, such a great guy.

Dave

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indeed a sadly missed figure, i also subbed to Soul galore mag, and corresponded, "tape swapped" with Dave,for some time, and although i never actually met him in person, i always felt like we were good chums.,(R.I.P Dave)

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indeed a sadly missed figure, i also subbed to Soul galore mag, and corresponded, "tape swapped" with Dave,for some time, and although i never actually met him in person, i always felt like we were good chums.,(R.I.P Dave)

I only had the occasion to be in his company a couple of times , but he always showed an interest in the conversation you were having with him .

RIP .

Malc

Edited by Malc Burton
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Easily the funniest guy I have ever met , some of the best nights at The Casino were spent in the record bar , with Dave and one of my best mates Garv , as Dave told us jokes and dubious stories , myself and Garv still laugh our heads off at some of those memorable nights spend with him .Hope he's at peace now , heaven will be a funnier place with Dave around , thats for sure .....Best ,Eddie

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Yes, a dead funny bloke, not surprised at all that stand up was his vocation. Did a few stupid things years ago like we all did but loved the scene. You were never bored in hos company thats a fact. God bless you Dave.

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Indeed the fella was a class act, and I was simply chuffed to engage in his humorous correspondence, which would contain cut-out pictures of "current female personalities" on the packaging of his fanzines....An absolute true character amongst many long gone which is more the pity......RIP Dave :hatsoff2:

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Easily the funniest guy I have ever met , some of the best nights at The Casino were spent in the record bar , with Dave and one of my best mates Garv , as Dave told us jokes and dubious stories , myself and Garv still laugh our heads off at some of those memorable nights spend with him .Hope he's at peace now , heaven will be a funnier place with Dave around , that's for sure .....Best ,Eddie

They are treasured & important memories for both of us Eddie, i remember when he told us he was dying & we reminisced about our weekly trio meetings for the latest installments of his week. No money, sometimes sleeping rough, always girlfriend trouble & he said that our little gatherings at 6 am every week was his fondest memories of the Casino days........ it touched me deeply, it could of been the biggest crock of shite ever but that was Dave :hatsoff2:

........... Dave in his pure Manc nasal tones in the record bar at Wigan............... having broken into a car looking to get his head down & to see if there was anything of value he could relieve the owner of............ " and guess what was in the glove box ,........... a fu*kin pair of gloves":wave::lol:............... simply the funniest person ive ever met.

RIP Dave

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I used to knock about with Dave in the mid lSeventies via Wigan Casino and where ever else the music was or go on wild two or three day benders in the pubs of Manchester etc.and get up to some dodgy things! I always felt at the time he was underrated when I used to read his poetry etc at his mum's house in Prestwick. Very witty and his Northern Soul articles and quips always made me laugh.

I was told recently about Dave's death and was numb for two days. I was only just thinking about trying to get hold of him again after 20yrs or so. Great bloke and I had some crazy times and good memories of Dave. He filled his life and did not mope about

Phil

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It`s so nice to read this Dave was my uncle, he wrote a poem before he pasted away most of you will be able to know where he's coming from when he wrote because you was there with him ! Hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

MY FINAL POEM

BY DAVE MCCADDEN

If i should die before i wake

and find myself at Heaven's gate:

if He should say "Account your time"

These are the things that come to mind

The Jam, The Stones, The kinks, The Who

Gilligan's island, Scooby Doo.

Getting drunk on cheap tequila,

schoolboy thoughts of Christine Keeler.

Finishing off the working day

with a spliff and a glass of chardonnay.

Long live love by Sandie Shaw,

Kitson at the Comedy Store.

The Drones, The Dawned, The Clash,

The Fall,

The Kids from Fame and The Kids in The

Hall.

Biffo the Bear on the front of the Beano,

Saturday nights at Wigan Casino.

Arthur Hailey, Stephen King,

the first time i heard Dylan sing.

Joy Divison, Martin Hannet

Another girl, another planet

Hot pants, mini-skirts,

tank tops and budget shirts.

Chopin, Bach and Edvard Grieg

The Sound of the Crowd by The Human

League.

The 80's films of Nick Nolte,

Basil Brush and Basil Fawlty,

Matt and Phred's - for it's ambience

Didn't you serve me in a resturant once?

Neil Young and Franny Lee,

Colin Bell and Summerbee.

I say a little prayer sung by Aretha,

wet afternoons and a big fat reefer.

Johnny Cash - I walk the line

My Bloody Valetine

`A taste of honey`, `Love on the dole`,

`The Usual Suspects`, Northern Soul.

Super Mario, `Medal of Honour`,

early singles by Madonna,

Oliver Reed, Mohammed Ali,

The Buzzcocks and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Eating pies on the Kippax Stand,

a long-haired girl with an Alice band,

Hannah Mandikova, Angel Cake,

We came on holiday by mistake!

The Marx brothers, Private Eye,

Curtis Mayfield, Superfly!

Billy Bragg and Paul Weller,

Newcy Browns and cans of Stella,

UB40`S Greatest Hits,

the theme tune to `Banana Splits`

The first caress, the final B.J.

Morrissey singing, Hang the DJ!

And if His eyes should look away

and i fall short on judgement Day?

Well, all things start and all things close.

He gave me a life

and this i chose.

R.I.P Dave

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Sat here in the radio studio, couldn't speak for a minute and filled up when I read that!

You're not on your own Jerry! Fantastic summing up of life!

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i knew dave from way back in 1971, i was working on the manchester university as an apprentice painter and dave was working there for a renovating firm that was cleaning up the old building, we were roughly the same age and got on really well, dave had this majestic scooter that was fullof mirrors and had a great road runner theme all over it, i never saw him again for a few years and then used to see him at the casino and underground market in manchester at the rcord stalls with dave withers rod shard . last saw him at lowton about 6 or 7 years ago, a great story teller and funny guy,r.i.p dave.

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Thanks Jess for sharing a great poem.

There are 100's of people out there who have stories,memories or may have read and been influenced someway or how by his publications etc

He will allways be in our hearts with a chuckle

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This was the obituary in the Guardian for Dave [06 ] , Dave Purdy was his stage name on the stand up circuit & Ive enclosed some picture`s of Dave doing his act. He won the best newcomer award & is presented with the trophy by Johnny Vegas at the legendary Frog & Bucket comedy nights

post-1745-0-88799000-1290713986_thumb.jp

post-1745-0-61979000-1290714013_thumb.jp

Obituary

Dave Purdy

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Our thoughts & prayers are with Daves family & close friends

Dave was a great bloke and you could,nt help but laugh whenever you spent time chattin with him

i have many happy memories from years gone by in my meet ups with Dave

Gone but never forgotten.. Thanks for the memories...

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It`s so nice to read this Dave was my uncle, he wrote a poem before he pasted away most of you will be able to know where he's coming from when he wrote because you was there with him ! Hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

MY FINAL POEM

BY DAVE MCCADDEN

If i should die before i wake

and find myself at Heaven's gate:

if He should say "Account your time"

These are the things that come to mind

The Jam, The Stones, The kinks, The Who

Gilligan's island, Scooby Doo.

Getting drunk on cheap tequila,

schoolboy thoughts of Christine Keeler.

Finishing off the working day

with a spliff and a glass of chardonnay.

Long live love by Sandie Shaw,

Kitson at the Comedy Store.

The Drones, The Dawned, The Clash,

The Fall,

The Kids from Fame and The Kids in The

Hall.

Biffo the Bear on the front of the Beano,

Saturday nights at Wigan Casino.

Arthur Hailey, Stephen King,

the first time i heard Dylan sing.

Joy Divison, Martin Hannet

Another girl, another planet

Hot pants, mini-skirts,

tank tops and budget shirts.

Chopin, Bach and Edvard Grieg

The Sound of the Crowd by The Human

League.

The 80's films of Nick Nolte,

Basil Brush and Basil Fawlty,

Matt and Phred's - for it's ambience

Didn't you serve me in a resturant once?

Neil Young and Franny Lee,

Colin Bell and Summerbee.

I say a little prayer sung by Aretha,

wet afternoons and a big fat reefer.

Johnny Cash - I walk the line

My Bloody Valetine

`A taste of honey`, `Love on the dole`,

`The Usual Suspects`, Northern Soul.

Super Mario, `Medal of Honour`,

early singles by Madonna,

Oliver Reed, Mohammed Ali,

The Buzzcocks and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Eating pies on the Kippax Stand,

a long-haired girl with an Alice band,

Hannah Mandikova, Angel Cake,

We came on holiday by mistake!

The Marx brothers, Private Eye,

Curtis Mayfield, Superfly!

Billy Bragg and Paul Weller,

Newcy Browns and cans of Stella,

UB40`S Greatest Hits,

the theme tune to `Banana Splits`

The first caress, the final B.J.

Morrissey singing, Hang the DJ!

And if His eyes should look away

and i fall short on judgement Day?

Well, all things start and all things close.

He gave me a life

and this i chose.

R.I.P Dave

That's a beautiful poem Jess ,and sums up Dave completely , many thanks for sharing it with us on SS . Best wishes ,Eddie

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Guest allnightandy

Posted (edited)

Dave was a great friend of mine back in the day and i was a part of the gang from Rowntrees Sound in Manchester who first took Dave to Wigan Casino

He already knew more about our music than most people at that time and had the record collection to match i used to go back to his mums house just off king road in Prestwich and go through his records ,he would pull out sounds and say "This is a top tume and it's never had a play , but it will be big one day "

every record he had was for sale for 50p up to a couple of quid and were all good sounds His writings were something else and if he took a dislike to somebody he would write scathing letters or poems about them and hand them out in the record bar at wigan

i think i still have some originals somewhere and the first few issues of his first magazine

Never saw him for years but like everyone who knew him , has a story to tell ,a likeable rouge is how i will describe him and i was really sorry to hear of his passing

he like me hated everything that tried to commercialise our scene for profit ,like the demise of the casino with utter shite tunes that were exploiting the unwise , and turning it into a fecking youth club

for that very reason i stopped going to the casino and lost touch with everybody RIP Dave we had a ball mate !

Edited by allnightandy
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Spot on poem and I'd heard about the comedy but didn't know the full story. He obviously had the balls to deliver the humour we all knew about. I'm sure you and the family are rightly proud of him Jess

Ady

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Oh my God - Ive just had tingles up my spine!

didnt know anything about this.

Knew Dave very well in the 70s but lost touch when I moved away.

Very sad!

Beautiful thoughtful poem!

RIP Dave

Edited by Ernie Andrews
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It`s so nice to read this Dave was my uncle, he wrote a poem before he pasted away most of you will be able to know where he's coming from when he wrote because you was there with him ! Hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

MY FINAL POEM

BY DAVE MCCADDEN

If i should die before i wake

and find myself at Heaven's gate:

if He should say "Account your time"

These are the things that come to mind

The Jam, The Stones, The kinks, The Who

Gilligan's island, Scooby Doo.

Getting drunk on cheap tequila,

schoolboy thoughts of Christine Keeler.

Finishing off the working day

with a spliff and a glass of chardonnay.

Long live love by Sandie Shaw,

Kitson at the Comedy Store.

The Drones, The Dawned, The Clash,

The Fall,

The Kids from Fame and The Kids in The

Hall.

Biffo the Bear on the front of the Beano,

Saturday nights at Wigan Casino.

Arthur Hailey, Stephen King,

the first time i heard Dylan sing.

Joy Divison, Martin Hannet

Another girl, another planet

Hot pants, mini-skirts,

tank tops and budget shirts.

Chopin, Bach and Edvard Grieg

The Sound of the Crowd by The Human

League.

The 80's films of Nick Nolte,

Basil Brush and Basil Fawlty,

Matt and Phred's - for it's ambience

Didn't you serve me in a resturant once?

Neil Young and Franny Lee,

Colin Bell and Summerbee.

I say a little prayer sung by Aretha,

wet afternoons and a big fat reefer.

Johnny Cash - I walk the line

My Bloody Valetine

`A taste of honey`, `Love on the dole`,

`The Usual Suspects`, Northern Soul.

Super Mario, `Medal of Honour`,

early singles by Madonna,

Oliver Reed, Mohammed Ali,

The Buzzcocks and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Eating pies on the Kippax Stand,

a long-haired girl with an Alice band,

Hannah Mandikova, Angel Cake,

We came on holiday by mistake!

The Marx brothers, Private Eye,

Curtis Mayfield, Superfly!

Billy Bragg and Paul Weller,

Newcy Browns and cans of Stella,

UB40`S Greatest Hits,

the theme tune to `Banana Splits`

The first caress, the final B.J.

Morrissey singing, Hang the DJ!

And if His eyes should look away

and i fall short on judgement Day?

Well, all things start and all things close.

He gave me a life

and this i chose.

R.I.P Dave

Absolutely brilliant!! R.I.P. Dave

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What a superb poem, written with wit, humour, courage and 'Soul galore'...RIP indeed.....

Many thanks for sharing that....a life story of our generation.

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It`s so nice to read this Dave was my uncle, he wrote a poem before he pasted away most of you will be able to know where he's coming from when he wrote because you was there with him ! Hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

MY FINAL POEM

BY DAVE MCCADDEN

If i should die before i wake

and find myself at Heaven's gate:

if He should say "Account your time"

These are the things that come to mind

The Jam, The Stones, The kinks, The Who

Gilligan's island, Scooby Doo.

Getting drunk on cheap tequila,

schoolboy thoughts of Christine Keeler.

Finishing off the working day

with a spliff and a glass of chardonnay.

Long live love by Sandie Shaw,

Kitson at the Comedy Store.

The Drones, The Dawned, The Clash,

The Fall,

The Kids from Fame and The Kids in The

Hall.

Biffo the Bear on the front of the Beano,

Saturday nights at Wigan Casino.

Arthur Hailey, Stephen King,

the first time i heard Dylan sing.

Joy Divison, Martin Hannet

Another girl, another planet

Hot pants, mini-skirts,

tank tops and budget shirts.

Chopin, Bach and Edvard Grieg

The Sound of the Crowd by The Human

League.

The 80's films of Nick Nolte,

Basil Brush and Basil Fawlty,

Matt and Phred's - for it's ambience

Didn't you serve me in a resturant once?

Neil Young and Franny Lee,

Colin Bell and Summerbee.

I say a little prayer sung by Aretha,

wet afternoons and a big fat reefer.

Johnny Cash - I walk the line

My Bloody Valetine

`A taste of honey`, `Love on the dole`,

`The Usual Suspects`, Northern Soul.

Super Mario, `Medal of Honour`,

early singles by Madonna,

Oliver Reed, Mohammed Ali,

The Buzzcocks and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Eating pies on the Kippax Stand,

a long-haired girl with an Alice band,

Hannah Mandikova, Angel Cake,

We came on holiday by mistake!

The Marx brothers, Private Eye,

Curtis Mayfield, Superfly!

Billy Bragg and Paul Weller,

Newcy Browns and cans of Stella,

UB40`S Greatest Hits,

the theme tune to `Banana Splits`

The first caress, the final B.J.

Morrissey singing, Hang the DJ!

And if His eyes should look away

and i fall short on judgement Day?

Well, all things start and all things close.

He gave me a life

and this i chose.

R.I.P Dave

great words, reminds me so much of dave evisons sleevenotes about northern life , in the torch c.d.

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McCadden was a genius, I used to love chatting to him on the phone, his fanzines certainly inspired me, often making me laugh out loud, and I wrote in the same don't-give-a-sh*t style when I did my own fanzines and articles...still do really. That poem is wonderful.

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