*
banner

Death of David Owen

The death of the popular and much respected 'Tojo' has been announced to a shocked Welsh banding movement.

David Owen
 

The death has been reported to 4BR of one of the most popular Welsh bandsmen, former Point of Ayr bass player David Owen.

Known throughout Welsh banding as ‘Tojo’, he died suddenly at the beginning of the week.

Huge shock

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This comes as a huge shock to many who knew him, as it was only 18 months since the early death of his best friend and fellow Point of Ayr Bb Bass player Jim Mealor."

David played Eb bass for Point of Ayr for most of his career, but way always eager to help out neighbouring bands when they needed it. More recently he has been a key member of Northop Band.

He was also a familiar and much respected presence at band contests throughout Wales and beyond.

Tributes

Tributes have already poured in, with many recalling a man of great generosity, friendship, a mentor, a player blessed with both a huge sound and laughter and role model. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him.

Tributes have already poured in, with many recalling a man of great generosity, friendship, a mentor, a player blessed with both a huge sound and laughter and role model4BR

Service

The funeral is at 12 noon at Ffynnongroyw Church on 27th December. A band of former players and associates with play at the service.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd