*
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    


Syndey

Report & Results: 2025 Yamaha Australian National Band Championships

April 20 • Sydney City becomes the inaugural Premier Championships of Australia as senior National titles head to Footscray-Yarraville City, Cairns Brass No. 1, Wonthaggi Citizensand City of Ballarat Municipal Brass.


Wobplay

Wobplay offers global opportunities at Euros

April 19 • There will be plenty of advertising opportunities for businesses as part of the comprehensive weekend of live-broadcast action from the European Championships in Stavanger.


Russell Gray

Gray to host double conducting seminars

April 19 • Aspiring conductors can enjoy the opportunity to work alongside Russell Gray in Scotland and Norway next month as he hosts his Conducting Seminars in Bathgate and Askoy.


Siusa

Jena pride at Sousa inclusion

April 19 • Jose Sousa will become the fifth young player from the Jena Brass Band Centre in Germany to represent the nation as part of the European Youth Brass Band.


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


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Linthwaite Band

April 21 • Linthwaite Band is a 4th section contesting Band , with a busy Summer of engagements coming up, and are looking to complete our friendly team, with a back row 2nd cornet player, and are keen to fill the position as soon as possible.


Chinnor Silver

April 21 • Required Percussion and Bass players (Eb or Bb). We are a friendly and ambitious band and have successfully qualified for the second section national finals and also earned promotion to the 1st section in 2026. Come along and help complete our happy team


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd