Tribute as Racing Cars rock stalwart, 67, dies
A WELSH rock ’n’ roll stalwart who was a member of legendary rock outfit Racing Cars has died.
Dave Land was the original bass player in the band, who had great success in the 1970s, scoring a hit with the song They Shoot Horses Don’t They?
The AOR group, who were synonymous with the Valleys, were signed to Chrysalis Records, with whom they recorded several albums.
Dave, who was from Penarth and lived in the area, collapsed in his local pub, The Albion, and was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, where he passed away. He was 67.
He leaves a widow, Amanda, and two daughters, Ellie, 44, from his marriage to first wife Jane, and Jennifer, 28, with his second wife, Amanda.
Dave’s passing comes just six months after Racing Cars’ frontman, Graham ‘Morty’ Mortimer, died of cancer.
Close friend and Racing Cars’ roadie Ken Tonkin said: “Dave started his musical career in 1968 in a band called Electric Circus. In 1970 they changed their name to Good Habit and eventually became Racing Cars.
“Racing Cars signed to Chrysalis Records and they made four albums.
“Dave also appeared on Top of the Pops and the Old Grey Whistle Test.
“He played at the firstever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, and at Reading Festival in 1972.”
Ken said that Dave had a lust for life that stayed with him until the end.
“He didn’t like the thought of a nine-to-five lifestyle, he wanted something different. When he was asked to join Electric Circus, Dave was there.
“He turned into a very good musician, he also had a very good vocal.
“He always wanted the music to be honest and always put in a performance. He was the only original member right through Electric Circus, Good Habit and Racing Cars.
“He was a very loving husband, and father to both his girls, whom he was immensely proud of, both turning out to be fantastic people. He was also a great and loyal friend who will be sorely missed by so many people. Dave was always ready to party.
“As he would say – ‘it’s rock ’n’ roll’. Goodbye, mucka, and thanks for the memories.”
Dave Land’s funeral will be held on Friday, June 3, at Barry Crematorium at 4pm, and then afterwards at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club in Penarth.