Home / Arts and Entertainment / Last Walker Brother, Gary Leeds, Dies at 83
Last Walker Brother, Gary Leeds, Dies at 83
5 Mar
Summary
- Gary Leeds was the drummer and hustler of the 1960s band, the Walker Brothers.
- He proposed the band's move to Britain to counter the US charts' British Invasion.
- Leeds, unable to play on records, advocated for the band's artistic vision.
Gary Leeds, the last surviving member of the mid-1960s pop group the Walker Brothers, has died at the age of 83. Leeds was the drummer and a key visionary for the American trio, suggesting they move to Britain to challenge the dominance of British acts on US charts.
Their arrival in London in February 1965, after some convincing, proved inspired. Moody ballads such as 'Make it Easy on Yourself' and 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)' propelled the group to fame, briefly rivaling The Beatles' popularity.
However, producer John Franz focused the band's signature orchestral sound around Scott Walker's baritone, elevating him to pin-up status and relegating Leeds and John Maus to supporting roles. Leeds, unable to record due to contractual issues, nevertheless showcased his drumming in their live performances.
Following the Walker Brothers' split in April 1967, Leeds pursued solo work and other ventures, including a period as a mortician. He was instrumental in reforming the group in 1974, which led to another hit single and critically acclaimed albums.
Leeds married in 1979 and later pursued business ventures. He remained connected to his musical past, co-writing a biography of the Walker Brothers with John Maus in 2005. John Maus died in 2011, and Scott Engel in 2019. Gary Leeds is survived by his wife and son.
