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April 2017 - p.5
Sadly, on the 3rd of March, local Black Country musician and producer Chris Smith passed
away. Chris had been been running Dudley's Den studios for the past 15 years and was a
popular figure on the local music scene - best known as the drummer of bands Soley Mourning
and Pure 6 as well as producing albums for bands such as Primer and Witchfinder General.
A talented drummer, he also taught and mentored many young aspiring musicians and
welcomed many bands through the doors of his rehearsal space. A wonderful person who had
a positive effect on many musicians’ lives. He will be greatly missed.
Words from Soley Mourning...
We are beyond gutted to say goodbye to our drummer Chris Smith. It was almost 11 years ago
we all got together at his unit after supporting each other in different bands over the years. Very
quickly we clicked together to make what is now Soley Mourning. He was with us during our
first deal, first album, video and what has to this date been our longest tour. This band has
always been a huge chapter in our lives and we are proud and happy that we got to share it
with a top bloke. It really feels like a piece of the family has been lost. Not only was he an
exceptional drummer, he was also a great mate and character. The drums ran through his blood
and every time you saw Chris he was tapping away. He was an amazing producer and the last
5 gigs we played together recently as a reunion were fantastic. So happy he re-joined us when
we played the songs from those 2 albums we recorded with him. We have lost a true friend.
Rest in peace mate, at least Prince and Bowie have a drummer now.
Chris Smith
1981 − 2017
