We are very sad to hear that Walter Lure (22 April 1949 – 22 August 2020), guitarist from New York Punk band The Heartbreakers has died after a short battle with liver and lung cancer.
It is reported that he died peacefully at home with his family.
Walter was the last surviving member of the Heartbreakers to play on their iconic studio album L.A.M.F. (which stands for ‘Like a Mother Fucker‘), recorded in 1977.
After the Heartbreakers Walter’s career took a different direction and he had a successful career as a stockbroker on Wall Street but he still loved playing music, fronting his own band The Waldos.
He toured the L.A.M.F. album over the last few years, playing Rebellion Punk Festival in Blackpool only last year, as well as Rebellion Bar in Manchester, which I was lucky to be able to attend.
Mick Rossi from Slaughter and the Dogs who played guitar on tour with Walter says: –
“Walter & I go back many years. I’ve long admired him as an artist & a musician, the classic songs he wrote will outlive us all. Matt Green of Cleopatra Records, a mutual friend, suggested Walter & I team up and go out on the road together. The last 3 years playing with Walter has been a joy for me. From headlining the mighty Rebellion Festival, to our sell-out tours of the UK, USA and Japan – Every moment was filled with fun, laughter, some red wine and we lived the rock & roll life together, we had a blast.
A more learned man you couldn’t hope to meet and learn from. A true gentleman, who never suffered fools and had little time for nonsense. He knew the value of a life well lived.“
Born to Lose but lived to win. RIP Walter