Tributes have been paid to a “great” Ipswich musician after he died aged 70.
Former Nick and the Nomads lead guitarist Dave Cutting joined the homegrown band in the early 1960s. They went on to perform internationally at the height of their success.
In their heyday the Nomads played seven nights a week at various venues across Ipswich, such as the YMCA in Norwich Road, the Gaumont and the Forum in Felixstowe.
After his stint with the Nomads, Mr Cutting joined a variety of other bands, including Wichita Lineman in 1975 and Rave-On in 1997.
Now his two daughters, Verity Smith, 40 and Thea Cutting, 42 along with former bandmates Gordon Blackwood and Keith Rodwell, have paid tribute to him.
“He was a very laid back character who was happiest when he was playing music,” said Verity. “Dad never read music he was just one of those clever types who could listen to music then just play it – he certainly had a good ear for music. A dear man who is greatly missed.”
Mr Blackwood, who joined Wichita Lineman in 1977, said Mr Cutting was a “great guy” and a “loyal friend”.
“He was a good man and we had some great times in the band,” said Mr Blackwood. “We had a large following in East Anglia, we even played some American air bases. Dave was a great guy and a loyal friend.”
Mr Cutting, known as “Chopper” during his Rave-On days, continued playing the guitar, keyboard, saxophone and providing vocals for the band until 2004.
Fellow band member Keith Rodwell, known as “Rodders”, said Mr Cutting was “fairly unique” in his ability to play different instruments, as well as being a vocalist with a rare gift in picking out and adding harmonies.
“I believe it was Dave who came up with the name Rave-On, which was the last band he ever played in,” he said.
“The local music scene has not only lost a great musician, but a genuinely nice person.”
A special single, called Hole in the World, was played at Mr Cutting’s funeral in June. It was recorded by one of his former bands, The Eagles.
Did you know Mr Cutting or remember Nick and the Nomads? Share your thoughts with us at newsroom@archant.co.uk.
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