It is with great regret that we have to announce the death of the original VICE SQUAD guitarist and songwriter DAVE BATEMAN.

News came through in the early hours of 12th December that Dave had died in an accident in Spain.We were reluctant to make an announcement before receiving confirmation for fear of upsetting his family and friends unnecessarily.However, this afternoon I spoke with original VICE SQUAD drummer SHANE BALDWIN who told me that sadly the news was correct.
Dave fell and sustained a head injury whilst celebrating his 46th birthday on 10th December. He was rushed to hospital but died the next day.

I doubt that Vice Squad would ever have existed without Dave as we wrote all the best known early songs together and he was an excellent organiser of rehearsals in garages and church halls and blagged us our first ever gigs

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and in particular to his Mum.

Beki

 

PLEASE SIGN GUESTBOOK IN RESPECT FOR DAVE

 

Guitarist Paul writes,
I am convinced that without Dave there would have been no Vice Squad - I am grateful to Dave for creating one of the most respected and loved punk bands alongside Beki, Shane and Mark.

I feel honoured to be part of the legacy that Dave has left behind.
Saddened that he lost his life relatively young.
Grateful to experience the love and respect from all our fans.