In Memoriam: Pete Stevens, Co-Founder of Wal Basses
Pete Stevens, co-founder of Wal Basses, has passed away at the age of 65. The announcement came from the Wal Bass website.
“It is with deepest sadness that we must pass on the news that Pete ‘The Fish’ Stevens, co-founder of Wal Bass Guitars,” the company stated. “As many in the Wal family will know, Pete had suffered from chronic respiratory problems for many years. The world of music has lost a great innovator and a true craftsman, and we have lost a dear friend.”
Stevens started Wal with electronics expert Ian Waller in 1974, and acted as the brand’s luthier. His work fell into the hands of many notable bassists, including Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Mick Karn. Stevens maintained the company even after Waller’s death in 1988 and kept up with building the basses himself up until he retired in 2007 due to health issues.
Stevens’ funeral will take place at Amersham Crematorium in England on January 10th, 2012. His family has requested that friends and fans make a donation to their favorite charity in Stevens’ honor, rather than sending flowers.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Pete Stevens.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
very sad news R.IP.
Very Sad! He will be Missed.
Definitely!
He will be missed greatly.
A legend who will be sorely missed. RIP.
Very sad news….I met him once at a show and he was a nice guy x
the basses live on…
I remember you when I was a child & now as I am.
An adult. RIP Pete the fish Xxx.
RIP Pete Xxx