The late Graham Harte, far right, with Skunk.
The death took place last Saturday of well-known musician Graham Harte, a native of Artane, Dublin who resided in Andrew Street, Waterford for many years.
Mr Harte, a keyboard player with numerous ska bands in his adopted city of Waterford, died at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown after a short illness.
Best known to his friends in music as ‘Teddy Tokenbarrel’, the talented songwriter was a member of Skunk, Skazoo, Skazoo, SkaRude and Ska’d4life and a regular at the legendary Sleep Sessions at The Kings, Lombard Street. He was fondly remembered by many local musicians this week, with sax player Kieran Eaton posting this tribute on the Facebook page of Waterford Ska Club:
“Graham was Ska. Through and through. A loveable rogue who never failed to entertain us with his natural hilarity and his love of the music that is also one of our communal lives obsessions. Central to more mad Skunk stories than you could imagine. A talented keyboard player and songwriter. Already so sadly missed by us all. A gentleman, a mate and friend. I hope Prince Buster and Rico have room for a keyboard player.…” RIP.