Peter Waddington passed away at 4pm yesterday (9 October 2020). Peter was in underrated Leeds beat band The Dawnbreakers and the Amazing Friendly Apple. Pete wrote and recorded Magician, one of the finest singles of the psychedelic era. Donovan told Tony Meehan that he was playing Magician a lot and after playing the acetate at home to Roger Chapman of Family, Roger jokingly lifted Peter up by the throat and shouted “You Bastard!” confirming the track was a smash.
10 years ago Peter shared his story with me: thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/the-dawnbreakers
” Three degrees in be-bop a phd in swing a master of rhythm a rock n roll king!” We all loved and cared for you, but “why should we not?”
So sad to learn that the great Peter Waddington has passed on. He will be remembered lovingly my me and many others who were priveleged to be around at the time of the Dawnbreakers and Friendly Apple. Rip Peter