Sad news indeed:

Scottish drummer Edward "Ted" McKenna, who has played with THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND, Rory Gallagher, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and Ian Gillan, has died at the age of 68.

The news of McKenna's passing was confirmed on Facebook by a friend, who wrote: "For everyone who loved him, Ted died this morning from a haemorrhage during elective surgery. Freak occurrence and a huge surgical team fought for 10 hours to save him.

"Unfortunately, there was no solution to stop the bleeding and he faded away without ever knowing. I'm going to miss him so much."

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His death was announced on Rory Gallagher's Facebook page. Ted played with Rory, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Michael Schenker Group, Ian Gillan, Gary Moore, Greg Lake and others. One of rock's more underrated drummers, and a great loss.

"R.I.P. Ted McKenna
JANUARY 19TH, 2019

Ted McKenna was a great guy and wonderful musician, I was shocked to hear of his premature passing, following a routine operation.

I first met Ted on an early trip with Rory and Taste to Scotland in 1967, I believe at a venue called The Place, Coatbridge. We became reacquainted when he came down to London with the Alex Harvey Band.

When Rory held auditions for a new drummer in 1978, at the recommendation of engineer Colin Fairly, Ted was invited to Air Studios, London. He immediately impressed my brother and McKenna was in, extraordinarily performing his first show with the band at the Macroom ‘Open Air’ Festival. Ted learning the set on the flight to Cork and in the dressing room rehearsals just prior to the gig!

Along with his mighty drumming skills, he brought his warm personality and off-the-wall sense of humour - much of the banter was heard in between the studio session takes, non-stop mimicking and mickey-taking.

An absolute professional, Ted was a joy to be on the road with and always kept a sense of balance, no matter what life threw at you.

My sincere condolences to all Ted’s family and friends.

Bless you Ted, you’ll always bring a smile to my face and delight to my ears with your playing.

Dónal Gallagher"

"I'm lost for words creating this post. I lost my friend and comrade this morning. After what should have been a routine operation, there were complications, meaning Ted started hemorrhaging blood. Sadly the surgeons could not stop the bleeding. I spoke with Ted on Thursday, wished him good luck and told him we will speak on Saturday. I'm devastated. Ted was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. A brilliant musician. He was a big man with a big heart, and he has left us all with a big hole in our lives. My thoughts are with Laura, Casey, Heather and Claire, and everyone who's lives were touched by the big man. RIP Ted from myself, Marcel, Davy and all those musicians who had the pleasure of playing with one of the finest drummers of all time."

Gerry McAvoy