Harry Walter R.I.P

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Sunday May 03, 2009

Harry Walter 1945 - 2009

Bassist- The Hawks

R.I.P Brother.

Thankyou for your patience and your love for the blues.

You will be missed.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Sunday May 03, 2009

Damn! Never thought it would happen. RIP bro.

Post by **Jim Price** » Sunday May 03, 2009

Needless to say, very sad and shocking news.

I only knew Harry for a few short years after he returned to the Altoona area. I'll always remember his smile, and laughter we shared at various shows. I'll remember good times enjoyed watching Harry with Midnight Flyer, Generation Gap, and The Arthur Itis Blues Band/The Hawks. Harry was a super-nice guy, and always pleasant to talk to. Clearly he will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Harry's surviving family, bandmates and friends.

AllHolLowsEVe · Post by **AllHolLowsEVe** » Sunday May 03, 2009

I played in the band Generation Gap with Harry. As the youngest member of the band Harry taught me so much about music that I carry with me to this day. I always enjoyed listening to his stories, and his undying love of music was/is a major inspiration to me. He was a great friend in a time of need. Rest easy my friend!!

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Monday May 04, 2009

Harry was always smiling, and seemed to have a good time when I saw him. MJB & I just talked about him the other day.

I'm sad to hear this news. May he now rest in eternal peace. Condolences to the family.

nighthawk · Post by **nighthawk** » Monday May 04, 2009

I've always enjoyed jamming with Harry. I will miss him and his jokes dearly.

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Monday May 04, 2009

Harry...I love you man !

I know you are still smiling on us. I promise to continue to fulfill your dream. Thank you for teaching me your love for the blues. God bless you !

I went out and celebrated your good life tonight ! I know you would want it that way. I will miss you now, but I will be jammin' with you some day my good man, my good friend !

I will NEVER forget your smile ! Thank you...

BassFinger · Post by **BassFinger** » Monday May 04, 2009

Wow, this is sad news indeed. Harry was a great person.

tornandfrayed · Post by **tornandfrayed** » Monday May 04, 2009

Only met Harry a couple times but each was a nice experience.

Condolences to all..

Harry, you will be missed...

generationgap · Post by **generationgap** » Monday May 04, 2009

When someone such as a dear friend passes like Harry was to many it is very hard to say goodbye but one day soon Ill be saying hello...

Sitting here sobbing tears fall from my eyes remembering Harrys great grin and huge smile when everyone nailed a song, there was nothing like it.

He was like a dad to me God bless you Harry let the wings of an angle carry you to rock n roll heaven with St Peters band warming up to welcome a new bassist and member.

Heaven Has to have one hell of a band.........................

Don Hughes · Post by **Don Hughes** » Monday May 04, 2009

I just heard!!! Oh My God! Harry definitely influenced me in my music. He taught me so much when I played with him in Generation Gap. We're all going to miss you Harry.

Don

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Monday May 04, 2009

Sad news. I first met Harry at RFTT. He made me laugh, every time I was around him. RIP

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Monday May 04, 2009

Just wanted you guys to know. I talked to Harry's brother today. I told him about mjb's thread here on Rockpage. He called me back to tell everyone "thanks for the kind words".

Post by **Jim Price** » Monday May 04, 2009

Below are a few more pictures of Harry I took over the past few years.

I think my favorite memory of Harry was from the 2006 End Of Summer Jam at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club. Generation Gap was kicking off the second day, Sunday, and were setting up when I arrived, brandishing two complimentary boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts for the early bird fans and musicians to enjoy. Harry was one of the first to grab a donut, and he came back for two or three more, always with this funny mischievous look on his face as he came back to "sneak" another one.

Harry with Midnight Flyer at the Hitching Post, April '04. This was actually the first night I met Harry.

Harry with Generation Gap at End Of Summer Jam at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club, August '05.

Harry with Generation Gap at End Of Summer Jam at the Cresson Sportsmen's Club, August '06.

Harry with Keith Little in Generation Gap at the Rock For The Troops Concert at downtown Altoona's Heritage Plaza, September '07.

Harry with the Arthur Itis Blues Band (The Hawks) during their debut performance at the Rockpage benefit jam at 30 Something, March '08.

rickw · Post by **rickw** » Monday May 04, 2009

Harry played for the sheer joy and love of it. Always smiling, cracking a joke, or just talking gear and music. I only knew him a few years but he made me feel like I was one of his best friends the first time I met him. A sad day.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Monday May 04, 2009

What sad news. I've shared a stage with Harry on a number of occasions, and never once have I seen him without a big grin on his face. I spent a winter's afternoon with he and the other Hawks not long ago, and that's the memory I'll keep with me... talking and laughing and shoveling lasagna into our mouths, having just made some good music.--->JMS

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Monday May 04, 2009

Harry had some of the best Rock and Roll stories ever. You will be missed. R.I.P.

HurricaneBob · Post by **HurricaneBob** » Monday May 04, 2009

Harry would always put a smile on my face with his, what a genuine human being. He will be missed greatly. ill always remember his stories also.

RobTheDrummer · Post by **RobTheDrummer** » Monday May 04, 2009

Harry was one of the coolest cats ever! I've known him for a good while and he'd always put a smile on my face. I was very sad last night to hear the news of his passing, somewhat of a bittersweet evening for me. He always told me of his love for modern rock as well, he said it was some of his favorite music and loved my band. Man, I miss the guy already!

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Monday May 04, 2009

At practice, while we were tuneing up, Harrys absolute fascination with how his bass stayed perfectly in tune from the last practice was always funny and he wanted you to be fascinated too.

and you were right, whenever you nailed a song at practice, nobody would be happier than H. "yeeeees, yes", he would say.

Harry was supportive as a person could be. one thing i learned from harry is not to take things so serious. sometimes if maybe practice wasn't so good, i'd be bummed out and harry would just be harry, offer words of encouragement or he'd just say something like "we'll get it next week". those are some great lessons. "don't sweat the little shit" he'd say. to harry, it was all little shit. nothing bothered him. except, maybe the x's lol

AllHolLowsEVe · Post by **AllHolLowsEVe** » Monday May 04, 2009

Generation Gap played a halloween show a few years ago. And we all showed up in costume, except for Harry. He wore a bright orange hoodie with his denim jacket on. when I asked him what he was supposed to be, he smiled and said, "im a fuckin grunge pumpkin" and then he busted out laughing. Of all of the quotes and jokes Ill remember him for, that one has always stuck out. From showing up to practice with his box of hand rolled cigarettes, to looking across to the other side of the stage and seeing the joy on his face with every note he played, there are few men finer than Harry Walter was. I don't think I ever told him what an inspiration he was to me but I will miss him greatly. But whatever stage I play on for the rest of my life I will remember the things he taught me. It was an honor to play with you and to be your friend!

Naga · Post by **Naga** » Tuesday May 05, 2009

I don't remember seeing him. I'm sure I did at some point or the other. But, just by what everyone says here, I'd have liked to have met the man. It sounds like one Hell of a musician passed away. I would like to pass my condolences to everyone survived by him

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Tuesday May 05, 2009

I talked to Harry two times that I remember and he definitely was a nice guy and a great player. R.I.P. Harry.

generationgap · Post by **generationgap** » Tuesday May 05, 2009

AllHolLowsEVe wrote:Generation Gap played a halloween show a few years ago. And we all showed up in costume, except for Harry. He wore a bright orange hoodie with his denim jacket on. when I asked him what he was supposed to be, he smiled and said, "im a fuckin grunge pumpkin" and then he busted out laughing. Of all of the quotes and jokes Ill remember him for, that one has always stuck out. From showing up to practice with his box of hand rolled cigarettes, to looking across to the other side of the stage and seeing the joy on his face with every note he played, there are few men finer than Harry Walter was. I don't think I ever told him what an inspiration he was to me but I will miss him greatly. But whatever stage I play on for the rest of my life I will remember the things he taught me. It was an honor to play with you and to be your friend!

"im a fuckin grunge pumpkin"

Jarret I remember that like it was yesterday lol he was one of a kind.
Anyone that play, practiced, or jamed with Harry had a hell of a good time

Don Hughes · Post by **Don Hughes** » Tuesday May 05, 2009

Everything for him was about having the best time possible. From the stories to the jokes to pizza being the world's perfect food (which we all agreed it was while waiting to go on at End Of Summer Jam 05), to just sitting having a drink while everyone danced to Homer's Army at Burgi's, I think I can speak for everyone in Generation Gap that none of us ever saw him without a smile on his face.

When he would say, "You're never too old to rock n' roll," he meant it, and he proved it.