Dave Prichard
November 27, 1963 – February 28, 1990
Dave Prichard is best remembered as a founding guitarist for popular Los Angeles metal band, Armored Saint. Formed in 1982, the band quickly built a sizable local following which lead to a 1983 record deal with revered independent, Metal Blade Records. A year later, following the release of an EP on Metal Blade, they were picked up by major label, Chrysalis. The band quickly released their debut album, March of the Saint which contained the MTV video staple, “Can You Deliver?” By 1989, the band were growing frustrated with Chrysalis so they went back to Metal Blade. Around that time, Dave Prichard was diagnosed with leukemia. On February 28, 1990, he passed away from the disease at the age of 26.
What You Should Own
I was deeply saddened at the time of Dave’s passing. I love Armoured Saint and bought the “March Of” album back in the eighties; honestly, I can’t believe they never made it – they fantastic – top notch, head shaking hard rock/metal. I know Anvil are shaking their heads about missing the boat, but honestly, much as I like the Canadian rockers, they never held a candle to Saint. Dave Pritchard RIP.
Peace out: Andrew: an old headbanger from Dun Laoghaire, South Co Dublin, Ireland.
Yeah I was bummed when I found out about Dave’s passing as well. He was a great guitarist and I am sure his family, friends and ex-bandmates miss him dearly. As a matter of fact, my interest in ARMORED SAINT has steadily declined with his absence.
Don’t get me wrong, they have indeed put out some decent material without him but it pales in comparison to what he brought to the table.
If you (or any other readers) are interested, I am publishing an 80’s Metal blog from a mag I had back then called DEMOLISH. I have posted several pics I ran across of ARMORED SAINT and also includes Dave! I have a lot more as well, so stay tuned and or sign up for the blog by entering your email to stay up-to-date on my “vault digging”!
http://demolishmag.wordpress.com/
My favorite SAINT LP is 1985’s “Delirious Nomad”. I still jam on that one.
Their debut offering was decent and gave us the cool video for “Can U Deliver”, but it mostly reminded me of IRON MAIDEN and those silly stage costumes had to go!
Rock on!
Curt King
DEMOLISH MAG.
Chicago
http://demolishmag.wordpress.com/
I miss you Dave. You were a great musician and a friend and its a shame you were only here a short time.
David Plastik
SO YOUNG AND TALENTED. I SAW ARMORED SAINT WITH WASP AND METALLICA (RIDE THE LIGHTNING TOUR). I WENT TO SEE WASP BUT CAME OUT OF THERE WITH WHAT I THOUGHT (AND WAS ABOVIOUSLY RIGHT) WAS THE FUTURE OF ROCK-N-ROLL. THIS WAS @ ANNIES IN CINCINNATI,OHIO 1984.
David Prichard, R.I.P.
Thank You for all your Amazing Artistic input with Armored Saint. Your way of being, your talent, your over all craziness, your Musical Knowledge is missed by me everyday. 21 years later it still seems like yesterday.
Friend and Band Mate I Love you brother. I know you are watching over Armored Saint, even now. The Red Man Lives on!!!!
Peace, Music, Love and Drums, Always!
~ Gonzo Sandoval
Grew up watching you in SPas and LA, some great memories, RIP Dave, Armored Saint lives on…
Thank you for some great memories we shared in high school – it sparked the rock n roll flame that keeps burning in me. I will do my best to keep the flame bright – not unlike your blazin’ mane of hair …. Alas, i am unsure if you get Internet access where you have landed – as this is for you, my old friend; Not for the amusement of others. May u be in peace. Tauntedly yours – a friend – always. J
Gonzo and Armored Saint, thanks so much for continuing your inspiring music and Dave’s spirit. I saw you last night in Pittsburgh at The Altar Bar and had the great fortune to accidentally run into you all in the stairwell prior to the gig, I told you all that I loved Dave Prichard and think about him – and I could tell by your reaction that you all truly appreciated the comment and really miss your brother Dave. You guys are total class acts and it was incredible seeing you again and actually meeting you briefly. Thanks for your animating power of Armored Saint metal!
I saw the saint having to pull the load for grim reapper on 11/11/87 @the stone.word of mouth was that the singer for the reapper had to leava asap i think his mother had passed. Missed grim reaper but armored saint saved the night.this was a very awesome show,it would be the first & last time 2 see this bad ass guitarist perform. R.I.P DAVE