Having arrived back from 2 weeks in Spain performing my Buddy Holly show on the Costa del Sol, I opened my emails to find great sadness. I left for Spain on Sept 30th and returned Oct 12th. I had 3 emails from Lubbock Texas informing me of the passing of English Dave Tobin on Sept 28th.
In 2004 Clive Harvey sent emails on my behalf to Lubbock: "got Buddy Holly member visiting would like to hook up". Sherry Holley got in touch and so did Dave Tobin. "Hi Nicky. Can pick you up from the airport, show you all Lubbock and you can stay here if you want at my house." This guy became an instant friend.
He studied music and other things at South Plains College in Levelland which he proudly took me around. Having my own car, I took myself down to Clovis, New Mexico, and met up in the evening with PJ, Sherry and Tommy and Dave and had supper. The next two days we went all over Lubbock, saw everything and met loads of people. On the Sunday, we went to The Tabernacle Baptist church and met Larry Holley and more nice folks.
This man, who I dubbed "The Southend Cowboy" because he was usually wearing a white stetson, was great enthusiastic company and only due to his huge kindness and generosity did I have a fantastic few days in Lubbock and will be forever in his debt.
I briefly saw him by accident at Gatwick airport in June 2007. He was with his sons and I was with my daughter and son-in-law. We had a quick chat. About April of this year (2007), he phoned me from Lubbock and said things were going well. He played in a country band and also in PJ's celtic band Roan Inish. He told me he had become a member of the church choir at Tabernacle Baptist church and had made lots of friends. He was very fond of the Holley family and I think they were of him. I believe he is to be burried in Lubbock City Cemetery. What a fitting resting place, for a man who upped sticks to follow his dream!
Rest in peace Dave and God Bless and thanks!!
Nicky Walker (Buddy Walker)
25th October 2007
