In a heartfelt tribute, musician Grant Walmsley has honored Greg Bryce, a guitarist and songwriter who was a central figure in Newcastle's rock scene. Bryce fronted the bands Meccalissa and DV8, which were regulars at the historic Star Hotel on King Street. The venue was infamous for the 1979 Star Hotel riot, a night when both DV8 and Heroes were performing.
Walmsley, who grew up close to the Bryce family, described Greg as a big brother and mentor. He recalled receiving his first real amplifier and records from Bryce, and credited him with guiding him through the realities of the rock 'n' roll world. Bryce, a teetotaler and health-focused individual, taught Walmsley to navigate the industry's darker aspects with integrity.
Walmsley also acknowledged the influence of Mark 'Tinno' Tinson, another clean-living musician, and noted how these mentors shaped his own career. By 1986, Walmsley's band Aspect was recording with Tinson at Rock City studio, where he met producer Kevin 'Caveman' Shirley. Shirley later mixed several Screaming Jets albums and recorded DV8's final live show in 1987.
Reflecting on his journey, Walmsley expressed gratitude for the guidance of Bryce and Tinson, stating that they were cut from the same cloth, drawn to creating music and navigating life with a shared esoteric streak.
