Dave Withers

DAVE WITHERS

 

 
Pick Withers  (born Dave Withers; 4 April 1948 in Leicester) is an English rock and jazz drummer.  He was the original drummer for the rock band Dire Straits and played on their first four albums, which included hit singles such as "Sultans of Swing," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Private Investigations."  Withers became a professional musician at the age of 17, in a band called the Primitives, followed by a band called Spring who had a record contract but little success.  He played on records by Dave Edmunds and Hobo amongst others, including the John Dummer Band, Magna Carta, and the Gary Fletcher Band.  His nickname has been subject to some variations in spelling.  During his time with Spring, he was billed as Pique Withers.  He is billed as Pic Withers on his appearance on the second Brewers Droop album.  (More from Wikipedia)
 
 

The next two drummers for the Primitives made a name for themselves in later years.  Dave Withers took Mick Charleton's place in the band when they moved to Italy; according to Mal Ryder, he played on all of the early records that he made with the Primitives.  He had the nickname Pique or Pick by then; Withers returned to England in 1969.  In the late 1970'sPick Withers became the founding drummer with the British rock band Dire Straits, playing on their first four albums, including their #4 hit "Sultans of Swing".  

 

(May 2015)

 

Last edited: March 22, 2021