The Stage

David Lane

Published Monday 12 July 2010 at 15:37 by Lee Wilkinson

One-time member of hit recording artists the Mudlarks, and well-known singer and compere on the Manchester club circuit, David Lane has died aged 71. Lane began his singing career with Lancashire group Paul Beattie and the Beats, before joining top popular vocal threesome the Mudlarks as a 20-year-old in early 1959, to replace tenor Jeff Mudd when he was called up for National Service.

Mudd had formed the clean-cut family trio with his younger brother Fred singing baritone and soprano-voiced sister Mary, in their home town of Luton, Bedfordshire. They enjoyed two top-ten chart entries in 1958 with covers of the Chordettes’ US hit Lollipop and the Monotones’ Book of Love.

With Lane in their line-up, the Mudlarks continued to record pop novelty numbers and cover versions of American songs for the Columbia label, including the rockabilly slanted Tell Him No, but further chart success eluded them. Numerous public appearances included the prestigious New Musical Express Poll Winners’ Concert at Wembley, and a summer season on Blackpool’s North Pier.

After leaving the group in 1961, Lane went on to marry Mary Mudd, and resumed singing and performing master of ceremonies duties in the Greater Manchester area.

Lane, who was born David Burgess on November 29, 1938, passed away peacefully at his home in Hattersley, Hyde, Cheshire on July 4. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Sarah and Jane, and son Matt.