Space Drummer Dies Suddenly at 42
- Posted on Aug 3rd 2009 8:46AM by Stephen Dowling
- Comments (56)
Parle -- who drummed on Space hits such as 'Neighbourhood', 'The Female of the Species' and 'Me and You Versus the World' -- was crossing the road in Dingle, Liverpool on Saturday night when he collapsed.
Passersby and paramedics gave help at the scene, and he was then taken to the Liverpool Royal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His former bandmate, Dave "Yorkie" Palmer, told the Liverpool Echo newspaper: "It's the saddest, most tragic end you could have."
He added: "Space continued to have success after Andy left but the band changed and lost something which Andy had contributed. Even though we had another brilliant drummer there was something about Andy's style which was unique."A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said they did not believe Parle had been assaulted or hit by a vehicle, but wanted any witnesses to his collapse to come forward.
She added: "Officers investigating the death are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the area around this time and particularly any taxi drivers using this busy route to come forward.
"A post mortem will be held to establish the cause of death."
Parle was part of the Liverpool band's line-up when they became favourites of Radio 1 DJ Chris Evans, whose championing of the track 'The Female of the Species' helped Space become a radio staple during 1996. Space's melding of styles -- the retro lounge styling of 'Money' next to the staccato, ska-tinged 'Neighbourhood' -- made them a more inventive live prospect than many of their contemporaries.
Their debut album 'Spiders' reached platinum in the UK and the band also had limited success in the US. Prior to Parle's departure, the band had another UK hit with 'Me and You Versus the World'.





Reader Comments(1 of 3)
Jessica Dixonat 8-03-2009
REST IN PEACE!!! Blessings to the family!
Rhondaat 8-03-2009
Dearest Andrew- Have you no compassion for others or are you sorely lacking? His family and fans care, and that is why people should care.
J-Petat 8-03-2009
Andrew,
...and with your enormous amount of empathy towards others, how many would actually give a s**t if this story was about you? Oh, that's right, you haven't done a frigging thing with your life ... right?
joe willieat 8-03-2009
These people were still kids when the real musicians were playing. Space ? WTF is a Space band member.
When a bob seger or a greg allman shuts down ,then let me know.
stormerbokat 8-03-2009
One day you will be...
Bobbyat 8-04-2009
There is always someone who has to make a foolish statement like the one you just did. Usually to get attention because you were deprived of love when you Dad was molesting your sister and your mom was doing tricks or stripping somewhere. No one really cares about your opinion.
apewtyat 8-03-2009
You mean you could NOT care less, Idiot.
gerardat 8-03-2009
sounds like an anyeurism popped in his brain and when that happens alot goes wrong really quick.. RIP.
Mememememememeat 8-03-2009
I liked the Female of the Species song!
helasat 8-03-2009
So, Andrew, how much less could you care?
Jackieat 8-03-2009
As tragic and untimely as his ending was, it is by no means "the most sad and tragic ending anyone could have", as one of his band mates stated. Frankly I'd rather suddenly keel over and die quickly than be dragged through the torture of Aids or Cancer for months or years. Any untimely death is a tragedy, especially for someone so young. But at least he didn't suffer.
Thorat 8-03-2009
Hey America......see what Socialized medicine gets YOU!
undrgrndgirlat 8-03-2009
yeah, socialized medicine got him medical attention AT THE SCENE...omg, can't have that, can we??? he probably died of a silent heart attack...my condolences to his family and friends
Tuula Westraat 8-03-2009
Andrew, you are not dead but you are one Ugly American,
God save our gracious Queen
long live our noble Queen
God save the Queen.
slatoat 8-03-2009
What kind of ignoramous says walking in public and dropping dead is the saddest most tragic way to die?? How about being kidnapped and then beheaded like has been happening in Mexico, Afghanistan and Iraq.... wow
Daveat 8-03-2009
Slato if it was your Mother,Father,or even a close friend you would feel it was tragic. So just because you don't like this drummer or the band he was with does not mean you need to make ignoramous comments. Someday when you get you get your head out of your a_ _ you will understand.
cannotbelievethisat 8-03-2009
Slato - you have no idea what you're talking about. Losing someone who is close to you is tragic, regardless of the vehicle of death. You should try it sometime.
meat 8-03-2009
You sir,are a waste of human skin.Selfish and a piece of trash.I hope people say the same about you when you die.
georgeat 8-03-2009
It's " I couldn't care less " and not "I could care less". Because if you could care less, that means the story is not all the way down your list of priorities. Get it? Probably not, since you are all the way down the evolutionary scale with a single digit I.Q.
MOat 8-03-2009
You are one complete IDIOT. No wonder no one will gave a crap about you when you pass. Now go crawl back under your rock, you Morom! RIP! Andy.