Huntsville blues musician Microwave Dave Gallaher, whose soulful sound reached far beyond Alabama, passed away recently at age 79. Stephen King honored Gallaher’s legacy on February 24, expressing his admiration on social media and recalling the impact the bluesman had on him. The connection between Gallaher’s music and King’s support highlights the far-reaching influence of the blues scene in Huntsville and beyond.
King’s Longstanding Appreciation for Microwave Dave & The Nukes
Stephen King has publicly acknowledged Gallaher and his band, Microwave Dave & The Nukes, over the years. In 2011, King singled out their electrifying live performance of “Highway 49” in his final column for Entertainment Weekly. The song, famously performed by Howlin’ Wolf, was rejuvenated by Gallaher’s signature slide guitar, energizing the small audience captured in the video and deeply impressing King. He reflected on the music’s power, saying,
“That electric slide guitar will change your way of life.”
Microwave Dave’s recognition extended beyond King’s praise; Lee Roop, a seasoned Huntsville Times reporter, notified Gallaher about King’s mention while Gallaher was en route to a gig. Gallaher described his reaction as stunned, stating,
“I don’t know what to say.”
He also noted the affinity audiences had for their rendition of “Highway 49,” a tune the band frequently performed and people consistently enjoyed.
Continued Recognition through King’s Playlists and Social Media
King’s admiration did not fade over time. Around 2014, he featured “Pay Bo Diddley” by Microwave Dave & The Nukes in a playlist that accompanied his novel Doctor Sleep, a sequel to his classic The Shining. King explained on a Portland bookstore’s blog that he curates distinct playlists for each novel he writes, with the selections serving to complement the book’s mood.
On the social media platform now known as X, where King maintains a large following, he praised the band by stating,
“Microwave Dave and the Nukes: Best slide guitar rock and roll since Lonesome George Thorogood and the Destroyers.”
Years later, Gallaher reflected on King’s public endorsements, saying the recognition
“stirred up a lot of interest in us. And it gave us a kind of credibility, that he found something in us worthy of his attention. I was amazed.”
King’s Foreword Honors Gallaher’s Storied Life and Music
In 2021, King contributed the foreword to I’m a Roadrunner: Life and Times of a Bluesman, a richly detailed book chronicling Gallaher’s extensive career. The coffee table volume covers Gallaher’s diverse experiences, including his service in the Vietnam War, performances alongside the Allman Brothers, European tours, and his success in France with a cover of Bo Diddley’s “Roadrunner.”
King shared how he first encountered Microwave Dave’s music through Steven Van Zandt’s Sirius/XM radio show, Little Steven’s Underground Garage. In his foreword, King praised the band’s sound and even their name, concluding with heartfelt admiration:
“If you play the music, or if you just love the music, you’re going to love this book. God bless Microwave Dave.”
The Personal Impact of King’s Support on Gallaher and His Circle
The news of King’s foreword came as a surprise to Gallaher while he enjoyed lunch with longtime photographer Dennis Keim and Karen Corp, who conceived the book project. Gallaher recounted,
“They just pushed this letter (with King’s foreword printed on it) over in front of me to read. And I’m like, holy cow, how did they do this? They asked him to do it and he stepped up.”
Despite King’s influence on their careers, Gallaher has never met the author personally, sharing,
“People ask me all the time, ‘What’s he (King) like?’ I don’t know. I’ve never met him. I’ve never had a chance to say thank you to him for all these different things he’s done. It’s made a big difference for us.”
Upcoming Memorial Celebrates Microwave Dave’s Legacy in Huntsville
Microwave Dave Gallaher’s funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on February 28 at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity located at 208 Eustis Avenue in Huntsville. The ceremony will offer the local community and fans beyond a chance to honor his influential contributions to blues music and his enduring spirit.
The Enduring Influence of a Blues Legend and His Champion
The mutual respect between Stephen King and Microwave Dave Gallaher underscores the power of music to inspire across genres and communities. King’s vocal support amplified Gallaher’s work to wider audiences and lent recognition to a musician whose artistry was deeply rooted in the blues tradition. As news of Gallaher’s passing spreads, King’s tribute helps preserve his memory while raising awareness of his profound impact. The upcoming memorial serves not only as a farewell but also as a celebration of a life dedicated to the soulful expression of blues music, ensuring that Microwave Dave’s legacy will resonate for years to come.
Microwave Dave and the Nukes: Best slide guitar rock and roll since Lonesome George Thoroughgood and the Destroyers.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 20, 2014
