Microwave Dave

Dave Gallaher (24 April 1946 - 6 February 2026), best known by his stage name Microwave Dave, was an American blues musician associated with Huntsville, Alabama.

Biography

Dave Gallaher was born in Chicago. He was raised in Amarillo, Dallas, and Houston, Texas. The first instrument that he learned to play was the ukulele. He also played the trumpet, French horn, and drums in his high school band. He also played the drums at the Houston Oilers home games during the team's 1960 inaugural season in the American Football League.

After returning from Vietnam, Gallaher lived in Boston, Massachusetts, where he studied guitar at the Berklee College of Music. In Boston, he played in a rock band called "Cameron Company. The band later changed its name to Cameron, and re-located to Florida. The Kaffeeklatsch continued to be a central figure in Gallaher's career. Gallaher first began playing with this band "Microwave Dave and the Nukes" at the Kaffeeklatsch in 1989. He also played 22 consecutive Thanksgiving shows at the Kaffeeklatsch from 1992 until it closed down in 2015. The Kaffeeklatsch is where Gallaher began his solo act in 1992, and also where he recorded his first solo album, American Peasant, 2004.

He died at age 79 on February 6, 2026. He had been scheduled to perform at The Nook in Huntsville, Alabama, but canceled it because of illness. His funeral was held at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, Alabama on February 28.

Legacy

On May 15, 2026, the City of Huntsville renamed a city street and dog park after Microwave Dave to honor his legacy and impact on the city's culture. Cleveland Avenue (between Meridian Street and Church Street) to Microwave Dave Way, and the Downtown Dog Spot was renamed the Microwave Dave Dog Spot. New signs were installed at both locations.

Discography

Solo albums

Album Year Notes American Peasant 2004 Recorded live