Walk With Me - A project of music, friendship and love

David Wells is a remarkable man. He played the drums in a London rock band as a teenager and remains close with all the band members and other lifelong friends from those early schooldays. During this early creative period, Dave wrote a song called ‘Walk With Me’ which remained dormant for some fifty years, during which time he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and embarked on a long and complex battle for good health.

Then, in 2024, the decision was made to re-visit the song and record it in the studio. Plans were made, dates were scheduled and on July 29th the whole team assembled at Swanyard Music Studio. One of the main aims of the project was to give David a memorable few days, laying down this song from his youth and enjoying good times with his closest friends and family. The other objective is to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and try to raise funds to help find a cure and improve life for all sufferers.

Recording ‘Walk With Me’ at Swanyard Music Retford.

On Monday 29th July 2024, Dave, along with his faithful carers, proud wife Roz, and drummer son Buddy, arrived at Swanyard Music Recording Studios. Waiting there, instruments at the ready, were his old bandmates Martin, Mick and Gordon along with old friend Kevin on bass and Martin’s son Joe adding keys and drums. Another old schoolmate, Marcus, chipped in with a bit of percussion and photography. With skilful studio owner, James, controlling the desk, the serious work of recording began. The music videos tell the story.

A long day saw plenty of musical development and much progress so by the end of the day, everyone knew the project was going to be a huge success. The team retreated to the pub for an evening of musical analysis, review, laughter and possibly a few beers. There was still plenty to do, so everyone returned to the studio on Tuesday morning for another full day of recording. It was all coming together and plenty of ideas were thrown around as the song developed its identity and personality. The final, joyous studio session involved everyone adding backing vocals, percussion and handclaps as an emotional second day drew to a close. The twin aims of the ‘Walk With Me’ project was to finally record David’s song 50 years after he wrote it and, more importantly, to give Dave a day of fun, music and laughter that he will always remember.

Mission accomplished!

In an exciting new development, the Walk With Me team decided to produce some limited edition 7” vinyl singles. This meant a B-side was needed. (Old School). The lyrics to another David Wells song from 50 years ago were found in an attic, dusted off, updated slightly, and The Wells went back into the recording studio in April 2025. Below is a behind-the-scenes preview of the recording of ‘More Than Friends’. Every penny raised from sales of this record will go to Parkinson’s UK.