19 Facts About Ted McKenna

Edward McKenna was a Scottish drummer who played with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Rory Gallagher, The Greg Lake Band, and The Michael Schenker Group.

Ted McKenna toured with Ian Gillan for a short period of time in 1990, alongside fellow former SAHB member, bassist Chris Glen.

Ted McKenna lectured in Applied Arts at North Glasgow College from 1996 to 2011.

Ted McKenna was educated at St Patrick's High School, Coatbridge.

Ted McKenna's studies included double bass lessons at school, several piano lessons, and a year under Glasgow big band veteran, Lester Penman.

Ted McKenna was with Gallagher for three years before leaving the band to participate in what he called at the time a supergroup.

In 1981 after departing Rory Gallagher's band, Ted McKenna joined forces with another Irish guitarist Gary Moore and bassist Greg Lake.

Ted McKenna was now at the peak of his career, performing shows all over the world, and recorded two studio albums with the Michael Schenker Group, Assault Attack and Built To Destroy.

Shortly after the release of this live album, McKenna decided to leave MSG as Chris Glen had departed due to Michael Schenker's behaviour involving drink and drugs.

In 1991, Ted McKenna moved back to Scotland and it was here he put together a plan to form a new project which featured guest vocalists and were called The Party Boys.

Ted McKenna brought in SAHB guitarist Zal Cleminson to complete the musical line-up and had vocalists such as Stevie Doherty from Zero Zero, ex-Marillion vocalist Fish, and Nazareth lead vocalist Dan McCafferty who would all come in a various times to stand in as special guests.

Alan Thomson and Ronnie Leahy stepped down which opened the door for Chris Glen and Hugh Ted McKenna to come on board.

Ted McKenna became a lecturer at North Glasgow College to teach young aspiring musicians about the music industry and the dangers of the music world if you don't know what you are doing.

Ted McKenna won the 'Best Musician ' award at the European Blues Awards 2015.

In 2017, Ted McKenna was approached by Michael Schenker's son Taro as Michael was putting together a new project with all four of the singers from MSG.

Ted McKenna was now an official member of two groups at the same time and he was touring extensively with Michael Schenker Fest and Band Of Friends.

On 19 January 2019, at the age of 68, Ted McKenna died of a haemorrhage during a routine operation for a hernia.

Ted McKenna was due to start a tour of Japan with Michael Schenker Fest when he went in for surgery but died on the operating table due to losing too much blood during the procedure.

Ted McKenna had two children, Casey and Laura, as well as a young grandson.