Pepsi Tate (10 March 1965 – 18 September 2007) was the bass guitarist of Welsh glam metal band Tigertailz, who made the Top 40 in the UK Albums Chart in the early 1990s.

Pepsi Tate
Background information
Birth nameHuw Justin Smith
Also known as"Boy"
Born(1965-03-10)10 March 1965
Dinas Powys, Wales
Died18 September 2007(2007-09-18) (aged 42)
Penarth, Wales
GenresGlam metal
Occupation(s)Musician
Producer
Director
Instrument(s)Bass guitar, keyboards, vocals
Years active1983-2007

Born as Huw Justin Smith, son of Dempsey and Makepeace actor Ray Smith, Pepsi Tate grew up in the village of Dinas Powys, just outside Cardiff.

After his career with Tigertailz Justin pursued a career in television as a producer and director. His work for BBC Wales included directing the weekly politics programme, Dragon's Eye.

The Thrill Pistol album (released on 27 August 2007) featured his last recordings. It was dedicated to Pepsi and his family.

On 18 September 2007, aged 42, Pepsi Tate died after suffering with pancreatic cancer. He died at Holme Towers Cancer Hospice in Penarth only a few weeks after he had married his longtime partner, Welsh opera singer Shân Cothi.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ Farewell event for rock musician BBC Wales, 24 September 2007. Accessed 5 December 2015.