Sad news received this morning (17th April) that Tony 'Banger' Walsh passed away peacefully on the 16th April. As many will know Banger had been suffering from Alzheimers for a number of years.
May Tony now RIP and condolences to his family and friends.
A Tribute
Tony often appeared at events as a spectator until comparatively recently.Had a very interesting conversation with him at the Royal Spa Centre in February 2018 in what turned out to be the final time the venue held Professional Wrestling
Rest in piece banger ! I've known banger for many years travelled the whole of the country wrestling on the same bills a great villain ! I was a middleweight so obviously never worked with him..I knew him my whole wrestling life R I P..JOHNNY ENGLAND ..
Very sad news indeed. I always remember a bout he had against either Marty Jones or Mike Marino on late night mid week wrestling during the 1970s. I was amazed at the time as Tony wrestled the entire contest fair and clean. I used to beg my Mam to allow me to stop up and watch the md week wrestling as my Dad worked nightshifts and i would tell him the results in the morning. Although Tony lost the contest the bout emphasized his true wrestling ability. He was a stalwart of Joint Promotions and some of those knocks he took during his encounters with Big Daddy would have permanently felled a lesser man. Growing up in the 70s/80s Banger will always be a part of my wrestling memories.
I remember Watching an interview with Banger Walsh years ago, also contributing to the interview, was none other than Rollerball Rocco. Both Walsh, and Rocco came across as two gentlemen. Completely different to their ring personas, but that’s wrestling! A sad loss. RIP Tony Walsh.
Really sad news regards Tony Walsh, I used to meet up with Banger at all the other Reunions, he was always good company. I last spoke with him at Kent and at that time he informed me about his illness. It was devastating news. He was a grand professional and a lovely man and he will be missed by all who knew him. RIP “Banger” Deepest condolences from all The Committee and all our Membership go out to both his Family and also his many Friends. From all at Wrestlers Re-Union Scotland. Dale Storm
Was fortunate enough to see Mr walsh wrestle at darlington baths Hall and then the dolphin centre in the 70s and 80s. I knew when he was billed that whatever the outcome, I'll have been entertained. He never disappointed, and some of the bumps he took were awesome. As a young teen at the time, (now 55), my excitement at some of these bumps can thankfully be relived on YouTube, and as others have written, I admired his selflessness when giving others a push, he was a credit to the profession and himself. Regards, Paul (bonzo)
RIP Banger.
And another passes over to that great ring in the sky… I had the pleasure of exchanging a few emails with Tony a few years back, he made a good living once he left wrestling and was a good friend to the motorbike stuntman Eddie Kidd who was left severely compromised after a crash. RIP Mate, and condolences to your family.
Rest in Peace Banger, always happy with your entertaining bouts.
Yes, very sad news. Always entertaining and unselfish. R.I.P. Tony.
Sad news again!
R.I.P. Tony
RIP Banger
Have to admit that I learned more about Tony after he finished jobbing for the Crabtrees. However, I still refer to people with the Walsh surname as 'Banger' (whether or not they understand why!) RIP, Tony...
R.I.P Tony, a very reliable hand in the ring, like a few very good wrestlers he made others look good. My condolences to his family and friends.
When Wrestling Heritage launched we selected Tony Walsh as one of our original six Shining Stars. He typified what wrestling and this site was all about, giving generously to enable others to take the glory.
Read our original piece in tribute to this Very Epitome of an Unsung Hero
Very sad news, RIP Banger Walsh.