Petition Seeks to Rename Mars Music Hall for Huntsville Blues Icon Microwave Dave

Supporters say the move would create a lasting tribute to one of the city's most influential music and education advocates.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A public petition is calling on Huntsville city leaders to rename Mars Music Hall in honor of late blues musician Dave 'Microwave Dave' Gallaher, a cornerstone of the city's music scene who was known as a performer, blues educator, and mentor to young musicians.

Why it matters

Renaming the hall would establish a permanent legacy recognizing Gallaher's artistic career and decades of community service through music, including his work to introduce students to the history and structure of blues music.

The details

The online Avaaz petition, created by a local fan, asks the Huntsville mayor and city council to rename the venue the 'Microwave Dave Music Hall.' Gallaher, known professionally as Microwave Dave, was an internationally recognized blues artist and frontman for Microwave Dave & the Nukes, performing across the U.S. and Europe. Beyond performance, he was widely known for his focus on music education, regularly appearing in schools, performing on campuses, and working directly with students.

  • Gallaher, 80, died this weekend.
  • In 2015, the city proclaimed an official Microwave Dave Day in his honor and presented him with a key to the city during a tribute concert.

The players

Dave 'Microwave Dave' Gallaher

A cornerstone of Huntsville's music scene who was known as a performer, blues educator, and mentor to young musicians.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle

Publicly highlighted Gallaher's contributions following his passing, describing him as 'one of the most generous and giving people I have ever known.'

James Irvin

Nukes drummer who described Gallaher as a steady, kind presence on and off the road, consistently treating audiences, venue workers, and bandmates with gratitude and respect.

Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to music education and supporting youth programs, created in Gallaher's honor.

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What they’re saying

“One of the most generous and giving people I have ever known.”

— Tommy Battle, Huntsville Mayor (256Today)

“A steady, kind presence on and off the road, consistently treating audiences, venue workers, and bandmates with gratitude and respect.”

— James Irvin, Nukes drummer (256Today)

What’s next

The petition states that renaming Mars Music Hall would serve as a fitting memorial and a visible reminder of Gallaher's influence on Huntsville's music culture. Whether the proposal advances or not, petition supporters say the signature campaign itself reflects how strongly many in the community want his legacy permanently connected to the city's live music scene.

The takeaway

Renaming the venue would create a lasting tribute to Microwave Dave, a beloved blues musician and educator who dedicated his life to promoting music and mentoring young artists in Huntsville.