Dave Rowntree Wife: Who Is He Married To? (2026)

Dave Rowntree, the drummer of Blur, was married to Paola Marra, a Canadian woman, from 1994 until their divorce in the early 2000s. He is currently single and has no children.

Who Is Paola Marra?

Paola Marra was a Canadian who worked in the music industry and charity sector. She married Dave Rowntree in 1994. The couple divorced in the early 2000s but remained connected. In 2021 Marra was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, and in March 2024 she travelled to Dignitas in Switzerland to end her life at the age of 53. Rowntree supported her through her illness and spoke publicly afterward, criticizing UK assisted-dying laws as "psychopathic" for showing "absolutely no empathy for the sufferer."

Marriage Timeline

Rowntree married Paola Marra in 1994. The marriage ended in divorce in the early 2000s. In 2007 he was reported to be dating Michelle de Vries. According to biographical sources, Rowntree is currently single and maintains a private personal life. He has no children.

Children

Dave Rowntree has no children, according to published biographical sources.

Career Highlights

Dave Rowntree joined Blur in the late 1980s after being introduced to Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon. As the band's drummer he played on era-defining albums Parklife (1994), The Great Escape (1995), and 13 (1999), helping Blur become one of Britpop's defining acts with multiple Brit Awards. Beyond music, he qualified as a solicitor after studying at BPP Law School, served as a Labour councillor on Norfolk County Council from 2017 to 2021, and stood as a parliamentary candidate in 2010 and again in 2024. He has also worked as an animator, composer, and DJ, holds a full pilot's licence (obtained 1995) and an amateur radio licence (callsign M0IEG). In 2023 he released his debut solo album Radio Songs. In 2025 he attempted to initiate a class action against the Performing Rights Society over unidentified royalties, though the Competition Appeal Tribunal declined to pursue it.

FAQ

Who is Dave Rowntree's wife?

Dave Rowntree was married to Paola Marra from 1994 until their divorce in the early 2000s. He is currently single.

Does Dave Rowntree have children?

No. Published biographical sources record that he has no children.

What does Dave Rowntree do besides music?

He is a qualified solicitor, a former Labour county councillor (2017-2021), a parliamentary candidate, an animator, and a licensed pilot.

Did Dave Rowntree run for Parliament?

Yes. He stood as a parliamentary candidate in 2010 and again in 2024, and served as a Labour councillor on Norfolk County Council from 2017 to 2021.

What is Dave Rowntree's solo album?

Radio Songs, released in 2023 — his debut solo album.

Is Dave Rowntree a pilot?

Yes. He obtained a full pilot's licence in 1995 and also holds a UK amateur radio licence with the callsign M0IEG.

Is Dave Rowntree still in Blur?

Yes. He continues to perform with Blur, including their 2023 reunion album The Ballad of Darren.