Wayne Proctor, the influential American guitarist and songwriter best known for his foundational role in the 1960s garage rock band We the People, passed away on February 15, 2026. Born and raised in Leesburg, Florida, Proctor's musical journey began at a young age, leading him to become a pivotal figure in the vibrant Orlando music scene.

As lead guitarist and a primary songwriter for We the People, Proctor crafted many of the band's iconic songs, including the garage punk classics "My Brother, The Man" and "Mirror Of Your Mind." His innovative playing extended to the unique "octachord" instrument, which he featured on the band's fourth single, "In the Past." Though We the People's singles achieved significant regional success in Florida and Tennessee, national chart recognition remained elusive during their active years.

Proctor's tenure with We the People concluded in early 1967 when he left the band to pursue college studies, a decision influenced by the desire to avoid the Vietnam War draft. Despite this departure, his songwriting talents continued to flourish, notably penning the minor hit "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" for The Lemonade Charade.

In the decades following We the People's initial run, Proctor remained musically active, performing with local bands in South Carolina, his last known residence. His contributions to garage rock gained renewed appreciation among music enthusiasts and collectors, with his early works frequently appearing on revered compilation albums like "Pebbles." Proctor also maintained a connection with fans through social media, often discussing the band and 1960s music, and his passing has been widely mourned by the community he touched.

Wayne Proctor's legacy is that of a true architect of garage rock, whose raw energy and distinctive songwriting left an indelible mark on the genre. His music continues to inspire and resonate with new generations of listeners, cementing his place in the annals of American rock and roll.