Singer and guitarist of rock band The Groundhogs Tony McPhee dies at the age of 79
Singer and guitarist of rock band The Groundhogs Tony McPhee dies at the age of 79
The Groundhogs lead singer and guitarist Tony McPhee has passed away at the age of 79.
The band announced on Tuesday that Tony “passed away peacefully at home” after suffering from complications following a bad fall last year.
He suffered a stroke in 2009 and went through periods of ill health over the following decade.
A statement was posted on the band’s Facebook page saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce that 79-year-old guitar and blues legend Tony (TS) McPhee passed away peacefully at home today June 6 from complications following a fall last year. .
“He is survived by his devoted wife Joanna, sons Conan & Vincent, grandchildren Scarlett & Victor and loving sister Olive.”
Devastating: The Groundhogs lead singer and guitarist Tony McPhee has passed away at the age of 79
Sad news: The band announced on Tuesday that Tony ‘died peacefully at home’ after suffering complications from a bad fall last year
Fans paid tribute to the musician in the comments section, with one penning: ‘No one played like Tony, such an influence on me and it stayed with me. such a loss’
Another wrote: ‘When I was 16 he was my hero. The Groundhogs meant everything to me. They were the first band I ever saw live’
A third added: ‘Oh no! Part of my musical education. RIP big man’
One commented, “I’m sorry to hear this, such a lovely fellow. Had a few drinks with him and the band, will never forget that night’
Another wrote: ‘RIP TS. You are the reason I picked up the guitar all those years ago. We will miss you’
Someone said, “Very sad news. I have great memories of watching Tony and the Groundhogs rehearsals when I was a kid. Condolences to the family. REST IN PEACE’
The singer shares sons Conan and Vincent with wife Joanna. He also has grandchildren Scarlett and Victor, and sister Olive.
Tony joined a South London group called the Dollar Bills in 1962, calling them the Groundhogs.
He led the British blues and rock group for six decades from 1962 to 2015, earning three UK top 10 albums in the process and supporting the Rolling Stones on a 1971 tour.
Rock band: Peter Cruickshank, Clive Brooks and Tony McPhee of the Groundhogs, in 1974
A statement was posted on the band’s Facebook page saying: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that 79-year-old guitar and blues legend Tony (TS) McPhee has passed away peacefully at home’
Fans paid tribute to the musician in the comments section, with one penning: ‘No one played like Tony, such an influence on me and it stayed with me. such a loss’
The band then split up briefly, but was revived by McPhee and bassist Pete Cruickshank with the group’s debut album arriving in 1968.
In 2003, The Groundhogs celebrated 40 years with a reunion of Tony, Pete and drummer Ken Pustelnik who had been behind their 1970s hit albums.
He previously said about his music: ‘I always try to write and play things that are timeless, don’t give in to fashion, like blues; being honest and being able to process new ideas and techniques.’
Later in life, McPhee played with the cult group Current 93 and regularly collaborated with singer Joanna Deacon.
Talented: Tony joined a south London group called the Dollar Bills in 1962, calling them the Groundhogs