Tony Thorpe, guitarist of the 1970s group The Rubettes, has died aged 80.
A statement announcing the news read: “It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe. He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old.
“His recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour. He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music. Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton. God bless, Tone x.”
Thorpe started playing guitar and drums at 11, becoming professional five years later following a gig with Wee Willie Harris.
The Rubettes, formed in 1974, emerged onto the music scene as the glam rock era concluded, distinctive for their trademark white suits and cloth caps.
Their debut single, “Sugar Baby Love”, first performed on Top Of The Pops, topped the UK charts for four weeks in May 1974. It also secured a number 37 position on the US charts.
Their other best-known singles included “Tonight”, “Juke Box Jive” and “I Can Do It”.
Thorpe performed with the band from 1974 to 1979, alongside Alan Williams, John Richardson, Pete Arnesen, Mick Clarke and Bill Hurd.
However, he went on to leave the band over reported creative differences. The Rubettes later replaced him with Bob Benham, but he in turn left soon after and the band dissolved in 1980. They later reformed two years later.
Paying tribute to Thorpe, former bandmate Alan Williams wrote on Facebook: “Mercifully now at peace. Dear Tony, our paths having crossed but fleetingly during which time was conceived wondrous music and often hilariously memorable moments.
“Your brilliance with the axe and the pen cannot be denied and remains with us, never forgotten. Rest now Cowboy. Alan.”
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Throughout his career, Thorpe also worked with the Vibratones and the Coventry Theatre Orchestra accompanying the likes of Cilla Black, Jimmy Tarbuck, Sir Harry Secombe, and Roy Castle.
After leaving the band he also went on to release his own music, lecture on the subject at Blackburn College and also released his memoir, A Bride’s Nightie, in 2014.
