Entertainment
The Groundhogs singer and guitarist Tony McPhee dies aged 79-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro
He died peacefully at home.
Tony McPhee died peacefully at home yesterday (Picture: Michael Putland/Getty Images)
The singer and guitarist of the Groundhogs, Tony McPhee, has died aged 79, it has been confirmed.
The founding member of the English blues and rock band died ‘peacefully at home’.
McPhee’s death comes after he suffered ‘complications’ following a ‘fall’ last year.
Taking to Facebook to make the announcement, the Groundhogs’ official band page wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that 79 year old guitar and blues legend Tony (TS) McPhee, died peacefully at home today 6th June, 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.’
McPhee’s career began in the 1960s when he joined his work friend’s south London group, the Dollarbills, and renamed them the Groundhogs.
The rocker’s career spanned six decades (Picture: Jorgen Angel/Redferns)
McPhee died from complications after suffering a ‘fall’ last year (Picture: Getty Images)
And so the band behind hits such as Walking Blues, The Liberty Years, and Garden, was born, with McPhee and friend John Cruickshank at its helm.
They were joined in 1964 by Bob Hall on the keys and Dave Boorman on drums, and later Clive Brooks.
McPhee’s career went on to span six decades with the rock group on and off a number of times throughout the years.
The Groundhogs became a go-to band to support touring blues artists such as Little Walter and Jimmy Reed.
During their most successful period in the late 1960s and early 70s, the band enjoyed three back-to-back UK top 10 albums and supported the Rolling Stones on a 1971 tour.
More: Trending
Although the makeup of the band changed over the years, McPhee remained at its core all the way up until 2009, when he suffered a stroke which affected his ability to sing.
McPhee eventually retired from the group in 2015, six decades after fist forming it.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Girl From Ipanema singer Astrud Gilberto dies aged 83
Entertainment – MetroRead More
