Tony Thorpe, guitarist and songwriter best known for his time with 1970s pop group The Rubettes, has died at the age of 80.
Thorpe died on July 18, according to a statement released by his family, which described him as "a father, a husband, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians." It added that despite recent health challenges, he retained his "fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour."
Former bandmate Alan Williams paid tribute on Facebook, recalling the pair's musical partnership and memorable moments together.
"Your brilliance with the axe and the pen cannot be denied and remains with us, never forgotten. Rest now, Cowboy," he wrote.
Thorpe began playing guitar and drums at the age of 11 and turned professional just five years later after performing with rocker Wee Willie Harris.
Formed in 1974, The Rubettes became one of the defining pop acts of the decade, recognised for their trademark white suits and cloth caps. Their debut single, Sugar Baby Love, topped the UK charts for four weeks in May 1974 and also reached the US Top 40.
The group went on to release other hits including Tonight, Juke Box Jive and I Can Do It.
Thorpe remained with the band until 1979 before leaving over reported creative differences. Although The Rubettes continued with a replacement guitarist, the band eventually disbanded in 1980 before reforming two years later.
Beyond The Rubettes, Thorpe worked with the Vibratones and the Coventry Theatre Orchestra, later pursuing a solo career, lecturing at Blackburn College and publishing his memoir, A Bride's Nightie, in 2014.— dpa
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