Tony Thorpe, 1970s rock star with The Rubettes, dies at 80
Tony Thorpe, the 1970s rock guitarist best known for The Rubettes' UK No. 1 "Sugar Baby Love," has died at 80 after a period of failing health. His family remembered the glam-rock star as a husband, father, and mentor to countless musicians.
Key Takeaways
- Tony Thorpe, guitarist and singer with The Rubettes, has died aged 80.
- His family said he had been battling "recently failing health" and called him a mentor to countless musicians.
- The glam-rock band's debut single "Sugar Baby Love" topped the UK charts for four weeks.
- Bandmate Alan Williams paid tribute to Thorpe's brilliance "with the axe and the pen."
- Thorpe left The Rubettes in 1979 and later taught music and released solo work.
Who was Tony Thorpe in 1970s rock?
Anthony John Thorpe was the guitarist, singer, and writer whose work with The Rubettes helped define a slice of 1970s glam rock. Born on 20 July 1945 in London, he began playing guitar and drums at 11 and turned professional at 16.
He would have turned 81 on 20 July. For more celebrity obituaries and breaking entertainment news, visit our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
How did The Rubettes become a 1970s chart force?
The Rubettes emerged in the mid-1970s as glam rock was peaking. A last-minute spot on the UK's Top of the Pops helped launch their first single, "Sugar Baby Love," which went straight to No. 1 and stayed there for four weeks.
Alongside Alan Williams on lead vocals, Thorpe played guitar with John Richardson, Mick Clarke, Peter Arnesen, and Bill Hurd. Further hits included "Tonight," "Juke Box Jive," and "I Can Do It." American Songwriter reports the band sold more than 30 million albums.
Thorpe left the group in 1979. The Rubettes continue today with Williams still handling lead vocals.
What did his family and bandmates say?
In a Facebook tribute, his family wrote: "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."
They added that his failing health "did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour," and that he would leave "an unfillable hole" for those who knew him or his music.
Former bandmate Alan Williams wrote that their paths crossed "but fleetingly" yet produced "wondrous music," praising Thorpe's brilliance "with the axe and the pen" and signing off, "Rest now Cowboy."
What came after The Rubettes for Tony Thorpe?
Beyond the band, Thorpe released solo singles and a country album, "Tone Control." He later sang on The Firm's Top 20 hit "Arthur Daley's E's Alright," founded comedy act Cooger and Dark, and formed blues band Gas Co.
By the late 1990s he had recorded the blues album "Illusions and Dangerous Prayer." He lectured on music at Blackburn College until January 2012 and published his autobiography "A Bride's Nightie" in 2012. Before his death he lived with his wife Shirley in Burnley, Lancashire.