John 'Beaky' Dymond, the guitarist of the iconic 1960s pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by friends and fellow musicians, though a cause of death has not been disclosed.
Chart-Topping Success
The group, known for their flamboyant stage presence and catchy tunes, achieved their greatest success with the 1968 single 'Legend of Xanadu', which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. During the 1960s, the band spent more weeks on the UK charts than the Beatles, a remarkable feat that underscored their popularity. Additionally, seven of their songs made the top 100 in Canada.
Last Surviving Member
Dymond's passing leaves drummer Michael 'Mick' Wilson as the sole surviving member of the original lineup. The band originally consisted of Dave Dee (lead vocals), Trevor 'Dozy' Davies (bass), John 'Beaky' Dymond (guitar), Michael 'Mick' Wilson (drums), and Ian 'Tich' Amey (guitar). Davies died in 2015, Dee in 2009, and Amey in 2022.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have flooded social media from fans and fellow musicians. The Equals, another 1960s band, posted on Facebook: 'Reunited with Dave (Dee), Trevor (Dozy) and Ian (Tich) — back together as a quartet in the sky, making music and sharing laughs once more. Heaven won’t know what’s hit it! Keep them all laughing up there, Beaky. Rest easy, mate.'
Ian Woolley, editor of Beat Magazine, wrote: 'Sad to hear that John Dymond better known to us as Beaky of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich has passed away. Last time we met was at Tich’s funeral and he delivered a hilarious speech. He was a real diamond with a kind heart and he’ll be missed by all that knew him. RIP Beaky.'
One fan commented: 'Another 60s music legend has gone!' Fellow musician Michael Smitham shared on social media: 'It seems like a lot of my old friends have been dropping off the earth in recent times, and just this morning John BEAKEY Dymond decided it was his turn. Dymond by name and Diamond by nature, Beake was a lovely man. Always a joke saved for the dressing room. A million anecdotes about his life as a pop star, and his time as a Bar Owner in Spain. An excellent onstage performer with a very relaxed style who could command the audience right to the back row of the theatre!'
