Calvin Hayes, the British musician and co-founder of the 1980s pop group Johnny Hates Jazz, has died at the age of 63 after collapsing at his home. The keyboardist and drummer was discovered dead at his property in Washington, USA, his wife Kathy confirmed.
Bandmates Pay Tribute
The band's surviving members paid tribute to Hayes on Saturday. Taking to Instagram, they wrote: "As many of you now know, our old friend and former bandmate Calvin died on Thursday. We are utterly shocked and deeply saddened. Upon hearing the news, we decided to talk privately with other people who knew him well before posting anything publicly, which is why you are hearing from us now. This gave us a way to share our memories, express our emotions, and begin to come to terms with such a tragic loss."
They added: "The three of us were brothers in arms for an extraordinary moment in time, one in which we managed to touch the world with the music we created together. 40 years on, and regardless of the fact that Calvin was no longer in the band, we know he remained incredibly proud of the fact that our songs and recordings, especially from the Turn Back The Clock album, continue to resonate with so many people. It is in the brightness of that moment, and with the memory of the great camaraderie we once shared, that we will remember Calvin. With much love, Clark and Mike."
Rise to Fame with Johnny Hates Jazz
Hayes shot to fame performing with Johnny Hates Jazz in 1986 alongside vocalist Clark Datchler and bassist Mike Nocito. The group's big break arrived with their 1987 single "Shattered Dreams", which became a worldwide sensation and climbed into the Top 10 across multiple countries. Their debut album, Turn Back the Clock, was released in 1988 and soared to number one in the UK charts. The album spawned four UK Top 20 singles: "Shattered Dreams", "I Don't Want to Be a Hero", "Turn Back the Clock", and "Heart of Gold". Between 1987 and 1988, Johnny Hates Jazz also appeared on Top of the Pops on eight occasions.
Career Setbacks and Personal Life
Following the band's early success, frontman Datchler departed to pursue a solo career, while Hayes and Nocito continued with new vocalist Phil Thornalley. However, the reformed band's momentum halted after Hayes suffered a near-fatal car accident that left him confined to a body cast for nearly a year. Hayes was also the son of renowned record producer Mickie Most, who collaborated with acts including Hot Chocolate. Throughout his career, Hayes played for other artists, including on drums for Kim Wilde's promotional band. In a 1988 interview, Wilde described Hayes as "the greatest thing that has ever happened to me" when the couple began a relationship. Eventually, they parted ways, though it is understood they remained in contact.
Later Years and Legacy
Throughout the 1990s, Hayes retreated from the music industry limelight before Johnny Hates Jazz reformed for nostalgia performances across Europe and Southeast Asia in 2010. Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, celebrating his contributions to 80s pop music. Hayes is survived by his wife Kathy and other family members.
