Tony Thorpe, the guitarist for 1970s glam rock band The Rubettes, has died at the age of 80. His family announced his passing on Facebook, noting that he had been in declining health recently.
Family Statement Confirms Death
The statement from his family read: "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..." The message added that his "recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour. He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music." The family asked for thoughts to be sent to his son Clayton.
Fan Tributes on Social Media
Fans quickly gathered on Facebook to pay tribute. One wrote: "This is sad news. Back in the mid 80s me and my dad would go and see Tony Thorpe and his band, Gas Company, in a pub in Preston each week. A great guitarist doing a bluesy, rootsy, rock and roll set it was quite a contrast to his former band, the Rubettes. Happy times." Another fan said: "This is truly sad news. For those of us who have followed The Rubettes since 1974, it's a great loss. Tony was underappreciated in the band, but he was always a great musician. His voice was also unique. I personally feel his loss deeply. Rest in peace."
Legacy with The Rubettes
Thorpe was a member of The Rubettes, known for their 1974 hit "Sugar Baby Love." The band was part of the glam rock scene that dominated the UK charts in the early 1970s. After leaving The Rubettes, Thorpe formed the band Gas Company, which performed in pubs and clubs across the UK.
