Tony Wilson, the bassist and co-founder of the 1970s British soul band Hot Chocolate, has died at the age of 78 at his home in Trinidad. His family confirmed the news on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Wilson's son Danny revealed that his father kept secret diaries from 1970 and 1971, detailing the struggles of forming the band in a cut-throat music industry. Danny described the diaries as 'staggering', documenting knock-backs, interviews, touring, and meticulous record sales tracking.
Hot Chocolate, best known for hits including 'You Sexy Thing', 'Everyone's A Winner', and 'Cheri Babe', became the first predominantly Black British band to achieve success in the US charts. Wilson left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career, releasing two albums: 'I Like Your Style' and 'Catch One'.
Wilson's daughter shared an emotional statement on Facebook, recalling his final moments and expressing peace that 'his soul escaped'. Wilson had already debuted as a solo act in 1964 before co-founding Hot Chocolate, and wrote songs for artists such as Herman's Hermits, Mary Hopkin, and Mavin John.
