Joe Murphy, the bassist for the noughties pop-punk band Koopa, has died at the age of 46. His sister confirmed the news in a social media tribute, writing, 'For those who knew him, it breaks my heart to say that my big brother, Joe Murphy has passed away. Love you big bro.'
Chart History with Koopa
Murphy rose to fame with Koopa, a band he formed with brothers Stuart and Oliver 'Ollie' Cooper in the early 2000s. The trio made history in 2007 when their single 'Blag, Steal & Borrow' became the first track to reach the UK top 40 singles chart via digital downloads alone. They also became the first act ever to chart a single without the backing of a record label. That same year, Koopa won two awards at the Glasswerk New Music Awards.
Tributes from the Rock Community
Tributes have poured in from fans and the rock community. Essex Rocks Creative CIC said: 'We’ve left it for a few days so everyone can digest the sad information that our friend Joe Murphy has passed on. Joe and his band Koopa were a massive part of our formative years as promoters in the mid 2000s and we feel privileged to have known him on a personal level and worked with him as a musician. Keep playing those riffs Joe.' One friend added: 'This is awful news to hear! Love to you all, at this sad time. A privilege to have known Joe & played music together.'
Serious Crash in 2021
According to The Sun, Murphy was involved in a serious car crash in June 2021 after suffering a heart attack while driving. He spent weeks in a critical condition in intensive care. Koopa, hailing from Sible Hedingham near Colchester, toured Essex and the UK between 2004 and 2007, releasing singles 'No Trend' and 'Stand Up 4 England.'
