Tony Thorpe, the lead guitarist and vocalist for 1970s band The Rubettes, has died at the age of 80 after several years of failing health, his family has announced.
Family statement
“It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe,” a statement from the star’s family read on social media. “He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old. 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. Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton. God bless, Tone x.”
Career with The Rubettes
Thorpe was a guitarist and vocalist for The Rubettes from 1974 until 1979. The band disbanded in 1999 but reformed many times over the decades, with members including Alan Williams, Mick Clarke, and Bill Hurd. The Rubettes were an English pop/glam rock band best known for their hit song “Sugar Baby Love.” The song was their first release as a group and an instant hit, remaining at number one in the UK for four weeks in May 1974. It also reached number 37 on the US chart that August and remained their best-known record throughout the band’s career.
Early life and other work
Thorpe’s website biography reveals that he began playing the guitar and drums at age 11: “Tony began playing the guitar and drums aged just eleven and turned pro at 16 after getting the gig with Wee Willie Harris.” It also stated that he had a long career working with other musicians outside of the band: “Previously, Tony had played with semi-pro bands such as the ‘Royal Blue Dance Band’ and the ‘Carefrees’ with whom three original songs were published and recorded including B-side ‘We Love You Beatles’. More recently, Tony has played with the Vibratones, a small, three piece, semi pro group featuring guitarist Jordan Westwell and bassist Gregory Harper that was originally one of Tony’s first musical ventures over 40 years ago. Besides being the guitarist and bandleader with Wee Willie Harris, Tony also worked with the Coventry Theatre Orchestra accompanying the likes of Cilla Black OBE, Jimmy Tarbuck OBE, Harry Seacome CBE, Roy Castle OBE and many, many more. Tony then went on to arrange and play for teen idol Tommy Steele OBE, and later became guitarist, singer and writer with pop group The Rubettes. He released two solo singles, and a country album, and performed with The Firm, singing their Top 20 hit Arthur Daley’s E’s Alright.”
Later career and tributes
Later in his career, he lectured on music at Blackburn College, leaving in January 2012. He also released an autobiography called “A Bride’s Nightie” in 2012. Fans and those who knew him paid tribute on Facebook after his death was announced. One former classmate said: “Fond memories of coming into college and seeing what hat Tony might be wearing that day. Of him playing in between classes creating such a lovely atmosphere in our little nook of that college. Of him telling stories, which he always told so well. I wasn’t close with Tony by any means but he is someone who stayed in my mind all these years. An insightful, warm man and an incredible musician.” Another fan wrote: “I last saw him perform in 2012 at Darwen Library Theatre, when he celebrated 50 years in show business. He took us on a musical history of rock and roll from skiffle to the present. His musicianship and ability to connect with the audience shone. The heavenly choir has gained a star. May he rest in peace.”
