Trevor Oakes, the guitarist for 1970s rock and roll revival band Showaddywaddy, has died at the age of 79 following a long illness. His death on 18 February was announced 'with great sadness' in a statement on the band's website.
Oakes, from Leicester, was originally a member of Choise, which merged with Golden Hammers in 1973 to form Showaddywaddy. The band achieved 15 UK top 20 hits in the 1970s, including top five singles 'Under the Moon of Love', 'You Got What It Takes', and 'Three Steps to Heaven'.
Former frontman Dave Bartram paid tribute, saying Oakes was 'an innovator and a fantastic asset to the band'. He recalled first meeting Oakes in 1969 and described him as 'a unique character and a dedicated professional'. Bartram added: 'He was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour.'
Oakes worked as a sheet metal worker before joining the band full-time. He played his final gig with Showaddywaddy in 2008, then moved to Devon, where he performed locally before retiring and returning to Leicester.
Drummer Romeo Challenger called Oakes a 'brilliant songwriter', while former guitarist Russ Field noted his 'uncanny natural talent to write catchy melodies'. Ex-drummer Malcom Allured thanked Oakes for 'the great memories' and songs, particularly 'Trocadero'.
