Sparks drummer Hilly Boy Michaels has died at the age of 75, his bandmates have announced. The musician, who played on the band's 1976 album Big Beat, was remembered in a tribute by brothers Ron and Russell Mael.
No cause of death has been given. In a statement, the Mael brothers said: 'We are saddened by the passing of Hilly Boy Michaels. He was Sparks' drummer during the Big Beat (1976) era, but stayed in the 'Sparks realm' throughout the years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.'
Fans have also paid tribute online, with one writing: 'So sad to hear. He was a lovely unique guy and rock solid musician.' Another said: 'Such a hidden gem of a musician. It shouldn't need to be mentioned, but Calling All Girls is so good.'
Before joining Sparks, Michaels was a New York-based session drummer. His first professional music experience was with a band called Joy, which also featured a young Michael Bolton. He was the only session musician invited to join Sparks' North American tour after recording Big Beat.
Michaels also appeared with Sparks in the film Rollercoaster and his songs featured in films such as Caddyshack and Die Laughing. He collaborated with artists including The Cherry Vanilla Band, Ellen Foley, The Hunter/Ronson Band, Dan Hartman, John Mellencamp, Ronnie Wood and Marianne Faithfull, with whom he had a brief relationship in the 1980s.
As a solo artist, he released two albums: 1980's Calling All Girls and 1981's Lumia. He later worked as a producer and manager of marketing and development. He lived in Connecticut.
