- 17 June 2006
- 14,350
Reg Presley, the lead singer of the 1960s rock band The Troggs, has died at the age of 71. Presley died at his home in Andover, Hampshire from cancer.
In December, the singer best known for the hit single Wild Thing, was diagnosed with lung cancer after becoming ill during a tour in Germany. He is also reported to have had a series of strokes in the year leading up to the diagnosis. On 24 January Presley wrote to fans on the band's website: "I am receiving chemotherapy treatment and at the moment not feeling too bad. However I've had to call time on The Troggs and retire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the cards and calls and for your love, loyalty and support over the years … I shall miss you all. Lots of Love."
Born Reginald Maurice Ball, Presley's swaggering vocals characterised a band that was credited with influencing generations of punk and garage musicians, including the likes of Iggy Pop and The Ramones. Jimi Hendrix famously covered the song Wild Thing at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, when he spontaneously burned his guitar before smashing it on the stage.
In December, the singer best known for the hit single Wild Thing, was diagnosed with lung cancer after becoming ill during a tour in Germany. He is also reported to have had a series of strokes in the year leading up to the diagnosis. On 24 January Presley wrote to fans on the band's website: "I am receiving chemotherapy treatment and at the moment not feeling too bad. However I've had to call time on The Troggs and retire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the cards and calls and for your love, loyalty and support over the years … I shall miss you all. Lots of Love."
Born Reginald Maurice Ball, Presley's swaggering vocals characterised a band that was credited with influencing generations of punk and garage musicians, including the likes of Iggy Pop and The Ramones. Jimi Hendrix famously covered the song Wild Thing at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, when he spontaneously burned his guitar before smashing it on the stage.
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