The Troggs singer Reg Presley has died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.
The Troggs are a deeply mis-understood phenomenon. For most people, the band are known for their seismic Freakbeat cut 'Wild Thing' while others might know them as the true authors of 'Love Is All Around' – later a record breaking hit for Wet Wet Wet.
Deep down, though, the band were amongst the most successful to match the emerging counter culture to a pop template. Sure, 'Love Is All Around' is a perfectly crafted 60s nugget but check out B-side 'When Will The Rain Come' for a dark piece of pop psych with a deadly garage edge.
Perennial favourites on the Golden Oldies scene, The Troggs legacy is perhaps shrouded by its safeguards. Which of course isn't to decry the band's later career – touring almost until the end of his life, it was only the diagnosis of cancer which forced Reg Presley off the road.
In a statement posted on Facebook shortly after the news broke Presley wrote: "As you all know I was taken ill whilst doing a gig in Germany in December. During my stay in hospital tests showed that in fact I have lung cancer. 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."
Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
