Terence Sullivan, a member of the rock band Renaissance, has died at 87.
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The drummer joined the group in 1972 but departed in 1980. His death was confirmed by his former bandmate, vocalist Annie Haslam, marking the end of an era for the band.
Often compared to Yes or early Genesis, Renaissance became known for focusing less on rock and more on classical structures and orchestral arrangements. Many consider their masterpiece to be the 1975 album, Scheherazade and Other Stories, which featured an epic 24-minute song called "Song of Scheherazade."
Unlike many of their progressive peers, Renaissance did not achieve significant chart success in the United States. Nevertheless, they maintained a devoted fan base, performing with full orchestras on occasion and selling out Carnegie Hall several times.
The Lead Singer of Renaissance Called Sullivan "A Warm Human Being"
Sullivan's death leaves Haslam as the only surviving member of the classic Renaissance lineup. She shared a tribute to her bandmate
on Facebook."It is with greatest sadness to let you know that Terry Sullivan, our Drummer from the classic Renaissance line up has passed away," she wrote. "He was surrounded by his family and a room full of Love when he peacefully passed. He was a GREAT drummer, a warm human being, caring, funny and also an excellent songwriter. Please say prayers for Terry, his wife Christine, sons Lee and Kristian and grandson Ashton and all his family, friends and fans all over the world who will miss him."
"We were only talking a few weeks ago reminiscing about our glory days and how far we had come in four years to end up at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and after that the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Chorale Society," added Haslam. "Every dream anyone could wish for we had, and not forgetting the incomparable music we were blessed to create. It was a lovely conversation I will hold inside forever."
Sullivan Would Continue in Music After Leaving Renaissance
Sullivan would continue in music as a session drummer. He would go on to form the band The Gool ol' Boys with Deep Purple's Nick Semper, among others. He would rejoin Renaissance in 1998, appearing on the band's 2001 album, Tuscany.
