Tony Thorpe has died at the age of 80.
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The news of the guitarist's death on July 18 was confirmed on his Facebook page and reported by Parade. Thorpe was perhaps best known for his work with the glam rock band The Rubettes, who reached the U.S. Top 40 with the 1974 hit "Sugar Baby Love." The song reached the top of the singles chart in the United Kingdom.
Thorpe died days before his 81st birthday.
The Rubettes Rose During Glam Rock's Decline
Thorpe was born on July 20, 1945. He began playing guitar at age 11 and, five years later, began playing professionally with English rock-and-roll singer Wee Willie Harris.
But it was in 1974 that Thorpe joined the band that would change his life: The Rubettes. Created by Polydor Records, they rose to the top of the chart with its debut, the glam rock classic "Sugar Baby Love." It reached the top of the charts as the genre itself was falling out of favor with listeners, leading to a coveted appearance on the legendary music show Top of the Pops.
The Rubettes would go on to reach the U.K. Top 40 nine more times with songs like "Tonight," "Juke Box Jive," and "I Can Do It."
Tony Thorpe Left The Rubettes
Thorpe and The Rubettes parted ways in 1979 due to creative differences. However, that did not mean Thorpe was done with music.
In addition to a strong solo career, the guitarist worked as a session musician. He can be heard on songs by Cilla Black, Jimmy Tarbuck, Sir Harry Secombe, and Roy Castle. He also joined the English novelty band The Firm, known for the song "Star Trekkin,'" and taught music at Blackburn College.
In a tribute on Facebook, it said that Thorpe was "a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old."
It added, "His recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humor. He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music."
