Pretty Things singer Phil May has died at the age of 75.
A spokesperson for the band confirmed in a statement that Phil had died in hospital on Friday morning, following complications from hip surgery.
Phil had been on lockdown at home with his family until earlier this week, when he was taken to hospital to undergo emergency hip surgery, having fallen off his bike.
The band’s rep said: “The Pretty Things first came to prominence in the 1960s when they caused great controversy because of the length of their hair and outrageous behaviour. Fights at shows were commonplace and questions were even asked in parliament.
“But over the years the band retained their uncanny relevance across generations of rock music.”
A statement posted on the Pretty Things’ website read: “If you’re reading this, you will already know what a remarkable singer and performer Phil was, throughout the 55 years and more that he fronted The Pretty Things, and you will probably also be aware of his prodigious talent as a writer, lyricist and ground-breaker, with numerous musical ‘firsts’ to his name.
“But he was far, far more than that. To those of us who knew him intimately, and loved him, personally, he was a remarkable, mercurial, influential and irreplaceable human being and the finest, most honourable human being I have ever known.
“He was funny, creative, quick, decent, insightful, hugely talented in so many ways, infuriating, direct, and unswervingly loyal, in an industry of frauds, and honest, painfully so. This Idol did not have feet of clay. His work across 55 years encompasses some of the true high points of rock music from its early R&B roots – right through to the present day.”
They lamented: “He will never see the release of what will now be the last Pretty Things album – the raw, roots, acoustic blues of ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ – which will be released later this year. So sad, it was a real labour for him to complete, but worth every moment of toil.”
Pretty Things achieved chart success in the early 1960s, with songs like Don’t Bring Me Down and Honey I Need, reaching number six in the UK charts with their self-titled debut album.
The group formed in the early 1960s and, although they underwent a few line-up changes over the years, remained together until their official retirement two years ago, with Phil and guitarist Dick Taylor the only original members.
In 2018, Pretty Things played their last “Final Bow” show together at The Indigo At The O2 in London, where they were joined on stage by Van Morrison and Pink Floyd singer David Gilmour.
Phil had been “in poor health for some time” leading up to the band’s decision to retire.
He is survived by his partner, Colin Graham, and his children, Paris and Sorrel May.
