Tony Thorpe, the brilliant and exceptionally versatile guitarist for the glam-rock band The Rubettes, has died. He was 80 years old.
The news was announced on social media, with a statement that read, “RIP Tony Thorpe (1945-2026). It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe. He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians young and old.”
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The post continued, “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. Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton. God bless, Tone x.”
Born July 20, 1945, Thorpe passed away just days before his 81st birthday. Seemingly destined to play music, Thorpe began strumming the guitar and banging the drums at age 11. He went professional five years later after playing with English rock-and-roll singer Wee Willie Harris, The Independent reported.
In 1974, he joined the band that would become his legacy. Formed by Polydor Records, The Rubettes emerged onto the music scene as the glam-rock era was bowing out. Infamous for their white suits and cloth caps, they found instant success with their debut single, “Sugar Baby Love,” which they performed on the legendary showTop of the Pops.
The track topped the charts in the U.K. for a whole month and cracked the Top 40 in the U.S., peaking at No. 37. The hit was the first of nineTop 40 singles the band would score in the U.K. Further standouts from the band include “Tonight,” “Juke Box Jive,” and “I Can Do It.”
Though The Rubettes remain active today, Thorpe left the group—consisting of Alan Williams, John Richardson, Pete Arnesen, Mick Clarke, and Bill Hurd—in 1979 citing creative differences.
The guitar legend continued to pursue music with a solo career. He also collaborated with Cilla Black, Jimmy Tarbuck, Sir Harry Secombe, and Roy Castle as a session musician. In the ’80s, he joined the novelty band The Firm.
When Thorpe left the music business altogether, he moved to Burnley in England and later retired to Poulton-le-Fylde. He also taught music at Blackburn College, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. In 2014, he released his memoir, A Bride’s Nightie.
Friends and former bandmates of Thorpe’s have taken to social media to offer condolences, including Williams.
On Facebook, he wrote, “Mercifully now at peace. Dear Tony, our paths having crossed but fleetingly, during which time was conceived wondrous music and often hilariously memorable moments. Your brilliance with the axe and the pen cannot be denied and remains with us, never forgotten. Rest now, Cowboy. Alan.”
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