Troggs frontman Reg Presley has died following a battle with lung cancer.
The 71-year-old died today at his home in Andover, Hampshire, surrounded by friends and family, close friend and music publicist Keith Altham has said.
He announced the death of his "dear old pal" on his Facebook page, adding that the 1960s rock star suffered a number of strokes recently.
"He was one very real person in a sometimes very unreal world," he wrote. "Our thoughts are with his wife Brenda and the the family and those legion of fans who loved his music and his band. I will miss him hugely."
Presley’s daughter Karen confirmed the death of her father to music website Wenn.
"He passed away peacefully at home and myself, my brother and our mother were with him. We’re absolutely heartbroken."
The Wild Thing singer announced to fans that he was suffering from lung cancer in January last year after being taken ill at a gig in Germany.
He said: “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."
PA