Singer and guitarist for rock band the Groundhogs Tony McPhee dies aged 79

The singer and guitarist for The Groundhogs, Tony McPhee, has died at the age of 79.

The band announced that Tony ‘died peacefully at home’ on Tuesday after suffering from complications following a bad fall last year. 

A statement was posted on the band’s Facebook page which read: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that 79-year-old guitar and blues legend Tony (TS) McPhee, died peacefully at home today 6th June, from complications following a fall last year.

‘He is survived by his devoted wife Joanna, sons Conan & Vincent, grandchildren Scarlett & Victor and loving sister Olive.’

Fans paid tribute to the musician in the comment section, with one penning: ‘No one played like tony, such an influence on me and that stayed with me. Such a loss’

Another wrote: ‘When I was 16 he was my hero. The Groundhogs meant everything to me. They were the first band I ever saw live’

A third added: ‘Oh no! Part of my musical upbringing. RIP great man’

One commented: ‘So very sorry to hear this, such a lovely bloke. Had a few drinks with him and the band, will never forget that night’

Another wrote: ‘RIP TS. You are the reason I picked up the guitar all those years ago. We’ll miss you’

Someone said: ‘Very sad news. I have great memories of watching Tony and the Groundhogs rehearse when I was a kid. Condolences to the family. RIP’

Tony led the British blues and rock group across six decades from 1962 to 2015, earning three UK top 10 albums in the process.

Sad news: The band announced that Tony ‘died peacefully at home’ on Tuesday after suffering from complications following a bad fall last year

A statement was posted on the band’s Facebook page which read: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that 79-year-old guitar and blues legend Tony (TS) McPhee, died peacefully at home’