Phil May, the lead singer with legendary, cult, first-wave, British, R&B band The Pretty Things has died after falling off his bike at home.
The 75-year-old suffered complications resulting from subsequent hip surgery and passed away on Friday, according to a statement released by his management.
He is survived by his son, Paris May, his daughter, Sorrel May and his partner, Colin Graham.
The Pretty Things star Phil May dead: Lead singer, 75, passed away after falling from his bike at his Norfolk home in tragic accident on Friday (pictured in 1981)
Ailing: Phil had been in poor health for some time when the Pretty Things played their last live concert, The Final Bow, on 13 December 2018 at the Indigo, O2 (pictured)
The statement read: ‘It is with very deep sadness that the management of the Pretty Things have to announce the death of the band’s lead singer, Phil May.
‘Phil May passed away at 7.05am on Friday 15 May at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. He was 75.
‘He had been locked down in Norfolk with his family and, during the week, Phil had suffered a fall from his bike and had undergone emergency hip surgery, after which complications set in.’
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.
A statement read: ‘He had been locked down in Norfolk with his family and, during the week, Phil had suffered a fall from his bike and had undergone emergency hip surgery, after which complications set in’ (pictured in 1975)
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.
Phil told The Guardian in 2018: ‘By the time The Pretty Things hit the TV screens, I was used to being abused and spat at and getting into punch-ups, because it had happened when we were art students.
‘We’d done our apprenticeship at being outsiders.’
Pioneer: Bisexual Phil was fond of swapping the gender pronouns around in songs, and famously sang a a new version of Mama, Keep Your Big Mouth Shut on the BBC in the 60s. He sang: ‘I’m in love with your little girl, and your little boy’s in love with me’ (pictured in 1975)
Born in Dartford, Phil formed the Pretty Things in 1963 with guitarist Dick Taylor, who famously left the Rolling Stones to join the band.
John Stax, Brian Pendleton and Viv Andrews were also in the group.
The Pretty Things were fundamental in the development of British music.
They enjoyed much critical success and were a huge influence on artists as diverse as David Bowie, Aerosmith, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, The White Stripes, Kasabian, The Lightning Seeds and countless more.
Some of their most famous songs include Midnight To Six Man and Walking Through My Dreams.
Bisexual Phil was fond of swapping the gender pronouns around in songs, and famously sang a new version of Mama, Keep Your Big Mouth Shut on the BBC in the 60s.
He sang: ‘I’m in love with your little girl, and your little boy’s in love with me.’
Making memories: The band were joined onstage by Van Morrison during their last ever performance
Firm friends: Phil was also joined by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour during that extra special show
The band created a rich music catalogue including top-level albums such as The Pretty Things, S.F. Sorrow & Parachute, and remained a significant artistic and creative force throughout their entire 55+ year career.
They have continued to release iconic and influential recordings, right up to the present day, with a new album due for release this year.
In 2014, he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, and had taken a break from touring.
Following his recovery, in 2015, the band released their album, The Sweet Pretty Things (Are in Bed Now, of Course…)
Phil had been in poor health for some time when the Pretty Things played their last live concert, The Final Bow, on 13 December 2018 at the Indigo, O2 where they were joined onstage by old friends David Gilmour and Van Morrison.
Iconic: The Pretty Things were fundamental in the development of British music. They enjoyed much critical success and were a huge influence on artists as diverse as David Bowie, Aerosmith, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols and The White Stripes (pictured in 1965)