Reg Presley Dies: Lead Singer Of The Troggs Passes Away At 71

Hampshire, UK – Reg Presley, frontman and lead singer of 1960s British rock band The Troggs, has died at his home in the UK. He was 71.

Presley, whose band was behind huge hits such as “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around,” passed away while surrounded with his family, his daughter has confirmed.

In early 2011, Presley announced his retirement from music after being taken ill during a concert in Germany. Shortly after what was to be his final show, Presley revealed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Reaching out to fans in a January 2012 letter posted on his band’s website, Presley wrote:

“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.”

Reg Presley was born in Andover, Hampshire in 1941. He founded The Troggs in the early 1960s, and the band soon saw success. As well as their cover of “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around,” the band recorded hits such as “A Girl Like You” and “I Can’t Control Myself.” “Love Is All Around” was covered in 1990 by Scottish band Wet Wet Wet and featured on the soundtrack of Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Presley had a keen interest in the paranormal, particularly crop circles and UFOs, and published a book on the subject in 2002.

You can watch The Troggs perform their 1966 cover of “Wild Thing” in the footage below: