Tony McPhee dead: Founder of rock band Groundhogs dies aged 79 after suffering complications from a fall last year
TRIBUTES have poured in for a legendary blues guitarist who has died aged 79.
Tony McPhee, who led British blues and rock group the Groundhogs, passed away on Tuesday, leaving behind his wife, sons and grandchildren.
He was said to have suffered complications after a fall last year and died peacefully at home.
Tony had been a pillar within the Groundhogs, which made their way around the country in the 1960s.
He scored three UK top 10 albums with the acclaimed band having led them across six decades.
They first started to gain some traction in the 1960s after backing visiting US blues star John Lee Hooker on a UK tour date.
The band did then split briefly but was revived by Tony and bassist Pete Cruickshank with the group’s debut album arriving in 1968.
They supported the Rolling Stones on a 1971 tour and had three back to back UK top 10 albums in the early 1970s – Thank Christ for the Bomb, Split (later certified gold) and Who will Save the World.
In 2003, The Groundhogs celebrated 40 years with a reunion of Tony, Pete and drummer Ken Pustelnik who had been behind their hit 70s albums.
The Groundhogs were also known for hits like Cherry Red, Garden and Eccentric Man.
Devastated members took to the band’s Facebook page share the tragic news
A statement 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.”