The Troggs singer Reg Presley has retired from the band following his diagnosis with lung cancer.
The singer, who also suffered a stroke two years ago, released a statement to fans last week saying, "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."
The Troggs rose to infamy with their cover of
Chip Taylor’s "
Wild Thing". The band formed in 1964 as
The Troglodytes. Presley wrote "
Love Is All Around", which was a hit for The Troggs in 1967 and again for
Wet Wet Wet in 1994 when that band performed the song for the soundtrack of the film "
Four Weddings And A Funeral". Presley used some of the proceeds of the cover on crop circle research.
Presley’s retirement spells the end for The Troggs.
Thanks for the report to Peter Hodgson, Gibson.com.
