The Pretty Things vocalist Phil May has died, aged 75

Phil May in 1965 (Image credit: United Archives / Getty)

Phil May, lead singer of The Pretty Things, has died. His death, at 75, was confirmed in a statement from the band's management.

"Phil May passed away at 7.05am on Friday 15 May at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Kings Lynn, Norfolk," the statement reads. 

"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."

It continues: "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."

The Pretty Things were formed in 1963, and first tasted success as part of the British R&B boom, before metamorphosing into a psychedelic outfit towards the end of the decade, and then into a hard rock group through the '70s.

MusicRadar

MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...

  • GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
  • TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
  • STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.