Showaddywaddy cofounder Trevor Oakes dead at 79

Trevor Oakes, founding member and guitarist with '70s band Showaddywaddy, has died.

Former lead singer Dave Bartram, who is now the group's manager, revealed yesterday that the 79-year-old musician had passed away peacefully on 18 February after a long illness.

The band, who had a UK number one single with Under the Moon of Love in 1976, are still touring, with only drummer Romeo Challenger remaining from the original line-up.

Bartram paid tribute via the Showaddywaddy website.

"Trevor was a unique character and a dedicated professional, without whom the band would never have quite scaled the dizzy heights we seemed destined to achieve," he penned.

"He was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, which will be sadly missed by all those dear to him.

"I could write a book about the incredible memories we've shared over the past 57 years, but most of all, I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unwavering friendship. Your true friend Dave."

Challenger posted simply, "Trevor Leslie Oakes was a brilliant songwriter who shared royalties with all band members. He will be in my heart forever".

Showaddywaddy enjoyed 15 Top 20 hits during their peak from 1974 to 1979, including I Wonder Why and Hey Rock and Roll.

Oakes quit the band in May 2009 after suffering ill health.

The Sun newspaper reported that Oakes died in a Leicester care home and that his funeral had already taken place.