MUSIC NEWS:

Rolling Stones planning a tour in 2013?


KEYWORD:

Posted: Thursday, 02 February 2012 4:58AM

Lung cancer forces 'Wild Thing' singer to retire



LONDON (Reuters) - Reg Presley, lead singer of British band The Troggs, famed for their 1966 anthem "Wild Thing," said on Thursday that he was retiring after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

In a statement on the band's website, Presley, 70, said he had been diagnosed with the disease after he was taken ill at a gig in Germany in December.

"I am receiving chemotherapy treatment and at the moment not feeling too bad," Presley said.

"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."

Wild Thing, a cover of a song originally by the Wild Ones, propelled The Troggs, who hailed from Andover in southern England, to fame.

Amongst their other hits was "Love Is All Around," which was covered by Wet Wet Wet in 1994 for the British film "Four Weddings and a Funeral," achieving massive international success as a result.

According to media reports, Presley joked he would spend the royalties the song earned on investigating crop circles and UFOs, a phenomena with which he had become fascinated.


Story Copyright 2012, Reuters
Photo Copyright 2012, WENN
Filed Under :  
Topics: Entertainment_CultureHuman Interest
Social:
Locations: London
People: Reg Presley

Rolling Stones planning a tour in 2013?

Jack White fuming over Guinness World Records snub

Robin Gibb remains hospitalized, can't speak

Black Sabbath drummer pulls out of 2012 reunion tour

Ringo Starr has lost Beatles photos

Michael Jackson costumes shown on world tour

Bass legend Donald 'Duck' Dunn dies

Freddie Mercury to 'appear' in Queen anniversary show

Paul McCartney performed secret gig for Britain's royals

Slash debuting album tracks on Facebook

Richie Sambora, Denise Richards rekindle romance

Andre 3000 to shoot Jimi Hendrix biopic in Ireland

Steven Tyler tutors rock wannabes at Playboy mansion

Rush honored in Canada

Lou Reed challenged Lars Ulrich to a street fight

Slash to take unsigned bands on tour