Trevor Oakes, founding guitarist of the celebrated 1970s rock and roll group Showaddywaddy, has died at the age of 79, the band announced this evening.
The Leicester-born musician passed away peacefully last month after battling a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed today by former lead vocalist Dave Bartram, who now manages the group.
Mr Oakes was instrumental in shaping the band's distinctive sound during their heyday, serving as both guitarist and principal songwriter from their inception until his departure in 2009.
Trevor Oakes was the founding guitarist of the celebrated 1970s rock and roll group Showaddywaddy
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The news brings to an end a remarkable career that saw him help create some of the most memorable pop hits of the decade, including the chart-topping Under The Moon Of Love.
Mr Bartram paid an emotional tribute to his longtime bandmate and friend, describing him as "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 added: "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."
Reflecting on their decades-long partnership, Mr Bartram said: "I could write a book about the incredible memories we've shared over the past fifty-seven years, but most of all I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unwavering friendship."
Showaddywaddy star Trevor Oakes has died
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Showaddywaddy emerged in 1973 when two Leicester bands decided to unite their talents.
Mr Oakes had been performing with Choise, a group that also featured Mr Bartram, bassist Al James, and drummer Romeo Challenger.
They merged with The Golden Hammers to create an eight-piece ensemble that would go on to dominate the charts.
The original lineup boasted dual vocalists in Mr Bartram and Buddy Gask, twin guitarists in Mr Oakes and Russ Field, two bassists in James and Rod Deas, and drummers Challenger and Malcolm Allured.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Shawadywady's original lineup boasted dual vocalists in Bartram and Buddy Gask, twin guitarists in Oakes and Russ Field, two bassists in James and Rod Deas, and drummers Challenger and Malcolm Allured
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Together, Mr Oakes and Mr Bartram formed the band's creative engine, co-writing the majority of their hits and album tracks.
The group carved out their niche by blending 1950s and 1960s classics with original compositions, eventually winning the television talent competition New Faces.
The band achieved remarkable commercial success throughout the 1970s, notching up ten Top 10 singles during their peak years.
Their biggest triumph came in December 1976 when Under The Moon Of Love reached number one, remaining in the UK singles chart for an extraordinary 209 weeks.
Al James, Trevor Oakes, Buddy Gask, Malcolm Allured, Dave Bartram (front) Rod Deas, Romeo Challenger, Russ Field
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Mr Oakes stepped away from touring in May 2009 at the age of 62, with health issues forcing his retirement from live performance.
His final appearance with the group came during a concert in 2008.
Beyond his musical legacy, Mr Oakes leaves behind a sporting connection through his sons Scott and Stefan, both of whom pursued careers as professional footballers.