Iconic rocker Terry Reid, known as ‘Superlungs’ due to his powerful singing voice, has died at the age of 75.
The singer, who famously turned down the chance to be in both Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, was forced to cancel a number of shows last month.
It has now been confirmed that Reid has died due to complications from cancer.
An announcement was shared on social media in early July, stating: ‘Due to medical issues arising from recent treatment for cancer, Terry has had to postpone his autumn 2025 UK, Irish, and Norwegian tour.
‘Terry is especially upset about this as his 2024 tour was so successful and he had been looking forward to playing some new towns and venues plus old faves, as well as his first ever dates in Norway.’
Born on November 13, 1949, in Cambridgeshire, Reid emerged in the early 1960s as frontman of Peter Jay & The Jaywalkers before going solo.
He rose to prominence after supporting the Rolling Stones on their 1966 British tour, quickly gaining attention for his powerful vocals and commanding stage presence.
The singer would also go on to tour with Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and Jethro Tull throughout the 60s.
Reid was a trailblazing part of the London music scene during that decade and was close friends with Jimi Hendrix, with whom he often played.
Despite being offered the vocalist spot for the newly formed Led Zeppelin by Jimmy Page and a chance to front Deep Purple with Ritchie Blackmore, Reid opted to pursue his own path.
Instead of joining either band, he recommended Robert Plant (and even John Bonham) to Page – decisions that ultimately shaped rock music’s trajectory.
Later, when asked about passing up the opportunity by The Guardian, Reid responded: ‘I was intent on doing my own thing, I contributed half the band – that’s enough on my part!’
Throughout his career, Reid released seven studio albums, including the 1976 cult classic Seeds of Memory.
His debut solo album Bang Bang, You’re Terry Reid (1968) showcased his tremendous voice, followed by the critically acclaimed self-titled album in 1969 and River in 1973.
Although he never achieved the mainstream superstardom he might have had if he had joined Zeppelin or Deep Purple, Reid remained a deeply respected figure among musicians.
Famously, Aretha Franklin stated in 1968: ‘There are only three things happening in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Terry Reid.’
He transitioned to session work in the 1980s after his albums failed to gain commercial traction and collaborated with artists such as Don Henley, Jackson Browne, and Marianne Faithfull.
Reid’s return to solo work came in 1991 with The Driver, and he resumed performing worldwide through the 2000s under his own name. He released his final album, The Other Side of the River, in 2016.
Despite being best known for the bands he didn’t join, Reid seemingly never regretted his choices, instead focusing on the joy he derived from playing music.
He told The Guardian in 2024: ‘Making music has always been a pleasure. When I was a kid I’d get up and sing in the pub and everywhere else. My dad said, “I don’t think we’ve got a plumber here.”‘
Tributes have poured in from peers and admirers, notably guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who described Reid as ‘one of the greatest to ever do it and a beautiful person and soul,’ calling him a mentor and dear friend.
Reid is survived by his wife, Annette.
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