70s rock legend dies aged 85

Metro

11 hours ago

Steve Charnock Published July 14, 2025 12:33pm Updated July 14, 2025 12:33pm Link is copied Comments Dave Cousins, the founding force and long-time frontman of the British prog-rock band the Strawbs, has reportedly died at the age of 85. His death was announced in a statement on social media, which said that he had passed away peacefully at Pilgrims Hospice in Kent on Sunday following a long illness (Picture: Erica Echenberg/Redferns) 'It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing for David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025,' read a message posted to his Facebook page. 'We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and/or special friend at this time. We, therefore, ask you to enjoy listening to your favorite Cousins song as the sun goes down, in whatever part of the world you are, enjoying what he would refer to as a glass of vino collapse (wine)…' (Picture: Bobby Bank/WireImage) It also invited fans to reflect on Cousins' legacy. 'Join in remembering a wonderful, talented man, whose life has touched us all,' it added. The tribute rightly lauding a significant figure in British folk and progressive rock, genres that Cousins helped shape for more than five decades (Picture:) Originally called The Strawberry Hill Boys when they formed back in 1964, the Strawbs evolved from a bluegrass act into a defining act of the 1970s folk-rock scene. Cousins remained the band's constant creative force throughout its many incarnations, an unmoving figure as line-ups chopped and changed. Over the years, the band released an impressive 23 studio albums, the most recent arriving in 2023 (Picture: Fin Costello/Redferns) The Strawbs found mainstream success in 1973 with their catchy single Part of the Union, which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. Known for its union themes and catchy chorus, the song brought the band its widest audience and remains a defining track of their catalogue. Cousins' lyrical voice was a hallmark of their sound on this single. The song quickly became tied to the British union movement of the time and became something of an anthem for unionized workers (Picture: Arthur Sidey/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) Outside of his work with The Strawbs, Cousins also contributed to other artists' projects. According to Far Out magazine, he appeared on Def Leppard's 1980 debut album On Through the Night. The same outlet noted that Cousins had been dealing with serious health challenges in recent years, including undergoing major cancer surgery (Picture: Will Ireland/Future Publishing via Getty Images) Cousins retired from touring in 2021, marking the end of a long performing career. News of his passing brought tributes from fellow musicians. 'Very sad to hear about the passing of Dave Cousins today,' Oliver Wakeman wrote on X. 'I really enjoyed touring, recording and writing with Dave during my time with the Strawbs.' The Red Shoes Duo echoed the sentiment, posting: 'A sad loss to the world of folk music, Davie Cousins RIP' (Picture: Will Ireland/Prog Magazine/Future via Getty Images) Next Gallery