Wurzels drummer John Morgan dies after contracting covid during tour

Tributes are being paid to The Wurzels drummer John Morgan, who has died at the age of 80.

The larger-than-life character provided rhythm for the West Country's greatest ever band for more than 40 years, after joining the line up back in 1981.

The Forest of Dean drummer was taken ill with Covid after a huge Wurzels gig in Manchester earlier this month, and passed away surrounded by his family in hospital in Gloucester on Friday.

READ MORE: How The Wurzels coped with lockdown

Known as 'Morgy', the Lydney-born musician provided backing vocals and rhythm for The Wurzels covering five decades, joining Pete Budd and Tommy Banner soon after their monster hits of the 1970s.

As The Wurzels settled down to a long career selling out packed concerts across the country, John was an almost ever-present behind the drum kit through the 80s, 90s and into the 21st century, as the band enjoyed a renaissance on the national music scene with an album of cover versions.

Since then, the band - with John on the drums - have been gigging consistently, performing at more than 100-150 shows every year.

The enforced retirement brought on by lockdown led to the band stopping gigging for almost 18 months, as Pete, Tommy and John turned 80, but they were back on stage with a round of festival gigs this summer, followed by a long tour that took in everywhere from Manchester and London to Cornwall and Cardiff this autumn and winter.

'We thought you were indestructible'

Wurzels accordian-master Tommy Banner paid tribute to their very own 'oldest drummer in captivity'. "We can't believe we shan't ever see you behind those drums again - we thought you were indestructible," he said.

"We shall miss you John, you grumpy old b***er, with your sharp, quirky Forest wit - oh and you were also a bloomin' great drummer, just like your hero, Charlie Watts."

“We are all in shock, Morgy had the driest of humour and the kindest of hearts and all are thoughts are with his family," manager Sil Willcox added. "The band intend to continue but John will always be remembered and loved by his fans, friends and band," he added.

The Wurzels have two more gigs in the week before Christmas, in Exeter and Somerset this week.

As news of John's passing spread around the West Country music scene, tributes began to flood in.

"We are all sad to hear the news that The Wurzels drummer John Morgan has sadly passed away," said a spokesperson for the Watchet Music Festival, which The Wurzels regularly played at.

"John has always been a big supporter of Watchet festival, our thoughts are with his family, and the other band members. RIP John and thank you for being a true down to earth person, you will be greatly missed," they added.

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