Tony Thorpe, the iconic guitarist of 1970s glam-rock band chart toppers The Rubettes, has died at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news as they paid a heartbreaking tribute, saying he had been battling "recently failing health". In a statement, they said: "It is with great sadness that we officially announce the passing of Anthony John Thorpe. He was a father to Clay, a husband to Shirle, a friend to many, and a mentor to countless musicians, young and old. His recently failing health did little to diminish his fierce intellect and sharp sense of humour. He will leave an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew him, or his music. Our love and thoughts go to his son Clayton."
This is a breaking showbiz story, the Express Showbiz team will be updating this story with the latest information as soon as we receive it. For further updates, please refresh the page
_Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the day’s top showbiz stories by following _Express.co.uk every time you see our name.
Follow Express on Apple News -_ CLICK HERE__ available on Apple devices_
_Follow Express on _Flipboard - CLICK HERE and click follow
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all the latest updates by following @Daily_Express_, or for the latest TV and showbiz news, follow _@expressceleb
_Keep up-to-date with your must-see TV stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at _Express Celebrity
