Reg Presley, lead singer of the British ’60s hitmakers the Troggs, has announced a retirement from music due to his being diagnosed with cancer.

In a statement issued on the Troggs’ official website, Reg said “As you all know I was taken ill whilst doing a gig in Germany in December. During my stay in hospital tests showed that in fact I have lung cancer. I am receiving chemotherapy treatment and at the moment not feeling too bad.” He has previously suffered two strokes; one in 2010 and another just last year.

Presley, age 70, has fronted the Troggs since they first appeared on the music scene in 1965 with the classic ‘Wild Thing.’  Their raw and raunchy sound inspired countless garage and punk bands over the years. They would periodically find themselves in the charts over the next few years courtesy of hits such as ‘With A Girl Like You,’ ‘I Can’t Control Myself,’ and ‘Love Is All Around,’ but are mainly known in this country as a footnote of the British Invasion. Shame, because they made a ton of incredible singles – from pop to punk to hard rock to bubblegum, they did it all!

The band never broke up and despite a variety of lineups, Presley, along with guitarist Chris Britton, have kept things going for over 45 years, at least, seemingly, up until Presley’s announcement:

“I’ve had to call time on The Troggs and retire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the cards and calls and for your love, loyalty and support over the years. A big thank you to Jackie for running the fan club and keeping you all up to speed, and a huge and special thank you to Chris, Pete and Dave. I shall miss you all. Lots of Love, Reg.”

Long live The Troggs!

Watch the Troggs Perform ‘Wild Thing’

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