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Apr 19, 2019
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Ron Ferroni
FYI
Obituaries: Hamilton Music Promoter Ron Ferroni, Television Guitarist Richard Lloyd, Session Ace Clem Cattini
This week we also acknowledge the passing of Love Affair Singer Steve Ellis.
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Ron (Ronald Albert ) Ferroni, a Hamilton-based music promoter and fanzine editor who had a major impact on that city's music scene, died on Nov. 1 at the age of 63. His passing was reported by his brother Donald Ferroni on social media. A cause of death has not been revealed.
A lifelong music enthusiast, Ron Ferroni first made a mark on the Hamilton scene by helping launch a music fanzine, Steelore, in 1986. Its co-founder, Kent Lepper, recalls to Billboard Canada that ''I met Ron and his friend Bob McKnight in the late '80s and at that time we were discussing starting the fanzine. We were also including a cassette with local bands on it.
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''This led to the two of them managing a few bands and putting out records by such groups as Crimson Jimson and The Progressive Minstrels. They both started booking bands, both local and international acts, primarily at [famed Hamilton pub]The Corktown, but also at other venues like Bannisters.''
Hamilton broadcaster (CFMU) and music website operator (Steel City Music) Jamie 'Gunner' Smith, tells Billboard Canada that a May 1989 Corktown Tavern show featuring US rockers Redd Kross is remembered by many. He notes ''that show featured opening acts The Ground (from Toronto) and The Progressive Minstrels (from Hamilton). During that time period, Ron Ferroni also booked both bands in the local area.''
''I stopped booking The Corktown in 1993 and Ron and Janice Nixon took over then. Ron had a great enthusiasm for promoting music in Hamilton and helping local bands in the 90s.''
In a later interview, Ferroni recalled booking such prominent '90s Canadian bands as The Doughboys, Sloan, Big Sugar, Dayglo Abortions and UIC, as well as his personal local favourites Forgotten Rebels.
On Facebook, a key contributor to Steelore, Walter Barubek, described it as ''a labour of love magazine. A group of us friends had been promoting so many bands in and around the area as well as international acts. Frequent trips to Buffalo, Toronto, London and Oshawa helped spread the network.''
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Ferroni then took a long break from the music industry, noting that the business side ''meant it wasn't being fun anymore.'' He did return to both Steelore and music promoting (under the banner of Steelore) in recent years. The fanzine morphed into a Hamilton music Facebook group, Steelore-Hamilton Rock History 1970's to 2010's, administered by Ferroni. Through diligent research, he regularly unearthed little-known facts about and archival photos from the city's history, and the group has earned a large number of loyal and appreciative members.
Barubek observes that ''Ron revived Steelore in a digital format and it was reborn. Social media gave Steelore a new platform and Ron was its Father and Mother. It grew quickly and the community came together in a massive way. Steelore was back helping bands again.''
Ferroni's love of archiving extended to his family, as his brother Don informs Billboard Canada. ''A lot of people probably never saw Ron‘s passion for his family. He was a true historian on our family’s past and present. He took extreme pride in sharing stories and photos from our childhood right up to the present.''
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On the booking side, Ferroni started bringing shows into two Hamilton venues, Clifford Brewery and Shady Grove at Lukaya Cafe, around two years ago, and these helped boost the city's live music scene.
The respect and affection Ferroni earned for his tireless support of live music and Hamilton musicians was reflected in the flood of tributes posted to social media as word of his premature passing spread. Those contributing included a virtual who's who of prominent local artists.
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Here is a selection of the tributes, all taken from Facebook unless otherwise noted:
Clifford Brewery's official tribute: ''We're shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of our friend Ron Ferroni and just wanted to take a minute to honour him. Ron's been booking and promoting shows at Clifford Brewing for the past couple of years and was an important part of growing the live music part of our business.
''He brought in many talented acts and introduced us to a lot of new people in the Hamilton music community of which he was an integral part. It's not going to be the same around here without him. We'll miss him sitting at the door, welcoming guests and just being the Ron we all know and love. We are in the process of planning a celebration of life with some of his favourite bands and will provide more details as we have them. Rest in Peace, Ron. You were a Hamilton one of a kind and will be greatly missed.''
Shady Grove's tribute: ''Ron Ferroni aka Ozzy was a fixture and a huge part of our community at the cafe. Lukaya and I will miss his friendship greatly. He’d pull up in the van and I’d prepare his favourite tea, in his favourite mug at his favourite perch at the end of the counter. He was huge supporter of live music and the history of punk. Tuesday night at the Open Mic will be a tough one but with so many people who loved you your presence will still be felt.''
Veteran Hamilton music promoter Lou Molinaro: ''This is truly a heavy loss. Years before I actually met him, Ron’s name was a constant staple at This Ain't Hollywood, especially whenever people talked about the roots of the local music scene. His name just popped up everywhere.
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''I finally had the chance to meet him in person at the Forgotten Rebels show at Bridgeworks back in 2022. Over the four years since, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand just how deeply he loved and cared for Hamilton. For Ron, it was never just about the music; it was about the community itself.
''His presence filled a vital void in our city. He showed his true colours through the shows he presented, driven by a fierce belief in the artists he worked with and an unwavering loyalty to the venues that hosted them. Clifford’s and Lukaya were his true mainstays, and he championed them wholeheartedly.
''Ron’s sudden involvement in the scene over these past four years brought so much vital energy, nurturing, and support to our community. He took it upon himself to share the very best of Hamilton via his Steelore page, and because he was such a natural at it, he leaves behind a profound and lasting mark. So long, Ron. It was a true honour catching up with you these past four years. You will be deeply missed.''
Michael Grelecki (aka Mickey DeSadist, frontman of the Forgotten Rebels: ''I have known Ron since my start in music. Such a nice guy and a true historian of Hamilton and our music scene. I'm in shock. I would have expected to run into him at Clifford Brewing and at Gabbagool club and also the Trinacria Sports club..... Ron will be missed by all of us involved in music. All our sympathy goes out to his family as well to all his friends. He was one of US ALL.''
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Don Ferroni, Ron's brother: ''I just want to say thank you to everyone who knew my brother. Ron loved the Hamilton music scene and it was his life. My big bro had the heart of a lion and supported everyone he ever met. I am overwhelmed with all the post and condolences that you all have made and I am beyond proud of Ron and all he has accomplished.
''Back in the day I always thought he was crazy with all the promoting, booking, managing and travelling he was doing. Never in a million years could I have ever imagined how important he had become to everyone especially in the downtown music core. We are going to miss Ron very much and I hope everyone will always remember him for his smile and his ability to make people love the music.''
Gene Champagne, Hamilton singer-songwriter and drummer (Teenage Head, The Killjoys): ''I have known Ron since the 80's when we were in the same circles of friends. He was an avid music lover and friend and supporter to so many of us. He brought us Steelore and recalled so many important memories of our local Hamilton scene.
''When Ron returned to promoting shows I always asked Ron for his help on my own shows and he was always an eager 'yes I.m in!' A kind easy going friend that will be missed by so many.''
Dave Rave, Teenage Head frontman: ''Spent a lot of fun afternoons at Shady Grove with Ron Ferroni in discussion about the music of Hamilton, and music in general His love was deep and passionate. I'm going to miss him and his beautiful spirit. RIP Ron.''
Sammy Squid, Hamilton punk rocker and venue manager: ''His contribution to Hamilton’s music scene is enormous and as a friend, it has been an honour. He was such a sweetheart and really cared about people. He always lifted my spirits and made me feel special. I’m still numb. My heart goes out to his friends and family.''
Music promoter Alex Antinori: ''Hearing of the sudden passing of our good friend, Ron Ferroni (Ozzy) of Steelore Presents has brought a lot of sadness to our Hamilton music community. I first met Ron a year ago when I moved to Hamilton. His supportiveness and encouragement within our local music scene/community here showed he was a force to be recognized
''To Ron's family & friends, my sincere condolences to you all. Ron, you were an absolutely incredible & inspiring person. You will be dearly missed by all of us.''
Veteran Hamilton music promoter Brodie Schwendiman: ''Ron "Ozzy" Ferroni, a loyal fan and concert promoter, poured his life into showcasing bands he felt strongly about in a number of Hamilton venues. He and the late Ric Taylor and Doug Middlemiss all devoted their lives to local music and the community around them without thinking twice about any financial benefit. The scene has a gaping hole now, and it's now up to the rest of us to activate new builders.''
Former Hamilton music critic and record label head Bruce Mowat: ''He wore the mantle of the chronicler of Hamilton rock better than anyone else.''
Hamilton musician Dave Pomfret: ''You know what made Ron so damned special? In the gazillion years that I knew him, not once did I ever hear him utter a negative word about a musician. All he ever did was encourage us all. If you had the guts to go up on stage, or even try your stuff at an open mic, Ozzy respected you. We will miss you, brother. All of us. A lot.''
Stacey Case: ''Speaking as a working musician not from Hamilton, Ron looked out for touring bands. Do you know how rare that is? He was really, really special, to a lot of people. I live in Cornwall and his passing touches me here. His passing touches people everywhere.Everyone holds him in the highest regard. For a promoter? Haha that is very, very rare. He was a good one, and I’ll miss him being in my band’s corner.''
Oshawa-based music author Steven Frank: ''The only time I met Ron was at a Punk Talk produced by Liz Worth. 'Ron and I had communicated for close to four years about the connections between the Hamilton and Oshawa music scenes and he was indeed a very sweet guy who was passionate about Hamilton’s music legacy. His Steelore-Hamilton FB page was living proof of that. Reading all the comments on Facebook shows that he has left his own legacy as a great supporter and archivist. He will be missed.''
Music writer Liz Worth, author of Treat Me Like Dirt: ''Ron's passion for documenting Hamilton music history was inspiring. I loved what he was doing with his Steelore page, and admired his background as a zine creator. Documenting music history is a true labour of love, and Ron obviously cared a lot about what he was doing. He was very supportive of the local Hamilton scene and he seemed to be everywhere - I was always running into him at various events.
''In early 2026, Ron joined us at Last Supper Books for Steven Frank's book launch to talk about archiving and documenting local music history. I knew Ron would bring out a lot of great info to share, especially paired up with Steven and Bob Bryden. The furthest thing from my mind that day would be that he would be gone by November. I am glad I recorded that event because Ron's contributions will be able to live on once I compile that talk into a zine, which has been the plan from the start.''
Veteran musician Bob Bryden (Christmas, Reign Ghost): ''I crossed paths with Ron so often over the past few years. At record shows, at gigs and we shared the floor at this year's 'Punk Talk' on James Street. Most regularly he and I communicated about posting photos and anecdotes about our area's musical history on his amazing Facebook page, 'Steelore-Hamilton Rock History 1970-2010's'.
''Ron was such a vital force. Like the also recently departed Ric Taylor he was functioning as a veritable living archive of Hamilton music history. His Facebook page had become a go-to place for anyone interested in researching or preserving Hamilton's musical and cultural legacy. Ron was also very respectful. He always obtained approval for content and gave credit where it was due.His death has come as a real shock. I hope someone can take over his Facebook page and continue the great work he started.''
Oshawa rock guitarist Rob Sweeney (Purple Toads, Durango 95: ''Both Ron and his good friend Bob McKnight have given me much support over the years going back to the Purple Toads days. Thanks Ron & rest in peace.''
On Nov. 3, the open mic event at Shady Grove Lukaya Cafe paid warm tribute to Ron Ferroni. Details of an official celebration of life are tba.
International
Richard Lloyd (Richard John Alt), a founding member and guitarist of highly influential New York rock band Television, died on Nov. 7, at age 75.
Billboard reports that ‘’His cause of death was cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile ducts. Lloyd was diagnosed with the disease in March 2026, and a GoFundMe campaign was later launched to help cover his medical expenses and other bills.’’
The Pittsburgh-born Lloyd moved with his family to New York City at age 6 and grew up in Greenwich Village. He initially studied drums before turning to guitar. After spending time in Boston and Los Angeles, he returned to New York in 1973.
That year, he joined forces with Tom Verlaine, Richard Hell and drummer Billy Ficca to form Television. The band became a regular at CBGB, the Lower Manhattan club that helped launch the careers of fellow New York acts including the Ramones, the New York Dolls, Talking Heads, and Blondie.
‘’Television released its debut album, Marquee Moon, in 1977. The album earned widespread critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and the distinctive interplay between Lloyd’s and Verlaine’s guitars. Although it achieved limited commercial success, the album went on to become one of the most influential releases of its era. The group followed it with Adventure in 1978 before breaking up later that year.’’
In its obituary, The New York Times observes that ''with Tom Verlaine, Lloyd led the dual-guitar attack in a band that brought fiery yet sophisticated art rock to the New York City punk scene of the 1970s.''
Assessing the work of Television, Variety observes that ''while Verlaine, who died in 2023, is commonly recognized as the band’s frontman and auteur, Lloyd’s contributions were perennially underrated. The pair’s styles were complementary and in many ways similar, but, broadly speaking, Lloyd brought the fire and Verlaine the finesse.''
In an obituary posted on its Facebook page, Sunset Boulevard Records notes that ''Richard Lloyd belonged to a generation of musicians who transformed New York's downtown clubs into one of the most fertile creative environments in modern popular music.
''He was never the most flamboyant personality in that scene, nor did he achieve the celebrity enjoyed by some of his contemporaries. His contribution was more subtle and, in many respects, more enduring. He helped establish the idea that two electric guitars could operate as equal voices within a rock band, creating intricate musical relationships that challenged the familiar division between rhythm and lead playing. It was an approach that opened possibilities for countless musicians who followed.''
After the demise of Television, Lloyd concentrated on a solo career, launched with the 1979 release of his debut, Alchemy. After a struggle with substance abuse, he achieved sobriety, releasing a much-praised second solo album, Field of Fire, in 1985.
Television reunited to record its self-titled third album, released in 1992, and continued performing periodically in the years that followed. Lloyd announced his departure from the band in 2007 to focus on his solo career.
He continued releasing music over the following decades, with his final(and ninth) solo studio album, The Countdown, arriving in 2018.
Lloyd also worked as a session guitarist, contributing to recordings by artists including Matthew Sweet and John Doe of X (Meet John Doe), while continuing to tour and teach guitar. He played alongside fellow CBGB-era guitar ace Robert Quine on Sweet's 1991 album Girlfriend, a record now viewed as a genuine classic.
He helped to revive the influential pre-punk band Rocket from the Tombs with a series of live shows as well as the 2003 album Rocket Redux.
In 2017, Lloyd published his memoir, Everything Is Combustible: Television, CBGB’s and Five Decades of Rock and Roll.
Upon hearing news of Lloyd's death, many musical peers paid their respects, with many noted guitarists citing him as a major influence and inspiration.
In a Facebook post, Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy recalled receiving a day-long guitar lesson from Lloyd in Chicago and he praised Lloyd for being very supportive.
Wilco guitarist Nels Cline also praised Lloyd in a Facebook post. It reads, in part, ''Rest in peace, restless soul Richard Lloyd. Your soaring melodic guitar playing contains so much beauty, often mixed with a palpable kind of anguish. Certainly those classic solos with Television stick in my head in all their stunning, impeccable form.
''I have been reflecting on a gig I heard on what might have been Richard’s first national tour post-Television. He performed with a kind of plodding trio in support of his second solo album Field Of Fire at Club Lingerie in Hollywood to a very small crowd. The music on that record is very straightforward, but Richard blew my mind that night with his fiery, strangulated soloing, almost entirely using wah-wah, which is not used anywhere on that record and which I never heard him use again.
''His solos were amazing but also sounded phenomenally tormented - much like his accompanying facial expressions - and I just stood there slack-jawed. It was like fire arrows to the heart. He was a complicated guy for sure and a masterful musician. Thank you Richard. PS - I dug your wildass memoir.'
Some prominent Canadian musicians also paid homage to Lloyd, on social media and to Billboard Canada.
Hamilton singer-songwriter and acclaimed guitarist Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer), on Facebook: ''So sad to hear of Richard Lloyd’s passing. I was privileged to open for him a handful of times and to stand awe stricken at his Grant Ave Studio private show. The mini tour booked by Lou Molinaro is legendary for Richard’s bizarre antics during a troubling time.
''I’ll look back at the show we did at Mills Hardware in Hamilton where Richard talked in the dressing room so deeply and passionately. He was very gracious that evening and like many fans around the world I mourn the passing of a true pioneering innovator on the guitar and a charismatic man.''
Veteran Ontario concert promoter Lou Molinaro offered this tribute to Billboard Canada: ''I had the privilege of working with Richard Lloyd a few years ago, hosting a series of shows across Ontario.For someone who grew up respecting and studying the New York CBGBs scene, working with Richard brought that history to life. It was a truly multi-dimensional experience.
''Beyond sharing incredible stories from his life — including the time Jimi Hendrix punched him — he gave me a front-row seat to his immense talent as a musician, as well as his striking vulnerability. Our extensive phone conversations while advancing the tour allowed me to know Richard as a person rather than just a heralded artist. He possessed a sharp, witty sense of humour.
''One of my favourite moments was hearing his take on the time Cheetah Chrome [Dead Boys] emailed him to ask if he wanted to join Rocket from the Tombs (RFTT). Cheetah referred to the band as RFTT in the message. Richard immediately replied 'YES!' out of a deep appreciation for his longtime friend. A few minutes later, Richard had to email Cheetah back to ask, 'By the way, what is RFTT?'''
''I reflect on that tour often. That experience fundamentally shaped my growth as a promoter and gave me a profound appreciation for how vibrant and unpredictable this industry can be. There is a distinct line in my career: life before working with Richard, and life after. I remain incredibly grateful for the time we spent together.'
Hamilton guitarist and Killjoys frontman Mike Trebilcock, to Billboard Canada: "RIP Richard Lloyd - my favourite guitarist of all time. He brought both sensitivity and violence to the guitar, playing on the edge with wild abandon from the second the amp was turned on. Yet he had an unmatched depth of knowledge about the geography of the instrument. I was so grateful to play with him a few years ago at Mills Hardware in Hamilton.''
Toronto musician Barry Walsh (Galore, Cool Blue Halo), on Facebook: 'Richard Lloyd was a true original and visionary. You could always hear his essence in every note — a rare feat. My friends Tim Timleck, Edward Pond and I were lucky enough to work with him in 2003, when we went to his studio and rehearsal space in New York’s Music Building and recorded 6 songs for a Galore EP. One has been released so far — maybe we will have to put the others out someday soon.
''As with Television, he was all about capturing performance and harnessing electricity and energy for 'the sound.' No bells or whistles, please. A raconteur par excellence and a gracious host. We showed up without gear and used all his stuff, including his gorgeous flame-bodied Strat. One day, I was doing a vocal and noticed his bookshelf in the studio. Lots of Buddhist texts and of course, lots of Gurdjieff. I was exploring similar interests at the time and told him so. 'Ah,' he says. 'So you’re here for more than the songs.' Travel well, Richard. You are electricity again.''
Toronto guitarist, composer and artist Kurt Swinghammer, on Facebook: ''R.I.P and mad respect for Richard Lloyd, most well known for his highly influential guitar figures on Television’s classic Marquee Moon, a remarkably fresh take on rock when it was recorded 50 years ago and which increases in acclaim as time goes on.''
Singer-songwriter Scott Bradshaw (Scott B Sympathy,) to Billboard Canada: ''I was always a fan of Richard Lloyd and Television and his work with Mathew Sweet. I finally got to see him at Mills Hardware in Hamilton. It was exquisite guitar playing from another world. I had a picture taken with him and he was sweet to me. I wish I could find that pic now. RIP Richard.''
Rock guitarist Scott McCullough (The Doughboys, Rusty), to Billboard Canada: ‘’If I had to pick just one guitarist as my favourite the crown would have to go to Richard. Oddly enough, his playing on Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend totally re-energized my own playing at a time when I could have just as easily stopped playing music (early '90s). Instead I dug back in and had some success.''
Clem (Clemente Anselmo Agostino) Cattini, an English session drummer who played on over 40 No. 1 singles in the U.K., died on Nov. 2, at age 89.
An extensive Guardian obituary observes that ''Largely unknown outside the music business, Cattini was revered inside it as one of the best session musicians of his generation.
''Over a 45-year period from 1960 to 2005, Cattini provided the backbeat for dozens of British No 1s, including 'The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore), 'by the Walker Brothers, 'You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,' by Dusty Springfield (both 1966), and 'Everlasting Love,' by Love Affair (1968), as well as many other top 20 hits. He also played with the Kinks, the Yardbirds, the Bee Gees, Roy Orbison, Paul McCartney, the Hollies, Chris Spedding and Lou Reed.
''He had no time for snobbery, and as a self-proclaimed 'musical navvy' was as happy to receive his fixed fee for a turkey as a prize bird. 'I’m not ashamed or embarrassed to admit that I played on anything,' he said. 'In the end it was all just work.'''
Two of his early chart-topping singles were as a real-life band member – first as the drummer for Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, with whom he released ''Shakin’ All Over'' in 1960, and then the Tornados, whose otherworldly 1962 instrumental ''Telstar" not only reached No. 1 in the U.K. but made them the first British group to top the U.S. Billboard singles chart.
Cattini then chose session work over touring, and The Guardian notes that ''his economical and utterly reliable style made him the go-to drummer for hard-pressed producers. Doggedly down to earth, wryly humorous and unfussy, Cattini possessed a chameleon-like ability to fit in with whoever, or whatever, was thrown at him.''
''At the peak of his involvement in the British pop scene, from 1966 to 1971, he was averaging about four No 1s a year, from 'Green, Green Grass of Home,' by Tom Jones (1966), and 'Something in the Air,' by Thunderclap Newman (1969), to 'Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)' by Edison Lighthouse, in 1970 and 'I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,' by the New Seekers, in 1971.
The run continued well into the mid-1970s as he played on ''When Will I See You Again,'' by the Three Degrees (1974), and ''So You Win Again,'' by Hot Chocolate (1977), before he gave up session work to tour with the Kids from Fame show and a re-formed version of the Tornados. His last No 1 came in 2005, when he featured on the Comic Relief single ''(Is This the Way to) Amarillo,'' by Tony Christie and Peter Kay.
Born in Stoke Newington, north London, the son of Italian migrants, Cattini moved into music when he and a friend, Terry Kennedy, saw Bill Haley playing ''Rock Around the Clock" in the film Blackboard Jungle (1955). They immediately formed a skiffle band, Terry Kennedy’s Rock and Rollers, with the self-taught Cattini on washboard and drums. They scored a residency at the 2i’s coffee bar in Soho, where Cattini also picked up work as the house drummer.
In 1957 the Rock and Rollers toured supporting the comedian Max Wall, then became the touring band for the singer Terry Dene. Shortly afterwards Cattini joined the Beat Boys, a backing band for, among others, Billy Fury.
Johnny Kidd and the Pirates followed in 1960, along with the studio recording of ''Shakin’ All Over.'' Cattini next became the house drummer in the producer Joe Meek’s ramshackle north London studio. In 1962 the band were named the Tornados before recording the Meek-penned hit ''Telstar," one of the few instrumentals to make the U.K.’s No. 1 spot. There was no big follow-up hit and Cattini quit in 1965, moving into session studio work.
The Guardian reports that ''Crisscrossing London to the Decca, EMI, Regent Sound and Pye studios, he found himself playing on up to three sessions a day, making contributions to many hundreds of singles and thousands of recordings. So thick and fast did the work come that often the sessions blurred into one. It could be that he played on more No 1s than is currently reckoned.''
With the arrival of punk in the late '70s, Cattini largely abandoned session work and became the resident drummer at Caesar’s Palace nightclub in Luton, Bedfordshire, playing with visiting artists such as Shirley Bassey, the Four Tops and Gene Pitney.
In 1982 he joined cast members from the American TV series Fame on a European tour, and later played in the touring Rocky Horror Show musical. In 1988 he re-formed the Tornados with a new lineup, playing various '60s revival dates until 2000.
Cattini was portrayed by James Corden in the 2008 film Telstar: The Joe Meek Story and in 2010 he played on a Paul Weller track, ''No Tears to Cry.''
Steve Ellis, the singer of British pop-rock band Love Affair, died on Oct. 30, at age 76.
The musician died following “complications from a chronic illness,” according to a statement shared on his official Facebook page.
Billboard reports that ''Ellis rose to fame as the frontman of Love Affair in the late 1960s, when the British group scored its biggest hit with a cover of 'Everlasting Love.' Originally released in December 1967, the song topped the U.K. singles chart in 1968, spending two weeks at No. 1, according to the Official Charts Company.
''Written by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden, 'Everlasting Love' was originally recorded by singer Robert Knight and released in 1967. Knight’s version reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Love Affair’s recording did not chart in the United States.''
Other Love Affair singles also reached the U.K. top 10, including “Rainbow Valley” (No. 5), “A Day Without Love” (No. 6) and “Bring on Back the Good Times” (No. 9).
Ellis began his professional music career at age 15, joining a North London band called the Soul Survivors in 1966. The group changed its name to Love Affair in 1967.
Ellis left Love Affair in 1969 and went on to form his own band, Ellis, in 1972 alongside keyboardist Zoot Money. The group released two albums, Riding on the Crest of a Slump (1972) and Why Not? (1973). He later joined rock band Widowmaker, which released its self-titled debut album (produced by Roger Daltrey) in the mid-1970s.
After leaving Widowmaker, Ellis stepped away from the music industry and took a job working at the docks before a workplace accident caused major injury.
Love Affair reunited under Ellis in 1991, with the singer leading his own touring group, Steve Ellis’ Love Affair, through 1998. He also continued recording solo material, releasing solo album The Last Angry Man in 1977, followed by Basement Days in 1983. His 2008 album, Best of Days, featured contributions from Roger Daltrey and Paul Weller.
The Guardian reports 'that album kickstarted an enduring collaboration with Paul Weller, who appeared on two tracks including a live acoustic version of 'Everlasting Love.' Ellis and Weller rejoined for 2018’s Boom! Bang! Twang!, with Weller co-writing two tracks and co-producing the album, followed by a one-off co-written song in 2022, 'Just to Simplify.'''
Ellis' most recent album, Baby Faced Assassin, was released in September, featuring another three songs co-created with Weller.
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Published by ARTSHOUSE MEDIA GROUP (AMG) under license from Billboard Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
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