Former URIAH HEEP singer John Lawton has died at the age of 74. Lawton was URIAH HEEP's frontman from 1976 to 1979, appearing on three of the band's studio albums: "Firefly" (1977), "Innocent Victim" (1977) and "Fallen Angel" (1978) Earlier today, URIAH HEEP issued the following statement: "It is with deep regret that we share the devastating and tragic news of the sudden and totally unexpected passing of John Lawton on 29 June 2021. "Contrary to reports, there was no illness involved, which makes his passing incomprehensible. "He went peacefully with his wife at his side. John will be greatly missed. "A private funeral service to celebrate John's life will be held following his wishes, with only family and close friends attending. "We would appreciate that the family's privacy is respected during this difficult time." Back in 2013, Lawton rejoined URIAH HEEP when they toured The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Lawton reunited with the group to cover for Bernie Shaw, who required some time off for a routine medical procedure. URIAH HEEP guitarist Mick Box shared a special memory of John from the late Seventies, saying: "One of my abiding memories is HEEP playing 'Wise Man' on 'Top Of The Pops'. If ever there was a song which did not give a hint of the band's hard rock background, this was it, and I was worried that we would be accused of selling out to commercialism. I needn't have worried, as John sang it so powerfully that he not only made the song his, hard rock fans loved it too."
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