Reuters reported yesterday that bassist Rick Huxley, one of the founding members of the ‘60s British Invasion pop-rock band Dave Clark 5, also known as DC5, has died. He was 72.
Huxley died unexpectedly at his home in the English countryside on Monday, drummer Dave Clark told Reuters.
The cause of death was not immediately known and according to Clark, Huxley had been "sprightly and in good shape," but had suffered from emphysema for a number of years.
"I spoke to him on Friday and he was in great spirits," Clark told Reuters on a telephone call. "He went through a recent doctor's check and had a good, clean bill of health. This came totally out of the blue, and I'm just devastated."
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"He always made me smile and I'll miss that immensely," Clark said. "He was never arrogant and flashy. He was a gentleman and very low key. He was a very, very talented musician and a great friend."
Huxley was born in Dartford, England, the same town that Rolling Stones lead singer, Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, call home.
DC5 was at the forefront of the British invasion and on both the US and UK charts in the early 60s, knocking the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" off the top of the UK singles charts in January 1964 with their hit “Glad All Over." In February of the same year, the band appeared on the Ed Sullivan show shortly after the Beatles.
The band disbanded in 1970 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
Huxley’s death leaves two original members of the band drummer Dave Clark and guitarist Lenny Davidson.
Huxley is survived by two sons and a daughter.
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