The Troggs Rock Star Reg Presley Dies at 71

Reg Presley, the lead singer of the 60s rock band The Troggs, died of cancer late Monday night.

The Wild Thing singer’s daughter, Karen, confirmed that he lost a year-long battle with cancer at his Hampshire home. He was 71 years old.

“He passed away peacefully at home and myself, my brother and our mother were with him. We’re absolutely heartbroken.”

The death of the rock star comes a year after he announced his retirement after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

“As you all know, I was taken ill whilst doing a gig in Germany in December,” Presley announced in an open letter to his fans. “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. However 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.”

The Troggs were famously known its cover of Wild Thing, written by American songwriter Chip Taylor and originally recorded by Jordan Christopher & The Wild Ones in 1965. Presley and his rock band made it a classic a year later as they turned it into an instant hit.

The band is also known for its hit songs A Girl Like You and Love is All Around.