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Reg Presley Dead: Troggs Singer Dies After Battle With Lung Cancer

Reg Presley of the TroggsIvan Keeman, Redferns

Reg Presley, the lead singer of "Wild Thing" hitmakers the Troggs, has died just over a year after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 71.

Last January, Presley announced he was retiring from the garage rock band to undergo treatment. "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. I shall miss you all."

The Troggs formed in England and had several hits, including "Wild Thing," "Lost Girl," "With a Girl Like You" and "Love Is All Around." Born Reginald Maurice Ball in Andover, England, Presley got his stage name from his friend, writer Keith Altham, who posted a tribute to the late musician on Facebook.

"My dear old pal Reg Presley of The Troggs died today at 1.00 surrounded by family and friends at his home in Andover following a succession of recent strokes and a losing battle with cancer. He was one very real person in a sometimes very unreal world. Our thoughts are with his wife Brenda and the the family and those legion of fans who loved his music and his band. I will miss him hugely."

"He passed away peacefully at home and myself, my brother and our mother were with him. We're absolutely heartbroken," his daughter Karen told WENN.

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93 Comments

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Glenda

Thoughts and prayers go out to this dear man's family and friends. I was fortunate to have been a fan of their music. Will always have "Wild Thing" on my iPod. Thanks for the music.

15 hours ago Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Shineymancan

Love is all Around..........

Yesterday at 3:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
je3ninas

Rest well, Sir

Wednesday at 3:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Leon Holston Sr.

wouldnt hurt anyone to show some compassion,to this guy.he was an entrtainer,and entertained some people,who cared for him.

Wednesday at 2:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Leon Holston Sr.'s comment
Murph 32

Wouldn't hurt you to bone up on your writing skills or have someone else post your thoughts for you. Hate to say it, but what you've produced there is absolutely dreadful. My condolences to Presley who I had nothing against, but for those of you on here who'd apparently rather not hear it he was indeed not only a heavy smoker for the vast majority of his life but also openly embraced the deleterious addiction as one of his very favorite things.

Yesterday at 1:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hi dolly

who is this?

Wednesday at 11:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
naojf22936

Get educated, Steve.

Wednesday at 10:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Lung cancer, YUUCCKK why would anyone put that filth in their Lungs anyway? RIB

Wednesday at 8:27 AM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Steve's comment
Tammy

You don't need to smoke to get lung cancer. I've seen plenty lifetime no smokers get lung CA. May he RIP, I loved Wild Thing!!

Wednesday at 9:36 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Dominick Sammarone

Wild Thing, what can I say. One of my all time favorite songs. Rest in Wild Peace Reg!

Wednesday at 8:03 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
PATRICK

R.I.P. Reg Presley.
Along with 'Wild Thing', 'Love is All Around' and 'With a Girl like You',
there's also 'Night of the Long Grass', 'I Can't Control Myself', 'Give it to Me'
and 'Anyway that You want Me'. Plus, 'The Raver', 'Good Vibrations'(!),
'Hip Hip Hooray' and the infamous 'Troggs' Tape' are all hoots!!
Thanks for the fun/great tunes. I am glad to have had the opportunity
to see you perform [three sets] and shake your hand. Good Times.
Athens Andover and out! Pat.

Wednesday at 5:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
booza90

We have lost a truly great entertainer. Just last year at this time I lost a brother-in-law to lung cancer, after year of trying to get him to stop smoking.

Wednesday at 12:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply