“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,” shared the band in tribute on social media. “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.”
Born in the UK in the mid-1940s, Lawton played in several groups through the years before teaming up with members of a German band called The German Bonds to form Lucifer’s Friend in Hamburg in 1970; the group issued a number of albums in the 1970s while Lawton simultaneously performed as a member of the German pop group the Les Humphries Singers.
The rocker joined Uriah Heep in 1976, and went on to appear on three of the band's studio albums, including "Firefly" (1977), "Innocent Victim" (1977) and 1978’s "Fallen Angel."
Lawton returned to Lucifer’s Friend for a brief stint in the early 1980s before rejoining the lineup in 2014.
See also:
Former Uriah Heep member Ken Hensley dead at 75
Uriah Heep and Ozzy Osbourne drummer Lee Kerslake dead at 73
