Reg Presley Dies at 71.

[John Battles]

Reg Presley , Lead Singer for The Troggs , for nearly 50 years , until a major stroke in 2010 and a diagnosis of Lung Cancer in early 2012 necessitated his retirement , has died from related complications. He was 71 . Virtually no information was given by the band's official website , except that he would be undergoing Chemotherapy , and an open letter from Presley to his fans was posted. Apart from that , the only news given was that The Troggs had announced they were to continue performing with a guest on lead vocals.  Yes , it seems ALL KINDS OF WRONG to me , too , but , surely they did this with Reg's blessing , and , besides , the other members of the group still need to make a living.

 I met Presley (Nee Reginald Ball)  in 2000 , we were introduced by ace cat , and now - UK TV personality , Austin Vince. My interview with Reg , and original Guitarist , Chris Britton , could'nt have been more pleasant , it was more of a visit than anything. Presley told me , "We still do it because we truly enjoy it , and we like being in each other's company. I'd say 99 out of 100 times , when we get back together to play ,we can go on holiday for a month and come back , and it's always great , because you have NERVES , and you sort of GO for it.".

The good natured aggression inherent in The Troggs' music was reflected in the band member's personalities. They joked with each other at every given opportunity , "Troggs Tape" style , but , all in the spirit of fun. They were mates. But , they worked shit - hard on the road , keeping it real , and keeping it alive. Any Garage Rock fan worth their salt will cop to owing Reg Presley and The Troggs a debt If they don't , it's OK , they've still got The Rock. In their heads.

I'm reading the headlines , now , that Presley lost the battle with Cancer. You could say , rather , that he won , because Cancer can no longer get to him. Even if it takes hundreds of years , when Cancer can no longer do it's dirt , the music will remain.

Reg Presley , Loving Husband , Father , and Grandfather , Noted Authority on UFOs and Crop Circles , and frontman for The Troggs from 1964 to 2011 , and a Prince among men.

" Picture me as a Racing Driver, or a Sailor high at sea . Sowing seeds , watch them growing , would I be a different me? ".  "A Different Me" , The Troggs .

 THE SEEDS ARE SOWN , THANK YOU , REG.

[DJ Johnson]

Weird how losing someone like Reg can make you rediscover songs you hadn't thought about in a while.  Sad reason but positive results.  I've been bombarding myself exclusively with Troggs music for the last three days and I don't feel done yet.  They were a hell of a band.

[david kanter]

Very sorry to hear Reg Presley died.I was pleased to see him in Cambridge Ma in 1981 or so.May his music live on forever.Miss you Reg.

Dave

[Bryan Chapman]

I was 'lucky' to attend the BBC Radio 1 birthday party at the old Hammy O in 1982, and the only two bands who really impressed were the Troggs and the Nashville Teens. This was probably because even back then, they really went for it, unlike most of their contemporaries who had headed for the cabaret circuit.

[John Battles]

THAT DOES'NT SURPRISE. I ASKED CHRIS BRITTON IF IT WAS DIFFICULT WINNING PEOPLE OVER, WHEN THEY HAD TO DO CABARET . HE SAID , "NO , NOT IF WE HAVE SOME OF OUR FANS THERE. THEN ,THE BLUE RINSE BRIGADE , WHO'VE COME TO SEE GERRY MARSDEN, WITH THEIR WALKERS AND THEIR ZIMMER FRAMES STACKED UP IN FRONT OF THE FIRE EXITS LIKE SO MUCH SCAFFOLDING , IT MIGHT TAKE A WHILE WITH THEM , BUT , WHEN THEY SEE THAT WE'RE ENJOYING OURSELVES , THEY USUALLY START ENJOYING THEMSELVES , AS WELL .  " .    File THAT under great Punk quotes. But , he was quick to point out , also , how great it was  that they drew such a diverse bunch of people at their own gigs.
 
Bryan Chapman said:

I was 'lucky' to attend the BBC Radio 1 birthday party at the old Hammy O in 1982, and the only two bands who really impressed were the Troggs and the Nashville Teens. This was probably because even back then, they really went for it, unlike most of their contemporaries who had headed for the cabaret circuit.

[Mark George Harrison]

Paul was known as 'the man with a plan' JB, maybe he knew something we dont, would like to think so.

John Battles said:

No , it is'nt , mate , but , somehow , it will make more sense , to you , why some of us had to check out of this life when they had so much more great work ahead. Is there a reason or a rhyme ? I doubt it ,bu t, that does'nt mean he's not still here with you , and guiding your life , insipiring you to make it something better. That much , I can assure you , will make itself known.
 
Mark George Harrison said:

Thanks John, he had a great send off, it was a proper celebration of a life. 56 is no age though.

John Battles said:

Yeah, and sadly for us , not for them , Wilko will be joining your friend and Reg , soon , but, remember , they'll be having a better time than we are.

My condolences about your friend.

 

[John Battles]

Maybe , In his subconscious , he could see something. Some people just know when it's their time. We all have to go at some point , preferably in our sleep or from sexual exhaustion. I'm just sayin' . John 
 
Mark George Harrison said:

Paul was known as 'the man with a plan' JB, maybe he knew something we dont, would like to think so.

John Battles said:

No , it is'nt , mate , but , somehow , it will make more sense , to you , why some of us had to check out of this life when they had so much more great work ahead. Is there a reason or a rhyme ? I doubt it ,bu t, that does'nt mean he's not still here with you , and guiding your life , insipiring you to make it something better. That much , I can assure you , will make itself known.
 
Mark George Harrison said:

Thanks John, he had a great send off, it was a proper celebration of a life. 56 is no age though.

John Battles said:

Yeah, and sadly for us , not for them , Wilko will be joining your friend and Reg , soon , but, remember , they'll be having a better time than we are.

My condolences about your friend.