Ex-Uriah Heep Frontman John Lawton Has Passed Away At The Age Of 74

The rock band Uriah Heep shared a statement on their official Twitter and Facebook accounts to announce that the band’s and Lucifer’s Friend’s former singer John Lawton has died unexpectedly at the age of 74 on June 29, 2021.

Uriah Heep, whose name is based on a character from the Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, was formed in 1969. They worked with David Byron until Lawton took his place in 1976 after leaving the German rock cult band Lucifer’s Friend. With the band, Lawton has recorded three studio albums: 1976’s ‘Firefly,’ 1977’s ‘Innocent Victim,’ and 1978’s ‘Fallen Angel,’ along with a 1979’s live concert album named ‘Live In Europe ’79’ which also featured Lawton. He then left Uriah Heep in September 1979 but didn’t lose touch with them.

After his departure from the band, he followed a short solo career recording a solo album in 1980 named ‘Heartbeat,’ then he rejoined Lucifer’s Friend for the album ‘Mean Machine’ which was released in 1982. He later appeared on the stage with Uriah Heep on some occasions, the last one being his appearance with former members of the band in September 2008 at the Heepvention 2008 in Spain.

As seen in both the tweet and Facebook post shared by the band, John Lawton has passed away on June 29, 2021, at the age of 74. The band said in the posts that they shared the tragic news with deep regret and considered his death as a sudden and unexpected one. They then claimed that there was no illness involved in his death contrary to the reports, saying he died peacefully with his wife at his side. The band then announced a private funeral service will be held to celebrate Lawton’s life with the attendance of his family and close friends only, saying they would appreciate that his family’s privacy is respected.

The Facebook post read:

“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. 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.”

The tweet shared by the band is nearly the same as the Facebook post, and it can be seen below.