Tony Rivers was best known for penning the theme tune to the 1970s sitcom Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? and as frontman of Tony Rivers and the Castaways. The band found success with a hit cover of God Only Knows, and after it split, Rivers formed Harmony Grass, whose single Move a Little Closer reached No.
24 in the UK charts in 1969. He was a close friend of Cliff Richard, who said in an official statement that he was shocked and upset at losing another talented friend. ' According to Daily Express - Showbiz, a fan described Rivers as a great loss to music and a great vocalist in both his own groups and with Cliff, noting he did a lot of session work and his own recordings.
Tony Rivers has passed on, leaving me shocked and upset at losing yet another talented friend.
Rivers first joined a group called The Cutaways before they rebranded to Tony Rivers and the Castaways. He later launched a solo career, working as a session singer and performing on Top of the Pops records, providing vocals in the style of stars including Alvin Stardust, Donny Osmond, and Johnny Rotten. Born Anthony Thompson in Shildon, he discovered his passion for music as a teenager, inspired by Buddy Holly.
The exact date of his death, the specific hospital where he was treated, and the cause of sepsis have not been confirmed, nor have details about his family or the timeline of his hospitalization.
He featured on many of my albums and tours, creating backing vocals that lifted my tracks into what I could only have dreamed of.
He was the 'Master' of harmonies. God Bless you Tony, I shall miss you greatly. Rest in Peace, Cliff.
A great loss to music . Great vocalist in both his own groups and with Cliff . Did a lot of session work and his own recordings.
Our group the Shakanes were second on the bill to the Castaways in Brentwood many moons ago . I think I have virtually all his recordings ……will treasure them and his book
Great loss ,saw him many times with Castaways, and later with Cliff. Great harmony singer and arranger will be missed.RIP Tony and thanks for the great music.