belfasttelegraph

Thursday 23 May 2013

Low-key funeral for 'unlikely' star

Noddy Holder attended the funeral of Troggs frontman Reg Presley

More than 200 family and friends have attended the low-key funeral of the "unlikely rock star" Reg Presley - the frontman of British 60s band The Troggs.

Among those attending the service at Basingstoke Crematorium were Slade vocalist Noddy Holder, Bruce Welch from The Shadows and Chip Taylor who wrote Wild Thing.

The former bricklayer turned singer died in his home town of Andover, Hampshire, on February 4 surrounded by his family. Presley, 71, was the singer with the group who scored a global hit with Wild Thing in 1966.

He had announced his retirement from music a year ago after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

The service opened with Fields Of Gold by Sting with The Troggs' other great hit Love Is All Around also being played.

The song was covered in the 90s to huge success by Wet Wet Wet after it featured in the British film Four Weddings And A Funeral.

The service was led by civil celebrant Lesley Nash who described Presley's life from his early career as a bricklayer, through his decades as an international rock star to his peaceful home life with his wife of more than 50 years, Brenda, their two children, Karen and Jason, and five grandchildren.

Mrs Nash described how Presley, real name Reginald Ball, was asked by his friends to join a band.

She said: "He replied 'But I can't play an instrument'. 'You can play bass, you will learn' and that's exactly what Reg did."

During the service, Presley's grandson Guy read a poem called Empty Chair and Wild Thing was played at the end of the service.

Latest Entertainment News

Latest Music News

Latest Film & TV News

Latest Eating Out News

Horoscopes

Your Horoscopes by Russell Grant

Gemini:

Achieving your goals will take time, dedication and patience. It's hard for you to stick with long term projects, because you're so easily distracted. Take your cues from a business executive you've always admired. You can't attain their kind of success until you buckle down and get serious. If your employer offers free classes, take advantage of this program. The skills you acquire will make you a hot commodity on the job market and help you find a better paid position.More