R.I.P. - Terry Reid passed away in early August 2025

As the RockTimes editorial team has just learned, singer and frontman Terry Reid passed away on August 5, 2025, or shortly before (exact dates are still pending) at the age of 75.

He was always a great artist, but virtually absent from the charts. Terry Reid only did what he liked and, towards the end of the 1960s, allowed himself the luxury of turning down offers from Ritchie Blackmore and Jimmy Page, who, in his very own way, wanted to be or become the frontman and lead singer of top bands like Deep Purple and then Led Zeppelin.

He much preferred making his own albums with the tracks he loved. Even if they couldn't put two rolls on the breakfast table. If he liked a band or musician, he appeared as a guest on their albums and released just six studio albums, starting with 1968's "Bang Bang, You're Terry Reid," through the now-cult albums "River" (1973) and "Seed of Memory" (1976), and ending with his swan song "The Driver" (1991). Now, another master of his craft and a truly special individual has left us forever.

Rest in peace, Terry!

Terry Reid - River (1973)

Terry Reid - Seed of Memory (1976)

Terry Reid - The Driver (1991)

 

RIP
Greatly missed

 

Last edited: Aug 6, 2025 at 3:58 PM

The original Stairway to Heaven by Terry Reid

Paul helped the British Rock musician Terry Reid work on this tune back in 1970 shortly after Hendrix died. Jimmy page was a friend of Terry Reid and 1st choice as Led Zeppelins vocalist, Terry had other commitments and recommended a vocalist called Robert Plant, meanwhile back at the ranch........Jimmy page heard Terry and Paul working on the above tune and turned it into Stairway to Heaven! That's what I was told!

Legendary vocalist Terry Reid performs To Be Treated Rite on Later.. with Jools Holland

 

Reid fell off of my radar for decades. He was a great musician.

RIP

 

May you never lay your head down without a hand to hold, "Superlungs".