John Du Cann
1945 – September 21, 2011
John Du Cann was an English guitarist and singer who is most often acknowledged for his work with ’70s psych rock outfit, Atomic Rooster. He also played in the Attack, the Sonics (UK), and Andromeda – all bands who were on the front end of the progressive rock movement. Initially in Andromeda, Du Cann to join Atomic Rooster in 1970 to play guitar and sang lead. The band soon released Death Walks Behind You which included the UK hit, “Tomorrow Night,” resulting in the album ultimately reaching #12 on the UK charts. He took part in the band’s follow-up, In Hearing Of Atomic Rooster, but left shortly after its release only to briefly rejoin the band in 1980. In 1974, Du Cann filled in on guitar for a Thin Lizzy tour of Germany. He also recorded at least one solo album, 1977’s (but not released until 1992) The World’s Not Big Enough, which some have compared to a cross between Status Quo and the Sex Pistols. In 1979, he scored a #33 UK hit with “Don’t Be A Dummy.” As reported by Sea Of Tranquility, John Du Cann died of a suspected heart attack on September 21, 2011. Depending upon your source, he was either 65 or 66. Atomic Rooster’s Vincent Crane passed away in 1989.
