Died On This Date (September 21, 2011) John Du Cann / Guitarist For Atomic Rooster
themusicsover 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.
Vincent Crane was a progressive rock keyboardist who is perhaps best remembered for his collaborations with Arthur Brown. In 1968, Crane played in Brown’s group, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, on their self titled debut. That album, which was executive-produced by Pete Townsend, included the underground rock hit, “Fire.” In 1969, Crane and another band member, Carl Palmer (later of Emerson, Lake and Palmer) left to form Atomic Rooster who had a handful of UK rock hits in the ’70s and early ’80s. Crane also collaborated with 