Rest in Peace, Phil May of the Pretty Things: 1944-2020

Phil May, vocalist of the English band The Pretty Things, has passed away at the age of 75 due to complications after emergency hip surgery, it was announced on Friday.

May passed Friday morning in a hospital, it was confirmed in a message by May’s management team:

“It is with very deep sadness that the management of The Pretty Things have to announce the death of the band’s lead singer, Phil May.

“Phil passed away at 7.05am on Friday, May 15 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. He was 75.

“He had been locked down in Norfolk with his family and, during the week, Phil had suffered a fall from his bike and had undergone emergency hip surgery, after which complications set in.”

The Pretty Things formed in Sidcup, Kent in 1963 and would remain active until 2018. BBC News notes that the Pretty Things influenced many with their music, including David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and, in more recent context, Kasabian.

Dave Davies of the Kinks weighed in after news of May’s passing on Friday:

Very sad news, he was a very talented guy and he will be sorely missed. I’m shocked Phil May, frontman with the Pretty Things, dies aged 75 | Pop and rock | The Guardian https://t.co/OdZahwkfOE

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) May 15, 2020

Phil May and the Pretty Things are widely credited as developing one of the first “rock opera” albums with 1968’s S.F. Sorrow, which marked the band’s adventures into psychedelia.

May Phil May rest in peace.