Liputan6.com, Jakarta Terrance James Reid, better known as Terry Reid has passed away at the age of 75.
The legendary British vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist passed away on August 4, 2025, although some sources say it was around August 5, 2025.
This sad news was confirmed by his UK representative and his record label Cleopatra Records.
Terry Reid had been undergoing intensive treatment for cancer for the past several months, a battle that ultimately claimed his life.
Prior to his passing, Terry Reid was forced to postpone a scheduled tour of the UK, Ireland, and Norway in July 2025 due to medical issues related to his cancer treatment.
Terry Reid's Career Journey: From The Redbeats to 'Superlungs'
Born Terrance James Reid on November 13, 1949, in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, Terry Reid is widely known by the nickname "Superlungs" for his powerful, soaring vocals.
He began his musical career in the early 1960s, leaving school at the age of 15 to pursue his passion for music.
Terry Reid initially joined a local band called The Redbeats, before becoming the lead singer for Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers.
At the age of 16, he landed a golden opportunity to support The Rolling Stones on their 1966 tour, even opening for several of their shows in the US in 1969.
Terry Reid's extensive career spanned genres ranging from hard rock to folk rock to blue-eyed soul.
His musical prowess and unique vocal characteristics made him a key figure in the British music scene.
Legendary Offer: Turning Down Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple
One of the most interesting facts about Terry Reid's career is his rejection of offers to lead vocals for two of the world's most iconic rock bands.
Jimmy Page, while forming his new band, which would later become Led Zeppelin, personally offered Reid the lead vocal position.
However, due to existing touring commitments with The Rolling Stones, Terry Reid was forced to decline the offer.
He even recommended Robert Plant to Jimmy Page, a recommendation that ultimately formed one of the most legendary vocalist-guitarist duos in rock history.
Not only Led Zeppelin, Terry Reid also turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to lead vocals for Deep Purple.
The position was eventually filled by Ian Gillan, who would go on to become an integral part of Deep Purple's history.
Terry Reid's Lasting Influence
Throughout his career, Terry Reid released six studio albums and four live albums, including landmark works such as "Bang, Bang, You're Terry Reid" (1968), "River" (1973), "Seed of Memory" (1976), and "The Driver" (1991).
Although he never had a UK chart hit, his albums, particularly "River," consistently received high critical acclaim.
Terry Reid's songs have been covered by numerous renowned artists, including The Hollies, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Marianne Faithfull, and Jack White.
He has also collaborated with musicians such as Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, and DJ Shadow, demonstrating his breadth of influence and connections in the music industry.
Terry Reid also frequently performed at major festivals such as the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 and 2012, and Glastonbury in 1970 and 2009.
Aretha Franklin even praised Terry Reid in 1968 by stating, "There are only three things happening in England: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Terry Reid."
Terry Reid's legacy as a pioneer of the British blues and hard rock sound will live on.