Hoodoo Gurus founder and guitarist Brad Shepherd has paid tribute to Darry Cotton who lost his battle with liver cancer on Friday.
Darryl Cotton
“We wish to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Darryl Cotton, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of just 62. In Australia, Darryl is remembered fondly as a television personality, singer, songwriter and performer. Perhaps most significantly for us Gurus though, he fronted 60’s/70’s group ZOOT, a band that is still dear to our hearts.
“ZOOT released a string of fantastic singles between ’68 and ‘71, almost every one a smash hit. In 1970 they achieved the near impossible with their blistering cover of Eleanor Rigby: completely reinterpreting (and arguably, bettering) a career-defining Beatles original.
“Right up to the time of Darryl’s diagnosis of liver cancer in May, he was still delivering the goods on stages across the country night after night with fellow Aussie rock legends Russell Morris and Jim Keays, and still knocking ‘em in the aisles.
“Personally, I’ll also remember Darryl as the kindest, most gracious soul you’d ever hope to meet. He could be hilariously funny, often at his own expense, and he always had a killer smile. We’ll continue to enjoy the wonderful contributions Darryl made to our lives through his music, and we’re very sad to lose him”.
Darryl’s Zoot band-mates Beeb Birtles and Rick Springfield also released statements on Friday.
Darryl died at 7am on Friday after only being diagnosed with liver cancer in May.
