Tony Lewis — the English musician known best as the vocalist and bassist for London rock outfit the Outfield — has died. Lewis' passing was confirmed on social media, though a cause of death was not revealed. He was 62.
"It is with great sadness and sorrow to announce that Tony Lewis has unexpectedly passed away," a statement shared through Lewis' page reads. "He was a beautiful soul who touched so many lives with his love, his spirit, and his music. He loved his fans dearly and enjoyed every opportunity he had when meeting all of you. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time."
Lewis founded the Outfield with guitarist/keyboardist John Spinks and drummer Alan Jackman after playing in bands together in the late 1970s. Initially called the Baseball Boys, the trio signed to Columbia Records in 1984 ahead of changing their name on the advice of their manager.
The Outfield's debut album Play Deep would arrive in 1985, landing the band a hit with "Your Love." The single, which you can revisit below, reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. While not as successful in their native U.K., Play Deep would peak at No. 9 at the U.S. album charts and go on to be certified triple platinum in the country.
Sophomore album Bangin' would follow in 1987, with minor hits "No Surrender" and "Bangin' on My Heart." Following 1989's Voices of Babylon, drummer Jackman leaft the group but ultimately reunited with his bandmates for 2011's Replay.
After guitarist Spinks died of liver cancer in 2014, Lewis took time away from music before making his solo debut with 2018's Out of the Darkness.
"It is with great sadness and sorrow to announce that Tony Lewis has unexpectedly passed away," a statement shared through Lewis' page reads. "He was a beautiful soul who touched so many lives with his love, his spirit, and his music. He loved his fans dearly and enjoyed every opportunity he had when meeting all of you. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time."
Lewis founded the Outfield with guitarist/keyboardist John Spinks and drummer Alan Jackman after playing in bands together in the late 1970s. Initially called the Baseball Boys, the trio signed to Columbia Records in 1984 ahead of changing their name on the advice of their manager.
The Outfield's debut album Play Deep would arrive in 1985, landing the band a hit with "Your Love." The single, which you can revisit below, reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. While not as successful in their native U.K., Play Deep would peak at No. 9 at the U.S. album charts and go on to be certified triple platinum in the country.
Sophomore album Bangin' would follow in 1987, with minor hits "No Surrender" and "Bangin' on My Heart." Following 1989's Voices of Babylon, drummer Jackman leaft the group but ultimately reunited with his bandmates for 2011's Replay.
After guitarist Spinks died of liver cancer in 2014, Lewis took time away from music before making his solo debut with 2018's Out of the Darkness.