How did John Regan die? Tributes pour in for 'world class' bassist, 71, who played with Peter Frampton and Ace Frehley
WAPPINGERS FALLS, NEW YORK: Renowned bassist John Regan, who played with stars like Peter Frampton, Ace Frehley, Billy Idol, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie, died aged 71. The news of his death was shared on Facebook by a family friend. The post is a statement from his wife Cathy Merring-Regan. A cause of death has not been announced as of yet.
"It is with the greatest sorrow and sadness that I let you all know John passed away this afternoon. So many people have posted messages of love and condolences on his phone. I am trying to figure out how to post on any of his fb pages. I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. One of his favorite quotes was "All that you can take with you is that which you've given away." From reading your messages, I know he gave much away and so much love was sent to him. He passed suddenly, but that was his wish," the statement read. It said, "I had heard him over the past few weeks having lengthy conversations with many of you and you brought such joy to him. Thank you all for your heartfelt messages."
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Who was John Regan?
Born on October 28, 1951, Regan was a Wappingers Falls, New York resident. He was a member of Frehley’s Comet from 1984 to 1990, recording 'Frehley’s Comet' (1987); 'Second Sighting' (1988); and 'Trouble Walkin' (1989).
Regan co-founded Four by Fate in 2014, and it released its debut album 'Relentless' two years later. “We’re just playing music for the fun of it,” Regan previously told the Poughkeepsie Journal regarding Four by Fate being formed. “Everyone wanted to do this to have a good time.”
The group comprised rock 'n’ roll stars Tod Howarth, Patrick James Gasperini, and Rob Affuso. “Everyone has been around the block a couple of times and that’s how we ended up together, wanting to do this,” said Regan. “The one thing we did agree on was, this has to be absolutely joyful.”
'A world class talent and an incredible human being'
Friends, fellow musicians, and fans paid tribute to Regan, with Tom Howarth detailing their last conversation and starting his post by saying, "I started this over and over, I can't capture everything I'm feeling." "John of course was a world class talent and an incredible human being and from a personal level, he was responsible for me joining him with Ace and Anton. He was also responsible for the championing of my song 'It's Over Now'. There's way too much to say and it's hard to type, stopping and starting constantly. I really haven't stopped crying most of today as the music world loses another and trying to respond to everyone (thank you all, 'love you dearly) I just, I just can't. Again what's more important is the man, the music, love, talent and friendship that he shared for his 71 years," he said. Musician Peter Frampton wrote, "There might only be a handful, if that, of people who come into your world and truly enrich your life. I have lost one of my closest buddies. He certainly enriched my life because of the person and the great player he was. John Regan was the best of us. He went out of his way." Pasquale Gasperini said, "When I received the Devastating call today from my brother Tod Howarth today, I was not only shocked but blindsided about the loss of my Dear Friend John Regan my head was spinning with all the emotions going through my body I didn’t know which way to turn what to do or what to say. From the first Moment John and I met we hit it off immediately we grew up in the same village of Wappingers falls NY we travelled different paths but had the same common goals. Family, Faith, Heritage, we laughed and shared fond memories of our childhood growing up in in an Italian family," adding, "I Just want everyone to know Today the Music world lost a true Legend and icon not only for his Musicianship but for the kind hearted soul he was. I had the pleasure of Making a few albums and solo projects I produced with John and was always an epic experience from friendship to Musicianship Loved every moment of it."
There might only be a handful, if that, of people who come into your world and truly enrich your life. I have lost one of my closest buddies. He certainly enriched my life because of the person and the great player he was. John Regan was the best of us. He went out of his way pic.twitter.com/IEZ1Vi4CoR
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) April 8, 2023
Fans, too, paid tribute to Regan with one user saying on Facebook, "My condolences to his family and friends. I met him briefly and he was a wonderful and talented man." "I met him at an event and what a down to earth, great person. I'm so sorry for your loss I can understand why so many people loved him," another said, addressing Pasquale Gasperini. "So sorry for your loss he was a great musician and guy and will be missed rip john," one user said, while another wrote, "Sending love and condolences to all who love him." "One of the most honest sincere guys you'll ever met and one of the greatest bass player, I'm shocked," said a user.
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