Terry Sullivan, a drummer for the popular rock band Renaissance in the 1970s, has died.
He was 87.
Renaissance singer Annie Haslam first shared the news on social media, per Loudersound.
“It is with great sadness to let you know that Terry Sullivan our drummer from the classic Renaissance lineup has passed away!” Haslam wrote. “He was surrounded by his family and a room full of Love when he peacefully passed. He was a GREAT drummer, a warm human being, caring, funny and also an excellent songwriter. Please say prayers for Terry, his wife Christine, sons Lee and Kristian and grandson Ashton and all his family, friends and fans all over the world who will miss him.
“We were only talking a few weeks ago reminiscing about our glory days and how far we had come in four years to end up at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Chorale Society,” she added. “Every dream anyone could wish for we had, and not forgetting the incomparable music we were blessed to create. It was a lovely conversation I will hold inside forever.”
She also shared a photo of Sullivan and added, “Always in my Heart Terry.”
Per Loudersound, Sullivan actually had some early minor success playing with a band called Dry Ice that took part in shows that featured the likes of The Who, Pink Floyd and King Crimson. But his big break came when he returned home to the United Kingdom from the United States and answered an ad in “Melody Maker.” According to Loudersound, that ad, looking for a drummer, was placed by Renaissance.
He first appeared on the band’s 1972 album “Prologue,” and was with the group through 1979’s “Azure d’Or.” Loudersound said Sullivan left the group after that album when his friend and keyboardist John Tout was fired for a mistake onstage.
The outlet said Sullivan and Tout returned to help with the band’s 2001 album “Tuscanny.”