Guitarist and vocalist Tony Thorpe, who played a central role in The Rubettes' ascent to international prominence during the glam-rock era, has died at 80. Thorpe joined the lineup in 1974 and contributed both instrumental performances and songwriting to the band's distinctive aesthetic, which married 1950s doo-wop vocal arrangements with contemporary rock sensibilities. The group's visual identity—white suits and cloth caps—became iconic during their peak years in the mid-to-late 1970s.

The Rubettes achieved substantial commercial success with multiple hit singles, most notably 'Sugar Baby Love,' which dominated the UK charts in 1974 and introduced the band to American radio audiences. Beyond his tenure with The Rubettes, which ended in 1979, Thorpe maintained a diverse musical career working alongside established performers and teaching at music institutions. His legacy encompasses not only the recordings he left behind but also his influence on fellow musicians, with bandmate Alan Williams commemorating his 'brilliance' and the 'wondrous music' created during their collaboration.