The Troggs' Reg Presley Passes

REG PRESLEY, 71, died at his home in Hampshire, U.K., surrounded by family, after a long bout with cancer and a series of recent strokes. The lead singer for The Troggs had a number of hit songs during the '60s British Invasion, including “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around.” Presley announced his retirement from music a year ago after being taken ill during a concert in Germany and was subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. “Love Is All Around” became a hit song again in the U.K. in 1994 when Scottish band Wet Wet Wet did a cover version on the soundtrack of the film Four Weddings and a Funeral that went to #1 in the U.K. for 15 weeks. A tape of the band squabbling in the studio that made the rounds for years was credited with being an inspiration for This Is Spinal Tap. (2/4p)