The great Mike Kellie – the drummer form the Only Ones and before that Spooky Tooth has passed away.
He was held in the highest of regards in the music community – if playing in those two classic bands was not enough he also drummed on Johnny Thunders So Alone album and for George Harrison, Maurice Gibb, Jim Capaldi, Peter Frampton, Jerry lee Lewis and many others.
The Birmingham born drummer would have been 70 in March.
The rest of the Only Ones posted this on Facebook
MIKE KELLIE. 1947-2017
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend and colleague Mike Kellie.
Kellie learned of his illness last September but, characteristically, chose to keep the diagnosis private. We will post more, personal, appreciations in due course but, for the moment, we will recall the 40 years of music-making we shared with him. A gentleman, a friend and a fine musician. Our thoughts are with his family.Peter and Zena Perrett, Alan Mair, John Perry.
Martin Bramah from Blue Orchids posted this song, with Kellie on drums and him on guitar from a 2015 album by The Granite Shore on Facebook. A perfect tribute (the first verse) to the great man.
A Plea From Louder Than War
Louder Than War is run by a small but dedicated independent team, and we rely on the small amount of money we generate to keep the site running smoothly. Any money we do get is not lining the pockets of oligarchs or mad-cap billionaires dictating what our journalists are allowed to think and write, or hungry shareholders. We know times are tough, and we want to continue bringing you news on the most interesting releases, the latest gigs and anything else that tickles our fancy. We are not driven by profit, just pure enthusiasm for a scene that each and every one of us is passionate about.
To us, music and culture are eveything, without them, our very souls shrivel and die. We do not charge artists for the exposure we give them and to many, what we do is absolutely vital. Subscribing to one of our paid tiers takes just a minute, and each sign-up makes a huge impact, helping to keep the flame of independent music burning! Please click the button below to help.
John Robb – Editor in Chief
Awful news. Condolences to family and friends. RIP.
Top drummer and very nice guy, sorry to hear that he needed a new drummer up stairs!
R.I.P and hit the high hat hard.
Be at peace
Terribly sad news. I loved his work with Spooky Tooth, the VIP’s, and others. Condolences to his family and friends.
I loved the only ones, and saw them at brudenell in leeds, never thought I would get the chance to see them , brilliant night. Best wishes to mikes family, friends and fans
Don’t forget his 1971 gig with Three Man Army.
Gosh! I’ve just heard this sad news. I loved The Only Ones and particularly MK’s drumming on’From Here to Eternity’. Thanks for the splendid music…
Just heard the news. I associate Mike the most with Spooky Tooth, a great band that never quite got the success they deserved. If you want to hear some rock solid MK drumming (with clever use of echo) look no further than the long intro to ‘Waiting for the Wind’ on the Spooky Two album. RIP.
thanks Chris
I was tour manager during four Spooky Tooth concerts in 1970 in Denmark. I learned Mike to know as a real gentleman. I’m sorry to hear about his passing away. RIP.
Allan J. Kortsen
Top drummer and very nice guy, sorry to hear that he needed a new drummer up stairs!
R.I.P
Be at peace
you help me a lot friend and neighbour from 20 holly road. R.I.P.
judy