Terence Sullivan dead: Beloved 70's rock star dies as tributes pour in

Terence Sullivan, beloved drummer of the iconic 1970s rock band Renaissance, has died aged 87. His former bandmate, Annie Haslam, confirmed the tragic news in an emotional statement on the band's Facebook page.

In her statement, Annie, who is now the only surviving member of the band, wrote: It is with the greatest sadness to let you know that Terry Sullivan, our drummer from the classic Renaissance lineup, has passed away! 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.” She continued with some fond memories, adding: “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 after that the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Chorale Society.

"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.”

In the comments of the post, where Annie shared a snap of Sullivan with a guitar, fans were heartbroken by the news. One wrote: "Truly saddened by his passing.

"Renaissance holds a big part of my heart since I heard Prologue so many years ago. I always thought how beautifully Terry added drums and percussion as more of a complement instead of driving it. Sending love to his family and to you Annie."

Another added: "Terribly sad news. I heard he was ill last weekend very suddenly. Such a tragic loss as he truly was a gifted musician."

While a third said: "A great loss to music, he was a brilliant drummer, percussionist. Terry will be welcomed by John, Jon & Michael, along with Betty, when they meet up in heaven. God bless his friends and family."

Sullivan was a member of the psych rock band Dry Ice, who toured with The Who, Pink Floyd, before joining Renaissance in 1972.

He played drums on six albums before he and John Tout left in 1980. For a few years after that, he kept a low profile and focused on his family life.

The musician then reformed Renaissance with Haslam and Michael Dunford in 1998. He stayed in the band until it ended in 2002.

In 2005, he released his solo album, South of Winter, which featured lyrics by Betty Thatcher, keys by Tout, and vocals by Terry's wife Christine.