Terry Reid, Influential British Musician Once Considered for Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, Dies at 75

Terry Reid, the acclaimed British singer and guitarist known for his powerful, soulful voice and a career intertwined with some of rock’s greatest legends, has died at the age of 75. His UK representative confirmed that Reid had been undergoing treatment for cancer in recent months.

Nicknamed “Superlungs,” Reid never achieved chart success in the UK, but his work—particularly albums like 1973’s River—earned widespread critical respect. His talents were so admired that he was invited to front two of the biggest rock bands of the era, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. He turned both offers down in order to pursue his solo career. In 1968, Aretha Franklin famously said, “There are only three things happening in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Terry Reid.”

Born in Cambridgeshire, Reid started performing in his teens with the local band the Redbeats, eventually joining Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers. By 16, he was already supporting the Rolling Stones on tour, alongside acts like Ike & Tina Turner and the Yardbirds. After going solo, Reid again toured the U.S. with the Stones and developed friendships with artists like Jimi Hendrix.

When Yardbirds guitarist Jimmy Page set out to form a new band, he approached Reid to be the lead singer. Reid declined due to prior commitments, but recommended Robert Plant and John Bonham instead—leading to the creation of Led Zeppelin. “I was focused on doing my own thing,” Reid said in a 2024 interview, adding, “I contributed half the band—that’s enough on my part!”

He also turned down an offer to join Deep Purple after the departure of Rod Evans in 1969, calling it a flattering proposal and praising Ritchie Blackmore’s talent. Ian Gillan would ultimately take the role.

Reid’s early albums were released under the guidance of producer Mickie Most, including his 1969 debut Bang Bang, You’re Terry Reid, which featured “Without Expression,” a song he wrote at 14 that would later be covered by artists like John Mellencamp and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Reid also toured with major acts including Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and Jethro Tull, but creative differences with Most eventually led to their split.

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Terry Reid in 1973. Photograph: Alan Messer/Shutterstock

A lengthy legal dispute with Most stalled Reid’s career until the release of River in 1973. He later moved to California and, in the 1980s, shifted focus from solo work to session work for artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, and Jackson Browne.

Reid attempted a comeback in 1991 with The Driver, produced by Trevor Horn, but he later dismissed the record as “unlistenable” despite having a track featured on the Days of Thunder film soundtrack.

Over time, his early work gained cult status among collectors and musicians. He collaborated with DJ Shadow and Alabama 3, and his songs were covered by the likes of the Raconteurs, Marianne Faithfull, and Chris Cornell. Reid also recorded unreleased material with Dr. Dre, who was captivated by Reid’s Seed of Memory album.

Reid continued touring into his later years but had to cancel a recent series of shows due to his illness. A crowdfunding campaign was launched to help with medical costs, noting Reid’s enduring spirit and gratitude for fans’ support.

He is survived by his wife, Annette, and daughters Kelly and Holly. Among the many tributes paid, guitarist Joe Bonamassa called him “one of the