British rock singer and guitarist Terry Reid, known for his powerful vocals that earned him the nickname “Superlungs,” died Monday, August 4, at age 75 following a battle with cancer. Reid’s death was confirmed by his record label Cleopatra Records on Tuesday, August 5.
Reid had been courageously battling cancer and numerous other serious health issues in recent months, according to a GoFundMe page established in July. The singer was forced to postpone his fall 2025 tour of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway due to medical issues arising from his cancer treatment.
Born in St Neots, England, in November 1949 to Walter and Grace Reid, the musician displayed vocal prowess from an early age. As a child, Reid would accompany his mother, who worked seasonal jobs as a fruit picker, to local orchards where he would sing pop songs for workers while sitting atop fruit crates.
Reid entered professional music as a teenager, joining rock band Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers at age 15. During this period, he was introduced to music producer Mickie Most, who had worked with notable acts including the Animals, Donovan and Herman’s Hermits. As a member of the Jaywalkers, Reid embarked on a joint tour of the United Kingdom in 1966 featuring rock royalty including The Rolling Stones, Ike and Tina Turner, and The Yardbirds.
When The Yardbirds disbanded, guitarist Jimmy Page drafted Reid for his next group, The New Yardbirds, which would later become Led Zeppelin. However, Reid turned down the lead vocalist position as he was preparing to record his debut album and tour with The Rolling Stones. Instead, he suggested fellow singer Robert Plant, who became the iconic frontman of Led Zeppelin.
In a 2007 interview with The Independent, Reid reflected that the pairing was perfect and acknowledged uncertainty about what might have happened with his potential collaboration with Page. The sought-after vocalist also famously declined an offer to replace Rod Evans as lead singer of British heavy metal band Deep Purple, expressing admiration for guitarist Ritchie Blackmore’s abilities.
Reid released his solo debut album “Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid” in 1968, quickly following with his self-titled sophomore album in 1969. The pop-rock record featured the Donovan-penned track “Superlungs My Supergirl,” which gave Reid his musical moniker. His 1973 album “River” incorporated earthier, slinkier grooves and became a favorite among musicians.
The singer’s reputation earned praise from music legends. In 1968, Aretha Franklin reportedly stated there were only three significant musical acts in England: the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Terry Reid. Reid’s songs were covered by numerous artists, including The Hollies, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Cheap Trick, Marianne Faithfull, and Jack White’s band The Raconteurs.
During the 1980s, Reid transitioned from solo artist to session musician, collaborating with stars including Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, and Jackson Browne. His classic recordings were later featured in films including “Days of Thunder,” “Wonderland,” and Rob Zombie’s “The Devil’s Rejects,” introducing his music to new generations.
Following news of Reid’s death, tributes poured in from the music community. Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant posted on Instagram, remembering their teenage years crashing each other’s gigs and praising Reid’s voice, range, and charisma. Plant noted that Reid catapulted him into an intense new world that Reid chose to decline.
Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa described Reid as one of the greatest to ever perform and called him a beautiful person and soul. Rick Springfield, known for “Jessie’s Girl,” posted his own tribute, calling Reid one of the absolute top voices in rock music and referencing the Led Zeppelin connection.
Cleopatra Records released a statement describing Reid as more than a legend, noting his voice had rare magic that could shake a room or break hearts. The label emphasized that working with Reid was never just business but a pleasure, a lesson and often beautiful chaos.
Reid played his final live performance in September 2024 at the Half Moon in London. He released six solo studio albums and four live albums throughout his career, with his final album “The Other Side of the River” appearing in 2016. Reid is survived by his wife Annette.
