Alan Merrill, the songwriter behind the seminal track ‘I Love Rock ‘n Roll’ has passed away. The musician was best known as the frontman of ’70s act The Arrows. His death was confirmed by his daughter Laura on Sunday morning, who confirmed that he passed due to COVID-19.
“The Coronavirus took my father this morning. I was given 2 minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out. He seemed peaceful and as I left there was still a glimmer of hope that he wouldn’t be a ticker on the right-hand side of the CNN/Fox News screen,” she wrote.
“By the time I got in the doors to my apartment I received the news that he was gone. How could this be? I was just at his show a couple of weeks ago. I had just photographed his portrait for his new album. Texted with him earlier.”
It has been reported that the musician had not been ill prior to contracting COVID-19, and had performed shows in New York with his band The Alan Merrill Extravaganza just weeks prior to his death.
Merrill was born Alan Sachs in The Bronx, New York. He relocated to London in 1974 where he formed The Arrows. The band produced a slew of hits including ‘Touch Too Much’ and ‘My Night With You’. They also had their own weekly television segment before their disbandment in 1977.
“I’ve just learned of the awful news that Alan Merrill has passed,” shared Joan Jett in a statement.”My thoughts and love go to his family, friends and music community as a whole.
“I can still remember watching the ARROWS on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me.
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“With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side.”
Watch: ‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ – Alan Merrill
