Beloved British Musician and a Founding member of the Legendary band Smokie, Terry Uttley, passed away at the age of 70. The band, which has been active since the 1960s, gained a loyal following after releasing music in the soft rock and glam rock genres.
The musician stood on a stage just six months before his death. Fans are still in shock that their favorite artist left them so quickly. So, Let’s Take a look at his Life as a Professional Musician, a Beloved Husband, Supportive Friend, and a Father.
Terry Uttley, Smokie Band Member, Passes Away at 70 After a Brief Illness
December 16, 2021 – Terry Uttley, a prominent figure in the British music scene and member of the band Smokie, has passed away at the age of 70. The sad news was confirmed by the band in an official statement. Uttley’s death came after a short illness, although the specific nature of the illness was not disclosed.
Friends and bandmates expressed their profound sadness and paid tribute to Uttley, praising him as a wonderful person, musician, and loving father.
“It is with very heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes that we share the news that our beloved friend and bandmate, Terry, has passed away after a short illness.
Steve, Martin, Mick, and Pete, the members of Smokie, were devastated by his sudden and unexpected passing. They emphasized their gratitude for having shared a long lifetime and stage with him, and extended their condolences to all who knew and were touched by Terry. The management of the band requested privacy for the family and band members during this difficult time.
We all feel extremely lucky to have shared such a long lifetime and the stage with him. Peace and love to all who knew Terry, and those he touched. We will miss him dearly.
Terry Uttley’s contributions to the music industry were significant, particularly through his involvement with Smokie. The band, formed in the 1960s, gained a loyal following with their soft rock and glam rock music. They achieved chart success both in the UK and internationally, with hits such as “Living Next Door to Alice,” “If You Think You Know How to Love Me,” and “Oh Carol.”
Terry Uttley’s passing marks the end of an era for Smokie, as he was the last remaining original member actively performing with the band. His death has left a void in the music world and has deeply saddened fans worldwide.
A British Rock Band with Hit Songs and Line-up Changes
Founded in 1964, Terry Uttley played a key role in forming the band
Smokie originally spelled Smokey, is an English rock band hailing from Bradford, Yorkshire. The group rose to prominence with their collaboration with songwriters Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes but remained active in the music industry, continuously touring.
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Terry Uttley, along with Chris Norman and Alan Silson, formed Smokie in 1964. The band gained widespread fame in the UK and Australia, primarily for their hit song “Living Next Door to Alice.” This single reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 1 on the Australian singles chart. Other successful tracks include “If You Think You Know How to Love Me,” “Oh Carol,” “Lay Back in the Arms of Someone,” and “I’ll Meet You at Midnight.”
Joining and During in the Band
Terry officially joined Smokie in June 1968, replacing Arthur Higgins, who had left the band to pursue further education. During that time, the group made their first TV appearance on Yorkshire Television’s show “Calendar.” A year later, they performed two songs for the BBC show “High Jinx.”
In 1983, Terry Uttley’s final music appearance with Smokie occurred when he collaborated with bandmates Alan Alison and Chris Norman, along with Agnetha Fältskog, on the track “Once Burned Twice Shy” from her album “Wrap Your Arms Around Me.”
After a period of hiatus in 1983, with band members pursuing their individual musical careers, Smokie made a comeback in 1989 and reunited on stage. Prior to his death, Terry Uttley was the last remaining original member actively featured with the band.
Terry Uttley Early Life and the Beginning of His Career
Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, Terry Uttley had a passion for music from an early age
Terry Uttley, the renowned musician and bass guitarist, passed away at the age of 70. He was born on June 9, 1951, in Bradford, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Growing up in a town known for its Victorian architecture and as the “woolen capital of the world,” Terry was drawn to the vibrant music scene of his small hometown.
Despite his father’s hopes for him to join the family printing business, Terry pursued his love for music
Despite his father’s desire for Terry to follow in his footsteps and become a printer, the young musician had other plans. At the age of 11, Terry picked up a guitar for the first time and embarked on lessons. However, formal instruction did not resonate with him, leading him to abandon them shortly after.
The Formation of The Yen and Early Performances
Terry Uttley joined forces with friends to establish The Yen, a rock band with growing popularity
In 1965, Terry Uttley teamed up with his Catholic school friends Alan Silson, Ron Kelly, and Chris Norman to form a rock band called The Yen. They made their debut performance in February of that same year at a concert held within their educational institution.
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From there, the band underwent a series of name changes, briefly adopting monikers such as The Sphynx and Essence. Terry Uttley and his bandmates began performing at various venues in Bradford, gradually gaining a local following.
The Elizabethans and Terry Uttley’s Return
Terry temporarily stepped away from The Yen but later rejoined as The Elizabethans
Amidst their early years, Terry Uttley temporarily left The Yen to focus on his education. During his two-year absence, he was replaced by Arthur Higgins. However, in 1968, Terry returned to the band’s lineup, which had undergone a name change and was now known as The Elizabethans.
Professional Career
From collaborations and album releases to chart-topping hits, Terry Uttley’s journey with Smokie spanned decades
Terry Uttley, the legendary musician and founding member of the English rock band Smokie, left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a career that spanned over six decades, Terry contributed to the band’s success through collaborations, album releases, and chart-topping hits. His dedication to music and his unwavering commitment to Smokie shaped the band’s trajectory.
Collaborations and the Early Years
Steve Rowland’s offer and Albert Hammond’s involvement added new dimensions to Smokie’s musical journey
In their early years, Smokie caught the attention of Steve Rowland, who heard the band performing live on Radio One Club. Impressed by their talent, Rowland offered to sign them to his production business. As part of this collaboration, Rowland arranged for Albert Hammond, a member of Family Dogg, to create a song for Smokie. However, the song titled “It Never Rains In Southern California” was eventually recorded by Hammond himself.
Despite setbacks and challenges within Rowland’s organization, Smokie continued to work on new material. They recorded a single, “You Ring a Bell”/”Have You Met Angela,” which unfortunately was never released due to various issues.
“If You Think You Know How to Love Me” and other hits propelled Smokie to new heights
Smokie’s second album, “Changing All the Time,” released on September 22, 1975, marked a turning point in their career. The album featured the smash hit “If You Think You Know How to Love Me,” which climbed to No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and garnered significant success across Europe. The band followed up with another hit, “Don’t Play Your Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me,” further solidifying their presence in the music industry.
In 2010, Smokie experienced a resurgence in chart success with the release of “Take a Minute,” an album featuring all-new material. The album reached number three on the Danish Albums Chart when it debuted in Denmark, demonstrating the band’s enduring appeal.
Terry Uttley’s Contribution and Legacy
The last remaining founding member of Smokie, Terry Uttley’s active involvement shaped the band’s identity
Terry Uttley’s unwavering commitment to Smokie played a vital role in their success and longevity. Throughout their six-decade history, Terry and the band released approximately 21 albums, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Hits such as “Living Next Door To Alice,” “If You Think You Know How To Love Me,” and “Oh Carol” topped charts worldwide, solidifying Smokie’s place in music history.
Sadly, Terry Uttley passed away on December 16, 2021, at the age of 70. His contributions to Smokie, both as a musician and founding member, will forever be remembered as part of the band’s enduring legacy.
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Terry Uttley’s successful career with Smokie contributed to his estimated net worth
Throughout his career, Terry Uttley accumulated a net worth estimated to be around $3 million. His livelihood stemmed from his involvement with the legendary English band Smokie. Their debut album, “Pass It Around,” marked the beginning of their rise to prominence.
Over the years, Smokie released numerous albums, and their chart-topping tracks captivated audiences worldwide.
Terry Uttley was a Married man
Terry Uttley married Shirly Uttley in 1975, Terry and Shirly Uttley were blessed with two daughters, Holly and Lisa, who brought joy and happiness to their lives. The couple’s love extended to their grandchildren, and continued to grow, with four great-grandchildren.
However, Shirley, Terry’s beloved wife, passed away on November 17, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Terry himself passed away just four weeks after the death of his wife, Shirley.
