Crazy Cavan, UK Rock 'N' Roll Rebel Dead At 70

Cavan Grogan, of Crazy Cavan 'N' The Rhythm Rockers, died on February 15 at age 70.

The surviving members confirmed his death on their official website stating “It is with great sadness we have to tell you that Cavan passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday 15th February 2020”.

Crazy Cavan 'N' The Rhythm Rockers originally formed in 1964 under the name of Count Dracula and the Vampires. The band originally featured Cavan on vocals, Lyndon Needs on lead guitar, Terry Walley on rhythm guitar and Gerald Bishop on drums.

In 1968 they changed their name to The Sundogs. Then in 1973, after drummer Mike Coffey replaced Gerald Bishop, they changed their name to Crazy Cavan 'N' The Rhythm Rockers. They also formed their own record label, Crazy Rhythm Records, in 1973 and went on to release 15 albums.

Originally gaining popularity in the 1950’s, the Teddy Boy culture saw young men in the UK sporting sideburns and drape jackets. Their music of choice was rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly & country music from the U.S. deep south.

**The band striking a pose in the 70’s.**

Crazy Cavan was one of the pioneers in the early seventies of the Teddy Boy/Rockabilly revival in the United Kingdom. His band was preceded by Shakin Stevens & The Sunsets then by Matchbox in the middle of the decade.

Their music and live performances made them the standard bearers of UK rockabilly until the late 70’s when bands like Stray Cats, The Meteors, Polecats and Breathless (Cavan’s brothers Colin and Pat were members) came into the scene.

The Rhythm Rockers toured tirelessly all over the world to their devoted fans for over five decades, performing shows and festivals around the UK and Europe. They performed live right up until last month with their last show taking place on January 18 at the Annual Rockers Reunion in Reading where the band had closed the show for more than 35 years.

Cavan had three children - Lee, Lucy and Joe and four brothers - Bryan, Colin, Lloyd and Pat.

Fans wanting to send a card or letter of condolence can email: louisecrazycavan@aol.com marking the subject as “Cavan Card”