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July 17, 2026

John Waddington dies age 63 as tributes pour in for The Pop Group star

The specific details surrounding John’s passing have not been disclosed at this time, allowing his loved ones and fans to process the news with the utmost sensitivity.

John’s journey as a musician began at the tender age of 17 when he formed his first band, The Boyfriends, where he showcased his talent as a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. Shortly thereafter, he joined forces with other like-minded musicians to create The Pop Group in Bristol in 1977. They burst onto the scene with their debut album, “Y,” which unveiled their unique sound and captivating style.

As a guitarist for The Pop Group during their “Y” and “For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?” eras, John’s contributions were invaluable. Alongside bassist Simon Underwood, guitarist/saxophonist Gareth Sager, and drummer Bruce Smith, he helped shape the band’s distinct sound and dynamic performances.

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It is with heavy hearts that we mourn John’s passing, which follows the loss of Mark Stewart, the lead singer and founding member of The Pop Group, just two months ago. The band released an official statement, expressing that Mark’s essence lives on eternally, as death is merely a transformation into a different form of existence.

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