Rock Legend Paul Revere Dies at 76

Paul Revere, the leader and namesake of the popular 60s group Paul Revere & the Raiders, has died at the age of 76.

While no cause of death has been revealed, Revere had been in poor health for the past year and announced his retirement from music back in July. The keyboardist founded the group in the late 50s along with lead singer Mark Lindsay. The Raiders, known for wearing Revolutionary War uniforms on stage, had a number of hits during their heyday including “Kicks” and “Indian Reservation”. Paul disclosed his health issues when he retired in July, saying that having to leave the band “breaks my heart. But the truth is, The Raiders kick major butt with or without me.”

While Mark Lindsay left in the mid-1970s, Revere (which was his real name) carried the band all the way through to his departure. The rest of the group’s current incarnation has carried on since their leader’s retirement, and members announced Revere’s passing via Facebook earlier today.

Prominent promoter and disc jockey Roger Hart released a statement on the group’s website memorializing the rock legend. “On October 4th, 2014 an incredible ride came to the end, As Rock and Roll Band Leader Paul Revere died peacefully at his home in Idaho, a small estate overlooking a tranquil river canyon. He was 76,” Hart’s statement read. “He invested in his beloved state, and continued to live there until his death, with his wife of 35 years, Sydney Revere.”

Paul’s former bandmate, Phil Volk, also commented on his friend’s passing, saying “It’s a very sad day for the Raider legacy…. my heart is broken….He was a dear friend of mine.”

“He was a good man with a great big heart, and he dedicated his life to his band for the past five decades… He will truly be missed in the rock & roll world, and by his friends who loved him as I did… He was an original, ‘the genuine article’ – one of a kind – and his accomplishments need to be touted and celebrated”, Volk said.

Another former bandmate of Paul’s, Jim Valley, said simply, “Bless his musical humorous soul!!!”

News of Revere’s death comes following a number of prominent 60s and 70s musicians passing in the past couple of years, including legendary drummer Levon Helm, folk icon Pete Seeger and Rock N’ Roll trailblazer Phil Everly.

Paul Revere’s Raiders will continue to tour through the end of the year and recently announced a string of dates for January.