(CelebrityAccess) — Pete Overend Watts, bassist and founding member of the UK rock band Mott the Hoople, has died. He was 69.
According to the BBC, Watts died on Jan. 25th from complications of throat cancer.
Peter Purnell, a spokesman for Angel Air Records, described Watts to the BBC as a “highly intelligent and witty man who throughout his adult life was both an immensely likeable character and an enigma”.
Watts played in several previous configurations of Mott the Hoople before the band found its stride and the name that it was best known by. He, along with fellow founder Dale "Buffin" Griffin, were the only two constants in the band, then known as The British Lions, until they dissolved in 1980.
They scored hits such as "All the Young Dudes", "Rock and Roll Queen" and "Sweet Jane."
Following the breakup of the lions, Watts went on to produce records, working with artists such Hanoi Rocks and Dumb Blondes. –
In 2009, Watts rejoined his fellow bandmates for a 5-show reunion at the Hammersmith Apollo.
Watts is survived by his sister Jane, the BBC said. – Staff Writers
