John Du Cann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Du Cann
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| Birth name | John William Cann |
| Born | 2 June 1946 Leicester, England |
| Died | 21 September 2011 (aged 65) Norwich, Norfolk, England |
| Genres | Hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock, psychedelic rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Cello |
| Years active | 1960s–2011 |
| Associated acts | The Attack, Andromeda, Atomic Rooster, Hard Stuff, Francis Rossi, Thin Lizzy |
John William Cann (born June 2, 1946 – died September 21, 2011) was an English guitarist. He was best known by his stage name John Du Cann. He became famous for his work in the 1970s band Atomic Rooster.
Contents
John Du Cann's Musical Journey
Early Bands and Atomic Rooster
John Du Cann started his music career in the 1960s. He played in early bands like The Sonics and The Attack. The Attack released a song called "Hi Ho Silver Lining".
After that, he led a band named Andromeda. This band played psychedelic rock and progressive rock. Later, he was asked to join Atomic Rooster. He added his guitar parts and vocals to their first album.
John helped write many songs for Atomic Rooster. He wrote four songs for their album Death Walks Behind You (1970). He also wrote two songs for In Hearing of Atomic Rooster (1971). His biggest hit with the band was "Devil's Answer". This song reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1971. He left the band shortly after this success.
New Bands and Collaborations
After leaving Atomic Rooster, John formed a new band called Daemon. This band later changed its name to Bullet. Then, it became Hard Stuff. They released two albums that featured a strong guitar sound.
In 1974, John was a temporary guitarist for the famous band Thin Lizzy. He joined them for a tour in Germany. Around this time, his manager suggested he change his name. That's when John Cann became John Du Cann.
In 1977, John Du Cann worked with Francis Rossi from the band Status Quo. Francis Rossi helped produce John's album, The World's Not Big Enough. This album was not released until 1992. People described its sound as "Quo mixed with the Sex Pistols".
In September 1979, John Du Cann had another hit song. It was called "Don't Be A Dummy". This song reached number 33 on the UK Singles Chart. An early version of the song was used in a Lee Cooper Jeans television advertisement.
Later Years and Legacy
Reforming Atomic Rooster
In 1979, John Du Cann and Vincent Crane brought Atomic Rooster back together. They recorded a new album in 1980. They also had a short time with drummer Ginger Baker. Later, Paul Hammond returned as their drummer. The band released two more singles.
In 1981, Atomic Rooster played at the Reading Festival. John Du Cann could not make it, so another musician filled in. By late 1982, John decided to leave the band for good.
His Final Recordings
In the late 1990s, John started working with Angel Air Records. He helped organize and improve his old music recordings. He also helped put together new releases for the label.
John Du Cann's last studio recording was in 2000. He added guitar and vocals to an old song from 1980. The song was called "Broken Window". It was released on the Rarities CD.
Remembering John Du Cann
John Du Cann passed away at his home in Norwich on September 21, 2011. He died from a heart attack. After his death, his collection of 75 guitars and 30 amplifiers was sold. One of his old guitars sold for £6500. His mother received everything from his estate. He is buried at Greenacres Burial Ground. The first line of his hit song "Devil's Answer" is written on his gravestone.
