Trevor Oakes, a founding member of 70s band Showaddywaddy has died at the age of 79, with tributes paid by one of his former bandmates
20:14, 28 Mar 2026Updated 20:14, 28 Mar 2026
Trevor Oakes was a founding member of Showaddywaddy(Image: Getty Images)
A music icon has died, with his former bandmate leading tributes. Trevor Oakes was a founding member of 70s glam rock band Showaddywaddy, responsible for number one hit Under the Moon of Love.
Oakes passed away at the age of 79 after a ‘long illness’ according to former Showaddywaddy lead singer, and now band manager, Dave Bartram.
Bartram said: “Trevor was a unique character and a dedicated professional, without whom the band would never have quite scaled the dizzy heights we seemed destined to achieve.
“He was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, which will be sadly missed by all those dear to him.
“ I could write a book about the incredible memories we’ve shared over the past fifty-seven years, but most of all I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unwavering friendship. Your true friend Dave.”
Oakes died at the age of 79(Image: Getty Images)
Showaddywaddy still tour but with only one of the original members still a part of the band.
Oakes was with the band from 1973 until 2009 and as well as playing guitar, served as one of the main songwriters alongside Bartram.
Two of his sons were professional footballers, with Steffan Oakes making appearances for Leicester City in the Premier League in the early 2000s.
Steffan’s brother Scott played more than 170 times for Luton Town in the 90s and also made an appearance for England U21s.
Showaddywaddy were best known for revivals of songs from the 50s and 60s but over the years, have spent a total of 209 weeks on the UK Singles Chart with 10 top ten singles.
Oakes retired from the band after a period of ill health, with his final gig taking place in December 2008, also the final show for original bass player Al James.
