Tributes have been paid to Joe Murphy, bassist of rock band Koopa, who made history in 2007 by becoming the first unsigned act to reach the UK Top 40 through digital sales alone
07:57, 07 Jul 2026Updated 08:00, 07 Jul 2026
Koopa made history by becoming the first ever band to reach the UK Top 40 through digital sales alone(Image: Getty)
A young musician has died at the age of just 46. Chart-topping bassist Joe Murphy was a member of rock group Koopa, established by Joe alongside brothers Stu and Ollie Cooper in the early 2000s.
Joe was the band’s bassist, vocalist and producer. His heartbroken sister confirmed his passing on Facebook, posting: “For those who knew him, it breaks my heart to say that my big brother, Joe Murphy has passed away. Love you big bro.”
In 2007, Koopa created history by becoming the first band to crack the UK Top 40 purely through digital downloads and the first act to secure a charting single while remaining unsigned to any record label. From 2004 to 2007, Koopa performed throughout the UK and released two singles via Mad Cow Records including No Trend, which climbed to No. 71 on the UK Singles Chart, reports the Express.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to the musician(Image: Getty)
They released Stand Up 4 England, a World Cup-themed track which appeared on the 2006 re-release of England (The Album). In 2007, their single Blag, Steal & Borrow entered at number 31. That same year, the group supported at the Isle of Wight Festival.
The band claimed two awards at the Glasswerk New Music Awards in 2007. In June 2021, Joe was caught up in a devastating car crash after having a cardiac arrest while behind the wheel. Following the crash on Mersea Road, Colchester, he was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening state and remained in intensive care for some time.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Joe, with Essex band The Broken Johnny’s posting: “Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of local legend Joe Murphy from the band Koopa.”
“Grew up with these guys and saw them supporting Special Duties at Colchester Arts Centre before they went off to America. May Joe Rest In Peace now.”
Essex Rocks Creative CIC shared: “We’ve left it for a few days so everyone can digest the sad information that our friend Joe Murphy has passed on.”
“Joe and his band Koopa were a massive part of our formative years as promoters in the mid 2000s and we feel privileged to have known him on a personal level and worked with him as a musician. Keep playing those riffs Joe. We love you.”
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