Terry Sullivan (drummer)
Terry Sullivan | |
|---|---|
Sullivan in 1979 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 22 July 1938 |
| Died | 9 January 2026 (aged 87) |
| Genres | Progressive rock |
| Instruments | Drums, vocals |
| Years active | 1960s–2026 |
| Formerly of | Renaissance |
Terence Sullivan (22 July 1938 – 9 January 2026) was a British drummer. He is best known for being a member of the classic lineup of progressive rock band Renaissance.
Career
In the 1960s, Sullivan was a member of the psych rock band Dry Ice, who toured with The Who, Pink Floyd, Spooky Tooth, King Crimson and The Groundhogs. They released one single in 1969.[1] Sullivan cited Ringo Starr, Keith Moon and Mitch Mitchell as influences.[2]
Sullivan joined Renaissance in 1972. He played on seven albums before he and John Tout left in 1980, after the release of Azure d'Or.[1] For a few years afterwards, he kept a low profile and spent more time with his children, before forming the Good ol' Boys with Nick Simper from Deep Purple, Peter Parks from Warhorse and Ali McKenzie from The Birds.[1][2]
Sullivan reformed Renaissance with Annie Haslam and Michael Dunford in 1998, and remained in this incarnation until it ended in 2002.[1] In 2005, he released a solo album, South of Winter, under the name Renaissant, which featured lyrics by Renaissance lyricist Betty Newsinger, keyboards by John Tout, and vocals by Terry's wife Christine.[2][3]
Death
Terry died after a short illness on 9 January 2026, aged 87.[4][5] At the time of his death, Sullivan was married to his wife, Christine, and had two children and a grandchild.[1] His son, Lee, is also a drummer.[4]
His death was announced by Renaissance singer Annie Haslam, who is now the only living member of the classic lineup.[1]
Discography
Renaissance
- Prologue (1972)
- Ashes Are Burning (1973)
- Turn of the Cards (1974)
- Scheherazade and Other Stories (1975)
- Novella (1977)
- A Song for All Seasons (1978)
- Azure d'Or (1979) - includes the Sullivan/Thatcher composition "Forever Changing", which was also released as the B-side of the single "Jekyll and Hyde"
- Tuscany (2001)
Renaissant
- South of Winter (2005)
Track listing:
| Title | Lyrics | Music | Vocals |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Carry Me Home" | Betty Newsinger | Terence Sullivan/Lee Sullivan/John Tout | Christine Sullivan |
| "Alone" | Terence Sullivan | Terence Sullivan | |
| "Burning Bridges" | Betty Newsinger | Terence Sullivan/John Tout | |
| "Cold flames" | Terence Sullivan | Terence Sullivan | |
| "Dove" | Terence Sullivan | Christine Sullivan | |
| "Morning" | |||
| "Careless" | Terence Sullivan | ||
| "The sun also sets" | Betty Newsinger | Terence Sullivan/John Tout | Christine Sullivan |
| "South of winter" |
References
- ^ a b c d e f Lewrypublished, Fraser (2026-01-10). "Renaissance drummer Terry Sullivan has died". Louder. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ a b c "Get Ready to ROCK! Interview with Terry Sullivan, drummer with progressive rock band Renaissance". www.getreadytorock.com. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ "Interview with TERRY SULLIVAN". DMME.net. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ a b Epstein, Dmitry M. (2026-01-10). "Terry Sullivan Of Renaissance Passed Away". DMME.net. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ Linder, Brian (2026-01-11). "Beloved '70s rock star dead at 87. Here's what we know". pennlive. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
External links
- Terry Sullivan discography at Discogs