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Smokie Bassist Terry Uttley’s Sudden Death at 70 Confirmed

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We are sad to announce that the bass-wielding soul of SMOKIE, the bass guitarist Terry Uttley died at the age of 70. He passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, and one of his friends confirmed his death news one day later, on December 18.

Sadly, nothing officially has been reported confirming Terry Uttley’s cause of death, but he reportedly died after battling a short-time illness. DJ Pete Best wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P. Terence David Uttley 9th June 1951-16th Dec 2021 It is with very heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes that we share the news that our beloved friend and bandmate, Terry, has passed away after a short illness. Thanks for the music Terry R.I.P. Friend – Pete Best @Smokie_music.”

US day News doesn’t confirm or refuse this reason for his death, but we are waiting for more official information, so stay with us.

When his wife Shirley had gotten sick, Terry dived into cancer-related charities, and after his wife, Shirley passed away on November 17, 2021, he followed his love, on December 17. Terry struggled to imagine carrying on living without the love of his life, despite the ensemble’s concert beginning to be lined up.

Terry Uttley has died at 70
Musician Terry Uttley has reportedly died of an illness at the age of 70

Terry Utley was one of the members of the band Smokie. He shared the stories behind Smokie hits “Don’t Play Your Rock and Roll To Me,” “It’s Your Life” and “Living Next Door To Alice” and more.

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More Details about Smokie Band

Smokie (Smokey) is an English rock band from Bradford, Yorkshire. The band started working after teaming up with Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn. It was composed of Terry Uttley (bass/vocals), Chris Norman (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Alan Silson (lead guitar/vocals), and Ron Kelly (drums).

Terry Uttley joined the group as a replacement for Arthur Higgins in June 1968, who had left the band in order to carry on his education. On December 9, 1968, the band had their first TV appearance on Yorkshire Television’s news and magazine show Calendar.

In 1983, band members Terry Uttley, Alan Silson, Chris Norman collaborated with Agnetha Fältskog, singing together on the track “Once Burned Twice Shy” from her first English solo album Wrap Your Arms Around Me.

The band claimed that it was on the flight to record this song in Sweden that they decided to part ways. Chris Norman started his solo career and Terry Uttley went on to play bass for several other groups including Peter Goalby and John Coghlan (ex Status Quo drummer).


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Reactions to Terry Uttley’s Death

Several fans, friends, and supporters reacted and stated their condolences on social media websites following this tragic news.

One of his fans tweeted: “Shocked to hear that Terry Uttley the last of the original Smokie line up has died today. We shared many pints of tetleys at the crown at Horton bank top Bradford back in the 80s.”

Another wrote: “Devastated to hear of Terry Uttley’s passing. Only saw #Smokie in @GlenINECArena in Killarney the end of October. He was in great form on the night and we had a great night. Condolences to the #Smokie band members and Terry’s family and friends. Rip Terry.”

An online user wrote: “I am so sorry and shocked that the former and bassist of Smokie has passed. Looks like he has followed his wife Shirley who passed away a month ago. Thank you for the music, Terry. It was an honor to know you.”

Please kindly scroll down and use the comment box to share your feelings about the heartbreaking news for tributes and prayers. Please keep in mind that the family needs privacy; please respect them during this difficult time.

We are eagerly waiting to get your words if you have more information. More information will be updated as soon as we receive it.


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30 Comments

  1. Joern December 18, 2021

    I cannot believe that one of my heroes
    passed away forever.
    You‘ve made my life a lot better with
    your music.
    R.I.P best bassist in heaven!

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      Terry Uttley’s death has shocked many of us. He will rest in heaven.

      Reply
  2. Donna Sutherland December 18, 2021

    Such a gentle gentleman , well loved. And will be definitely missed. Love you always Terry xxxxx

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      His music and his legacy live forever. He will never be forgotten.

      Reply
  3. Sandro Rhyn December 19, 2021

    Oh, no, I can’t believe it… I am deeply dismayed and utterly saddened by this unexpected shock news. Terry, you were a gifted musician and, above all, a wonderful person and I am very lucky to met you personally many times and to chat with you about all kinds of things. The 1st time I saw you live with Smokie in 1978, when I was 13 years old, the last time I saw you live with Smokie in 2019. In between there are estimated to be over 200 gigs that I have attended… Now you have the left the stage forever and followed your beloved Shirley but deep in my heart you and your music will live on forever. I would like to express my condolences to your family, your friends and the band members and wish them all a lot of strength in this difficult time. R.I.P. T my friend, I miss you! 🙏🖤🎸🍷

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      We are all heartbroken about Terry Uttley’s death. He was a legend whose music lives forever. You had a great fortune that you had spent time with this wonderful man.

      Reply
  4. Chris December 19, 2021

    I am trouly sat of de lost of Terry uttley 😪😪😪

    Reply
  5. Debbie December 19, 2021

    I cannot believe this wonderful man has passed away.. so very, very sad.
    Terry…thank you for the music you will live on in my heart forever…your music got me through some very, very difficult times in my life and Smokie was the first concert I got to go to when you visited Tasmania Australia after recovering from a long illness… I saw your concert again in 2019 on your return tour. ..you not only played and sang so beautifully…you entertained as well… back with your loving wife, Shirley.
    Deepest Sympathy to Terry’s family. ..

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      Terry Uttley’s death has broken many hearts, and we all are shocked. Our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.

      Reply
  6. Brenda Kaye Heald December 19, 2021

    I knew Terry from the late 60’s early 70’s when by day he worked at Fields Printers then by night was in the Band first called the Elizabethan’s I believe then Smoke and the rest was history – so sad to hear of another great musician gone RIP Terry

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      Terry Uttley was an absolute legend, and his music lives forever. You had a great fortune that you knew him personally. Our condolences to you, his family, and his friends.

      Reply
  7. Estou devastada com a partida desse amigo ser humano chamado Terry Utley, sempre amáveis com seus amigos do Facebook e fans. Descanse em paz meu amigo agora você está feliz ao lado da sua esposa Shirley. Meus sentimentos à sua família.

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      Nuestras condolencias a su familia.

      Reply
  8. Paco December 19, 2021

    “..Sadly, nothing officially has been reported confirming Terry Uttley’s cause of death..”. …. Seems to be a lot of that going around. ‘Vaccine’? …… Shhhhhhhh

    Reply
  9. Ian Bundell December 19, 2021

    I’m so sorry to hear about the sad passing of Terry Uttely
    I’ve been a fan of Smokie since 1977 ,
    Thank you for all the music you did for all of us ,

    Reply
    1. US day News December 19, 2021

      So sorry for your loss, dear Ian Bundell. Terry Uttley’s death has broken many hearts. He will rest in peace.

      Reply
  10. Brian December 19, 2021

    Thanks for the amazing music. My favourite band. Loved growing up to Smokie.

    Reply
  11. Marie Richards December 21, 2021

    Terry’s Mum used to live in a place I used to be Scheme Manager for,I met him once,when I was going to visit the place and Terry was coming out,I shouted ‘Smokie’ (as I couldn’t just remember his name) he came across to chat with me,so down to earth,and a lovely friendly man.Glad I met him.R.I.P Terry lovely musician.God bless

    Reply
    1. US day News December 22, 2021

      You were really lucky that you had met him personally. Our condolences to you, his family, and friends.

      Reply
  12. Jozef Sebik December 21, 2021

    I grew up with SMOKIE as a teenager. I got all their albums in my collections. THE BEST FOR EVER !!! R.I.P. my friend Terry.

    Reply
    1. US day News December 22, 2021

      We are so sorry for your loss, dear Jozef Sebik. He was a real legend. Please accept our condolences.

      Reply
  13. Barry January 1, 2022

    So so sad….Just hope this isn’t the end of Smokie.

    Reply
  14. Lynn Hatcher January 6, 2022

    I am still in shock on hearing Terry had passed away. I know he was devastated when his beloved wife Shirley passed. They had been together a lot of year so understandable it would have hit him like a big rock to have lost her. But , what happened to you dear Terry.🥲🥲 We all loved you and your music and we are going to miss you more than you can imagine. Thinking of you always. Rest In Peace Terry 🥲🥲 You and Shirley are back together again. Do some good rocking up there..❤️💙

    Reply
    1. US day News January 6, 2022

      We are all heartbroken about Terry Uttley and his wife’s death. We miss him but his music lives forever.

      Reply
  15. Marj cookland January 24, 2022

    So so very sad another of my Legands gone loved SMOKIE the band from the 60sRIP Terry hope it isn’t the end of SMOKIE you brought me so much joy with your music and concerts Heartboken💔

    Reply
    1. US day News January 24, 2022

      Terry Uttley’s death has broken many hearts, but his music lives forever. We thank him for all the music he did.

      Reply
  16. jacek wozniak January 30, 2022

    wychowałem sie z grupą smokie i dzięki terremu zaczałem grac odpoczywaj w pokoju terry

    Reply
  17. Nicola November 22, 2022

    Love smokie terry musts lived up the road from me x

    Reply
  18. Vicki December 19, 2022

    I’m very shocked and saddened to hear of my beautiful friend Terry Uttley who has passed away last year. I’m Australian but met Terry first in a London club, in Kilburn in the 80’s where Smokie was playing. We ran into each other many times over the years and I’m such a fan of the group, Terry and I always had many long chats. He always treated me like a friend. We will miss you – you had a beautiful soul and are much loved by fans in all countries. R I P Condolences to Terry’s family.

    Reply
  19. Liz Fletcher - Hallock January 20, 2023

    My friend Kim and I ( Liz ) went to Europe and got front row seats to see Smokie in the 80’s and went to Ireland, in the 90’s, We are from Canada and Terry Uttley had amazing vocals and bass playing and he had a sense of humor. They were all amazing and We brought back a couple of albums. Friends of mine in Winnipeg loved the music. Still have those albums, today.

    Reply

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