American musician Alan Merrill dies at age 69 in New York earlier today, March 29, due to coronavirus.
In a Facebook post by Laura Merrill, Alan's daughter, she says, "the coronavirus took my father this morning". She explains that she was given 2 minutes to say her goodbyes before being rushed out, describing her father as seemingly "peaceful". Laura also shared in the post that when she left, "there was still a glimmer of hope that he wouldn't be a ticker on the right-hand side of the CNN/Fox News screen".
The post goes on to express disbelief as she received the sad news. Laura then adds that she just took Alan's portrait for his new album and texted with him.
Laura also shares how the vocalist and songwriter "played down the 'cold' he thought he had."
She then begged the people to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously. Laura then says in the post, "You don't think it'll happen to you or your strong family. It has."
She then reveals that because of her exposure to her father, she also has to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Joan Jett, fellow American rock icon and frontwoman of "Joan Jett & the Blackhearts", wrote on her Twitter page upon learning of Alan Merrill's passing, expressing her "thoughts and love" to the family and friends of Alan as well as to the whole music community. She also shared "watching The Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me". Joan Jett & the Blackhearts would popularize The Arrows original "I Love Rock n' Roll", co-written and performed by Alan Merrill himself.
"With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side," Joan wrote.
While largely known for his songwriting and vocals, Alan Merrill also played keyboards, harmonica, guitar, and bass on separate occasions. Before launching his music career in London, he is widely credited as the first Westerner to become a certified pop star in Japan, releasing the hit single "Namida" (Teardrops) in 1969.
Alan Merrill also appeared in the TV show "Jikan Desuyo" and in "Young 720", and would be a model for Japanese brands Nissan, Jun clothing, Non-no, and GT jeans.
It was in 1974 when Merril formed The Arrows and became its lead vocals and bassist, together with guitarist Jake Hooker and drummer Paul Varley. Aside from releasing singles and studio albums, The Arrows also starred in their youth-oriented series of the same name. Although they were the only band in modern music history to have their weekly TV show, the band was not able to release any new singles. The Arrows disbanded shortly after the end of their show's second season.
He would then release multiple studio albums with The McCoys founder Rick Derringer before going on a solo career from the 1980s. His most recent works include "Demo Graphic" in 2016, "On A Blue Avenue" in 2017, and "Radio Zero" just last year.
Alan Merrill's passing is the latest in the increasing death toll due to coronavirus. Music personalities such as Jazz legend and "Soul Makossa" legend Manu Dibango, as well as RIOT's original guitarist Lou Kouvaris have also died due to the coronavirus disease.
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