The Rockets Frontman Jerry Watt, 69, has died. Let’s see more details about Jerry Watt and his cause of death in detail.
What happened to Jerry Watt? How did he die?
The Rockets Frontman Jerry Watt died at the age of 69 year old. Watt died on Thursday evening, surrounded by family, after a battle with cancer. The large growth which formed in his stomach was first removed in June 2022 and then returned in January when he was forced to do another operation.
It was not clear as to what the diagnosis was last year but his wife Allison Watt, last week, revealed to IOL Entertainment, that doctors had finally diagnosed him with cancer.
Thanking fans for their support, Allison told IOL Entertainment, “We, the family, want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love during this time.”
Tyger Burger reported the demise of Frontman of the rocker’s band.
Capetians woke up this morning to the sad news that one of their beloved musical stars, Jerry Watt, has passed away. Watt, the leader of the ever-popular band The Rockets, died of cancer yesterday.
Kapenaars het vanoggend wakker geword met die hartseer nuus dat een van hul geliefde musikale ster, Jerry Watt, oorlede is.
Watt, die leier van die immergewilde The Rockets-orkes het gister aan kanker beswyk.
Hy was 69.https://t.co/CK9MEaUN4U | @ruitervaniewind
— TygerBurger (@TygerBurger) February 10, 2023
Watt’s Cause of death
Watt died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday night at his home after a Cancer Battle. He was 69 years old. After months of battling stage four soft tissue cancer, Watt was released from the hospital where he had a second tumor removed in less than a year.
In a statement on social media, his family said Watt “fought a brave fight right ’til the end”.
“His legacy will live on forever through his music. We will miss him dearly,” the statement continued. “As Jerry always said, ‘let the music play’.”
Who was Jerry Watt?
He started out as a 13-year-old member of the Fantastic, which consisted of five teenagers from Bonteheuwel who were passionate about music. In 1971, Jerry joined The Rockets, who shot to fame in the late 1970s and later performed with international acts such as Usher, Luther Vandross, and the Spice Girls.
The Rockets had played music for 52 years, with Watt as a member throughout. The Rockets are known for their old-school music taste. They have built thousands of fans from various generations over the years of existence.
We’ve had a blast: The Rockets call it quits as Jerry Watt is ill
Jerry Watts’s Wife announced that her husband is terminally ill and quits the band. Here is a glimpse of what you can see,
| The South African music industry was rocked by the news that one of its most iconic bands, The Rockets, is calling it quits after more than 50 years of existence. IOL Entertainment can reveal that Jerry Watt, the band leader of 52 years, is terminally ill. The 69-year-old guitarist has been diagnosed with stage 4 soft tissue cancer and is spending his final days at home in Cape Town surrounded by his family. His wife of 30 years, Allison, who is also the band manager, told IOL that the decision to split the band comes on the back of Jerry’s diagnosis. Allison said: “The reason why we suddenly announced the closing of the band was that we came from the hospital yesterday [Tuesday] and the doctor said Jerry is no longer fit to play in the band or perform. “When we got home, I made the decision to announce the closing on social media, with a note of the final show happening on February 12.” She adds: “Jerry said that when he is no longer able to perform, we must end the band. “All good things must come to an end, he’s spent 52 years with the band. “He’s had the ups and downs, held it together, he invested money, blood, sweat, and tears, and so this is his wish. “Of course, the band members can still continue their work under another name but it won’t be The Rockets anymore. It’s like when Freddie Mercury died, Queen doesn’t perform anymore.” |
THE ROCKETS’ CLEAN-LIVING AND STABLE MR FANTASTIC
Guitarist Jerry Watt is best known for being the face of The Rockets, a group he has been part of – continuously – for about 48 years.
He wasn’t always a “Rocket Man”. The ever-reliable, clean-living Gerald Watt started his music career as a 13-year-old with a group called The Fantastic. That was way back in 1968.
So this year marks Jerry’s 50th year in showbiz, as it were. It has been 50 years of unblemished service to South Africa’s music lovers (the drug bust in the ’70s doesn’t count, but more about that later).
He put together a marvelous tribute last year to mark The Rockets’ 50 years in existence, but Jerry didn’t join the group until late 1971 when The Fantastic folded after a horrendous tour.
Tributes poured on Social Media
The Rocketers South Africa Posted
Jerry Watt, leader of The Rockets, husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather passed away tonight surrounded by family. He fought a brave battle right ’til the end. His legacy will live on forever through his music. We will miss him dearly. As Jerry always said “Let the music play” The Rocket’s farewell concerts will go ahead as per his wishes. #Letthemusicplay.
Daily Voice Posted
The Rockets Frontman Jerry Watt dies at age 69. Condolences poured in as the news broke of the death of The Rockets Frontman, Jerry Watt.
RIP Jerry Watt so many lekke memories jolling on the Rockets songs.
— Anthony B S 🇿🇦 (@Absteen1) February 10, 2023
Kevin Bennett Posted
What a legacy! Used music to set us, our parents, and our families free. The smiles, the laughter, dancing, and joy in the midst of oppression. Rest in peace Jerry Watt. May your name be known and your story is told.
Keep Reading,
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.