The mastermind behind the iconic 1980s pop act Jive Bunny has died at the age of 84.
The creator of the cartoon rabbit John Pickles unfortunately passed away earlier this week, it was announced on Wednesday.
A heartfelt message from his loved ones that could be read online: ‘His creativity, vision and passion for music have influenced the lives and careers of so many people around the world. And for the most fortunate among us, he was Dad.”
Tributes poured in on social media, describing the late creator as “incredibly talented” and a “true pioneer in the music industry.”
John led a group of friends from Doncaster and Rotherham into history in 1989 when they reached number one with their third single.
They made the infamous Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers while Let’s Party climbed all the way to the top of the UK charts.
Their debut album Swing The Mood and hit parade That’s What I Like also became a hit.
John Pickles, the mastermind behind iconic 1980s pop act Jive Bunny, has died aged 84
The creator unfortunately passed away earlier this week, it was announced on Wednesday
John led a group of friends from Doncaster and Rotherham into history when they reached the number one spot with their third single (American singer Chubby Checker pictured with Jive Bunny)
Jive Benny became the only third act to reach No. 1 with their first three singles, following Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1964 and Frankie Goes to Hollywood in 1984 – and it took the shortest time to achieve the feat.
Mastermix said on Wednesday: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Pickles, founder and creator of The Music Factory Entertainment Group, Mastermix and Jive Bunny.
“John was a leader, an entrepreneur, a businessman and an incredibly talented songwriter.”
Family friend Rupert Lawes added: ‘Very sad to hear of the passing of John Pickles, founder of Music Factory and a true legend of the industry.
‘I had the pleasure of meeting John a few times when I worked for Music Factory in the early 1990s, and he was always such a nice, genuine guy.
He made a huge contribution to the music and DJ industry and will be greatly missed.”
