Calvin Hayes dead aged 63: Brit musician who co-founded Johnny Hates Jazz & made multi-platinum album collapses at home
BRIT musician Calvin Hayes who co-founded 80s hit band Johnny Hates Jazz was tragically found dead at his home, aged 63 yesterday.
The talented keyboardist, drummer and heartthrob collapsed at his US property.
The hit group achieved major international success with 1988 album Turn Back the Clock, which topped the UK charts.
They enjoyed a popular reunion in 2010.
The star’s dad was Mickie Most, a prominent British record producer who worked with major artists in the 60s and 70s including cult group Hot Chocolate.
Hayes also found fame working alongside pin-up Kim Wilde, who he dated.
He appeared as part of her promotional band and featured on the sleeve artwork of her self-titled debut album, released in 1981.
Kim recalled in a 1988 interview that she had known Hayes since recording Kids in America, noting they first got involved at a family party.
Pin-up Kim said: “We have fallen for each other totally. I can tell everybody that it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.
“He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
“I have never really liked talking about my love life but there have been so many rumours about me recently that I decided it was best to get it all out in the open.
“We always got on well, ever since he played drums in my first band seven years ago.
“And that’s why our love affair is stronger than most couples.
“We know that we have got a lot in common. I think that’s why we both know it will last.”
Hayes co-founded Johnny Hates Jazz in 1986 with singer Clark Datchler and bassist Mike Nocito.
The band self-produced their work and gained international recognition with their 1987 single Shattered Dreams, which reached the Top 10 in multiple countries including the US.
Turn Back the Clock achieved multi-platinum status and produced four consecutive UK Top 20 singles: I Don’t Want to Be a Hero, Turn Back the Clock and Heart of Gold alongside Shattered Dreams.
At the peak of their success after the first album, Datchler left the band.
Hayes and Nocito continued, recruiting Phil Thornalley as vocalist for the second album Tall Stories, though its release was delayed by a near-fatal car crash that kept Hayes in a body cast for nearly a year.
Johnny Hates Jazz appeared on Top of the Pops eight times between May 1987 and March 1988.
Hayes maintained a low profile in music for much of the 1990s and early 2000s.
They regrouped for a nostalgia arena tour.
The band performed multiple live shows across Europe and Southeast Asia during their comeback.
Hayes departed the group shortly after these performances for personal reasons.
Hayes and Wilde remained good friends since their initial collaboration in the early 1980s.
He tragically died in Spokane, Washington.
His death was confirmed by his grieving wife Kathy.
A pal said: “He was the sound of the 80s and a super talented man. He will be greatly missed.”