Jerry Watt has died at age 69. Picture: Deesquared
Leader of The Rockets, Jerry Watt, 69, died on Thursday February 9 after battling cancer.
Watt was the leader and only original member of The Rockets for more than 52 years. Weeks before his death, his wife Allison, also announced that the band will no longer be. According to IOL Entertainment, Ms Watt said the closing of the band was her husband’s dying wish.
On Sunday February 12, The Rockets hosted a farewell show at GrandWest’s Hanover Street, in honour of Watt.
Tributes poured in on social media following news of his death, and Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais was among those who honoured him.
“Mr Watt started out as a 13-year-old member of the Fantastics, which consisted of five teenagers from Bonteheuwel who were passionate about music. In 1971, he 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 have become an integral part of the local music scene, with a loyal and dedicated fanbase,” she said in a statement.
“Jerry was a true local legend. He was a pioneer in the South African industry and was loved and highly regarded as a timeless part of Cape Town’s rich musical heritage. We are thankful for all that Jerry did for the local music industry and in paving the way for other artists. Our condolences go to Jerry’s family, friends and all those who worked with him over the years. His death marks the end of an era in our musical history, but his legacy will live on for many years to come.”
On social media, The Rockets lead vocalist Manuel Cayden Losper said, “We were a mean team.” And singer Alistair Izobel, said, “A legend has fallen.”