World-renowned guitar legend Bernie Tormé has passed away aged 66, on 17th March. Bernie‘s family made the announcement on his personal Facebook page, posting a photo of Bernie, with the heading “Bernie Tormey 18.3.1952 – 17.3.2019”.
Bernie had been battling double pneumonia for a while. He would have had his 67th birthday today.
Guitar legend, blues rock psychedelic shredmeister, glam punk sleaze rock frontman: Bernie Tormé enjoyed a long and remarkable career. Hit records, world tours and international acclaim came as lead guitarist in GILLAN. After which, Bernie stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne in the aftermath of guitar legend Randy Rhoads’ tragic death before going on to front ELECTRIC GYPSIES and Tormé. Teaming up with TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider and IRON MAIDEN’s drummer Clive Burr, Bernie put together DESPERADO and later reunited with ex-GILLAN colleague, John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy in GMT.
Returning to the stage in 2013, Bernie also began working in his favoured trio format once again, releasing three critically-acclaimed albums; “Flowers & Dirt” (2014), “Blackheart” (2015), the 3CD “Dublin Cowboy” (2017) package (comprising a live, an acoustic, and a new electric studio album) and “Shadowland” (2018). All were crowdfunded, connecting Bernie directly with his fans. Bernie stated: “In the past you were pretty distant and separated from your fans with a record label in between. Making these albums with pledge campaigns has been a great experience. I like having the connection with fans and getting the feedback direct on making an album.”
R.I.P. Bernie
