John Du Cann

John William Cann (2 June 1946 – 21 September 2011), later known by his stage name John Du Cann, was an English guitarist primarily known through his work in the 1970s band Atomic Rooster.

Life and career His early bands included the Wiltshire based The Sonics (not to be confused with the 1960s US band The Sonics) and London-based The Attack, which released "Hi Ho Silver Lining" a few days prior to Jeff Beck. He went on to lead a psychedelic, progressive, hard rock band called Andromeda, along with Atomic Rooster's biggest hit single, "Devil's Answer", which reached No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart in July 1971, just before Cann left the band.

Upon departing Atomic Rooster he formed Daemon, later renamed Bullet, then Hard Stuff,

In 1979, Du Cann and Crane re-formed Atomic Rooster with Preston Heyman on drums (with whom they recorded their 1980 self-titled album).

John Du Cann's last ever studio recording was made in 2000, at Green Hills Studio in Norwich. It was owned by Chris Phillips, who also wrote the sleeve notes for three of the Atomic Rooster CDs released on Angel Air. Du Cann overdubbed guitar and vocals on an unused backing track that was recorded in 1980, titled "Broken Window". The track was originally added to the Rarities CD on the Angel Air label (SJPCD069), released in 2000, and later on The First 10 Explosive Years Volume 2 (SJPCD086) released in 2001.

Du Cann died at his home in Norwich on 21 September 2011 after a heart attack. His mother was the only beneficiary of his estate. He is buried at Greenacres Burial Ground at Colney, near Norwich. His gravestone is inscribed with the first line of "Devil's Answer".