Phil May

Philip Dennis Arthur May (born Wadey, later Kattner; 9 November 1944 – 15 May 2020) was an English vocalist. He gained fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Pretty Things, of which he was a founding member. May remained a member throughout the band's changing line-up over the years, and was one of the band's main lyricists. He was the primary lyricist for the album S.F. Sorrow.

Early life Born Philip Wadey in Dartford, Kent on 9 November 1944, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, whose surname was May. In childhood, he was sent back to live with his mother and stepfather, whose surname was Kattner, but later decided to change his name to May. With May as lead singer, the band became part of the British blues rock scene and quickly gained a recording contract. drug-taking and bisexuality. The 1968 album S.F. Sorrow, which was released on the Motown imprint Rare Earth, was regarded as the first rock opera album. However, after they had recorded only eight partially complete songs, all except May abandoned the project. They had a son, Paris, and a daughter, Sorrel. The marriage ended in divorce.

In 2014, May was diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Emphysema. He was survived by his long-term partner, Colin Graham.