Cliff Notes – Bollock Brothers singer Jock McDonald dies aged 69 after freak swimming accident
- Jock McDonald, founding member of The Bollock Brothers, died in a swimming accident in Bundoran, Ireland, at the age of 69.
- The band, formed in 1979, is known for hits such as “Horror movies” and “The Bunker,” and has released nine studio albums.
- Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians, with McDonald remembered as a significant figure in the music community.
The Bollock Brothers singer Jock McDonald dies aged 69 after ‘freak swimming accident’
The Bollock Brothers musician Jock McDonald has died aged 69. Singer Jock McDonald has died in a ‘freak swimming accident’.
The musician was best known for being part of the British band The Bollock Brothers, which he formed in 1979.
Other members of the band are guitarist Chris McKelvey, bassist Richard Collins, Klaus Fiehe, drummer Patrick Pattyn, guitarist Ciaran Crossan and keyboard player Morgan Michaux.
Over the years the band has released nine studio albums, with their most notable hits included original songs Horror Movies, The Bunker and The Legend of the Snake, as well as their English-language cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s Harley David (Son of a B****) and Alex Harvey’s Faith Healer.
However, in 2008 their longtime keyboard player Mark Humphries died, with their album Last Will & Testament, being dedicated to him when it was released the following year.
Now, the band has lost another member, after McDonald died earlier this week in Bundoran, Ireland.
He formed the British band in 1979
Sharing the news on Facebook, Pattyn wrote: It is with great sadness in my heart, I have to bring you this terrible news…sadly, our singer Jock McDonald has died last night in Ireland, apparently a freak swimming accident.
‘Children asked me to tell you all via this way…his family and all the Bollock Brothers are in shock…we are going to try and give this a place, but that won’t be easy…Please don’t try to call us today, give us some time, please. Rest in peace, my friend…I will miss you…’
Donegal Live reported that McDonald had been taken from the water near the diving boards at Bundoran beach by volunteers for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution on Saturday evening, July 26 after reports of a casualty on the rocks.
Although he was rushed to Sligo University Hospital, he was later pronounced dead there.
Many have paid tribute to the musician, with one fan writing on social media their ‘heart was broken’ by the news.
McDonald died in Bundoran, Ireland over the weekend in a ‘freak swimming accident’
Independent record label Charly Records shared: ‘Charly Records are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jock McDonald, founding member of The Bollock Brothers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jock.’
Meanwhile his brother Gerry O’Donnell added: ‘He was more than a brother to me. I’m heartbroken, but if he had to be taken, then for him it would have been Donegal with our mum and Dad.’
Born Patrick Joseph O’Donnell and growing up between Donegal and Clydebank, Scotland, McDonald went on to work as a promoter, DJ, manager and musician.
He was reportedly working on new music at the time of his death.