12 August 2020

‘If I had a Hammer’ singer Trini Lopez dies from coronavirus, aged 83

Trini Lopez,  known for his cover of If I Had A Hammer and as the star of 1960s film The Dirty Dozen, has died at the age of 83 from complications linked to coronavirus.

The musician and actor died in Southern California on Tuesday, Palm Springs Life Magazine reported.

Lopez was highly-regarded by those within the music industry (ABACA/PA Images)

Lopez’s death comes shortly after a documentary had been made showcasing his life.

His friend Alison Martino said: "My heart is broken. We lost TRINI LOPEZ today from COVID-19. I will always cherish our unique and special friendship.

"We are completely gutted. We had just finished a documentary on his life. Farewell my guitar hero."

American rock band Foo Fighters were one of the biggest artists to pay tribute to the legend, with founder, lead singer and guitarist Dave Grohl releasing a touching message.

They posted a photo of Lopez’s Gibson guitar line along with the caption: "Today the world sadly lost yet another legend, Trini Lopez. 

"Trini not only left a beautiful musical legacy of his own, but also unknowingly helped shape the sound of the Foo Fighters from day one. Every album we have ever made, from the first to the latest, was recorded with my red 1967 Trini Lopez signature guitar.

"It is the sound of our band, and my most prized possession from the day I bought it in 1992. Thank you, Trini for all of your contributions. You will be missed by many, remembered by all. 

"RIP Trini Lopez."

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