John Spinks, the celebrated guitarist and songwriter for the British pop-rock band The Outfield, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60 after battling liver cancer. His contribution to music, particularly with The Outfield, left an indelible mark on the landscape of 80s and 90s pop-rock.
The Outfield, propelled by the songwriting prowess of John Spinks, enjoyed significant chart success in the late 80s and early 90s. Between 1986 and 1992, the band landed eight singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their most iconic hit, “Your Love,” peaked at No. 6, becoming an enduring anthem of the era. The album that spawned this hit, “Play Deep,” released in 1985, was a commercial triumph, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and achieving Platinum certification from the RIAA after spending an impressive 66 weeks on the chart. John Spinks’ songwriting was central to this success, crafting catchy melodies and guitar riffs that defined The Outfield’s signature sound.
Dave Harris, The Outfield’s former manager and the host of “Retro Rewind” radio show, shared his heartfelt memories of John Spinks. “For me, John Spinks epitomized songwriting and music. His undying love for it was unmatched,” Harris stated. He further emphasized Spinks’ musical gifts, saying, “I think John was master of the melody; his riffs gave the Outfield life, his melodies made those songs memorable.” Harris also reflected on his personal connection to Spinks’ work, “As a teen, I was a huge fan and inspired by them. As a man, I got to manage them and tour with them. I saw firsthand how much John loved music. It was an honor. He’ll be missed.” These words underscore the deep respect and admiration for John Spinks, both as a musician and a person.
Before achieving fame as The Outfield, John Spinks, alongside bandmates Tony Lewis (vocals, bass) and Alan Jackman (drums), honed their musical partnership in earlier projects. Their journey began in the 1970s with a power-pop band called Sirius B. Years later, demonstrating their enduring musical connection, the Manchester-born trio regrouped and initially adopted the name The Baseball Boys. This iteration eventually led to a significant milestone: a recording contract with Columbia/CBS Records in 1984. It was at this juncture that they solidified their identity as The Outfield, ready to capture the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
Duki performs at Viña Del Mar on Friday night, Feb. 28.
Following the breakout success of “Play Deep,” The Outfield, with John Spinks at its core, continued to release albums that resonated with audiences throughout the 1980s. While the early 1990s saw the band take a step back from the intense limelight, they maintained their musical passion through occasional, intimate performances. As the turn of the century approached and the 2000s unfolded, The Outfield treated fans to compilations of rarities and live recordings, keeping their music alive. A significant moment arrived in 2011 when the original lineup, including John Spinks, Tony Lewis, and Alan Jackman (who had rejoined after a period away), reunited to record “Replay.” This album became their final studio offering, marking a poignant chapter in their musical story.
The news of John Spinks’ passing was shared with fans via a heartfelt message on The Outfield’s Facebook page. The band expressed gratitude for the enduring support, stating, “We would like to thank you for ‘Your Love’ and the continued support you have given John throughout his career.” The message highlighted Spinks’ dedication to his craft: “He loved making music and playing his guitar. He found pleasure knowing that his music made people happy and bought them fond memories.” Even in the face of health challenges, John Spinks’ commitment to music remained unwavering. The band revealed, “He worked hard with many days in pain to finish the Replay album. There were times when he could barely pick up his guitar, but he refused to give up knowing he would disappoint fans. The hardest day for John was when he put his guitar in its case announcing his hands could no longer play.” The Facebook post also offered a glimpse into the band’s creative spirit, even in recent times: “During the last months of his life, John, Tony and Alan wrote new material. What the future holds for this is unclear at the time of this writing.”
John Spinks’ legacy as a talented songwriter and guitarist will undoubtedly live on through The Outfield’s music. His contributions to pop-rock have left a lasting impact, and his songs continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. He will be remembered not only for his musical talent but also for his dedication to his craft and his desire to bring joy to others through his music.
