The Outfield, in an undated photo on their website
Tony Lewis, the singer and bass guitarist for the rock band the Outfield, died October 20, 2020. No cause of death was revealed, though a statement from his publicist noted that Lewis, 62, died “suddenly and unexpectedly.”
A tweet on Lewis’ Twitter account wrote, “It is with great sadness and sorrow to announce that Tony Lewis has unexpectedly passed away. He was a beautiful soul who touched so many lives with his love, his spirit, and his music. He loved his fans dearly and enjoyed every opportunity he had when meeting all of you.”
Though the Outfield’s name and the title of their first album, Play Deep, referred to baseball, the group was from London, U.K. (They originally used the name the Baseball Boys in a reference to a teen gang in the film The Warriors. Their American manager ultimately convinced them to switch it to the Outfield and it stuck.)
Tony Lewis singing in the video for “Your Love”
Signed to Columbia Records, their debut album reached #9 on the U.S. sales chart, ultimately going triple Platinum, thanks to the success of the single, “Your Love,” which hit #6 on the Hot 100 and was regularly seen on MTV. A subsequent single from the LP, “All the Love in the World,” reached #19. Though they were from England, they barely charted in the U.K.
Lewis’ bandmates were John Spinks, the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, and drummer Alan Jackman. When Spinks died at age 60 in 2014, the group disbanded.
Though they charted other songs, including “Voices of Babylon” in 1989, nothing matched the success of “Your Love.”
Lewis was born December 21, 1957, in London’s East End. He released a solo album, Out of the Darkness, in 2018. A pre-pandemic note on the band’s website indicated Lewis “has a busy 2020 ahead touring America and writing new material.”
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His final performance was on Sept. 25 at a Rock Camp Masterclass.
#TonyLews of #TheOutfield did a Rock Camp Masterclass recently on September 25th. Devastatingly, this was his last public performance. We wanted to share this small clip. He still had it right until the end! Rest in Peace Tony. @TonyLewisMusic pic.twitter.com/A7pzQYOgFh
— RockFantasyCamp (@RockFantasyCamp) October 21, 2020
The Outfield’s recordings are available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
Related: Musicians we lost in 2020
13 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationVery sad news indeed. Their first CD was just plain fun–good, solid pop-rock songs. Thanks for the wonderful music Tony.
Will be yet another in the catalogue of one hit wonders. Sad they never developed further.
R. I. P.
They were far more then one hit wonders.
80’s music will never sound great without the Outfield and Tony Lewis , what a sad shock indeed
I love Tonys’ voice. That song is my favorite 80s pop song that gets that wonderful feeling going through my soul and brings me happiness.
Sad. I was a big fan in high school. Your Love brings back great memories.
….we lost another one…another ’80’s icon gone but not forgotten…RIP…your contributions are greatly appreciated from the ’80’s.
Nothing but happy memories. Rest in peace, Tony. You have not lost my love tonight!
Every time I here the outfield it brings me great and beautiful memories of the 80’s. I was young and serving my country in the Marines. Thank you Tony you had a beautiful voice I will miss you and the Outfield.
RIP Tony Lewis,
Love this song takes me back to great music through the 60’s 70’s 80’s 90’s. Very sad to here. Gone too soon…
So long Tony. Your Love is an amazing song I listen to regularly. Good bye Sir.
Oh shut up Samian. They had more popular songs than you will ever have. Rest in Peace Tony L.
For You & Voices of Babylon were 2 of their best releases. Wonderful band