The Bollock Brothers founder Jock McDonald dies in freak swimming accident
Founding member of punk band, The Bollock Brothers, Jock McDonald, has died at the age of 69 after being involved in a “freak swimming accident,” according to his bandmate.
The tragic news was shared by the band’s drummer Pat Pattyn in a Facebook post that said: “It is with great sadness in my heart, I have to bring you this terrible news…sadly, our singer Jock McDonald has died, apparently a freak swimming accident.”
McDonald was reportedly found dead by RNLI volunteer lifeguards in the water near the diving boards at Bundoran beach in Ireland, per Donegal Live. He was taken to Sligo University Hospital, but sadly, he was unable to be saved and was later pronounced dead.
Pattyn continued: “His 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. Rest in peace, my friend. I will miss you.”
The band formed with Scotsman McDonald at the helm in 1979, becoming most acclaimed thanks to their English-language cover version of Serge Gainsbourg’s ‘Harley David (Son of a Bitch)’, which was originally performed in French.
The singer grew up living between Donegal in Ireland and Clydebank near Glasgow, Scotland, having been born in the Partick area of the Scottish city.
Later moving to London, McDonald became a promoter, DJ, and manager before going on to spearhead his band, who gained other hits in the form of their own original song, ‘The Slow Removal Vincent van Gogh’s Left Ear’.
Having released nine albums and continuing to perform up until shortly before his death, McDonald had reportedly been working on a new single and album in recent months.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Punk Newsletter
All the latest Punk content from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.