Roger Pope, a drummer with the Elton John band in the Seventies, has died from cancer on September 17, 2013.

Roger, together with Caleb Quaye, played in the band Hookfoot in the late Sixties. He and his band mates were also session players at Dick James Music and first recorded with Elton in late 1967. The group also acted as Elton's backing band at various appearances until early 1970.

In 1975 Roger was asked by Elton to join his new band, with which Roger stayed until 1976. He performed a total of 84 shows with Elton.

Roger also played on several Elton John albums including "Empty Sky", "Tumbleweed connection", "Madman Across the Water" and "Rock of the Westies". He leaves behind his partner for many years, Sue Tresidder, who married him just hours before he died peacefully.

We would like to convey our deepest and sincere sympathy to Sue and Roger's family: We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.

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