John Geils, founding member and guitarist of The J. Geils Band – famous for their iconic ’80s hit ‘Centrefold’ – has passed away at the age of 71 of natural causes.

As reported by WCVB TV Geils was found dead in his home in Groton, Massachusetts yesterday, with local police releasing a statement to Rolling Stone soon afterwards.

“At approximately 4 p.m., Groton Police responded to a home on Graniteville Road for a well-being check,” Groton Police said in a statement. “Upon arrival to the house, police located a man who was unresponsive. He was declared dead at the scene. The Groton Police Department is investigating the death, as is standard procedure in all unattended deaths, however foul play is not suspected at this time.”

The band found early chart success in the ’70s with their albums Bloodshot and Nightmares…and Other Tales from the Vinyl Jungle , cracking the top ten and allowing the band to tour with the likes of The Rolling Stones and Peter Frampton.

Their most notable track, the ‘Centerfold’ was released in 1981 and remains an ’80s staple to this day. Tensions within the band led them to break up several years later, but they reformed several times in the intervening years, most recently supporting the likes of Bon Jovi and Bob Seger several years back.

Twice nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band will once again be put forward next year, but their induction will unfortunately just a little too late for John to celebrate.

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