‘A hidden gem of a musician’

Hilly Boy Michaels, best known for his time as the drummer for the band Sparks, has died.

He was 77.

Sparks members Russell and Ron Mael shared the news via a statement on the band’s Instagram page.

“We are saddened by the passing of Hilly Boy Michaels,” it read. “He was Sparks’ drummer during the Big Beat (1976) era, but stayed in the ‘Sparks realm’ throughout the years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Fans and followers were quick to send love.

“Such sad news,” one person wrote. “May he rest in peace.”

“So sad to hear,” another wrote. “He was a lovely unique guy and rock solid musician.”

“Such a hidden gem of a musician,” another replied. “It shouldn’t need to be mentioned, but Calling All Girls is so good.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” another wrote. “You’re in my thoughts. May your friend and band mate, Hilly Boy, rest in peace.”

There were plenty more comments like that, and you can see them all as well as the band’s post on Instagram here.

Michaels had quite the career.

Prior to joining Sparks he was in a band, alongside Michael Bolton, called Joy.

The Mirror noted that his music made it into such films as “Caddyshack” and “Die Laughing,” and that he worked with artist such as John Mellencamp, Ronnie Wood and Marianne Faithfull.

Michaels, who was a native of New Haven, Connecticut, went on to release a pair of solo albums — “Calling All Girls” in 1980 and “Lumia” in 1981 — after his time in Sparks.

Read the original article on pennlive.com.