<\/p>\n
Hilly Boy Michaels, best known for his time as the drummer for the band Sparks, has died. <\/p>\n
He was 77.<\/p>\n
Sparks members Russell and Ron Mael shared the news via a statement on the band\u2019s Instagram page. <\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe are saddened by the passing of Hilly Boy Michaels,\u201d it read. \u201cHe was Sparks\u2019 drummer during the Big Beat (1976) era, but stayed in the \u2018Sparks realm\u2019 throughout the years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans and followers were quick to send love.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch sad news,\u201d one person wrote. \u201cMay he rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo sad to hear,\u201d another wrote. \u201cHe was a lovely unique guy and rock solid musician.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuch a hidden gem of a musician,\u201d another replied. \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t need to be mentioned, but Calling All Girls is so good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss,\u201d another wrote. \u201cYou\u2019re in my thoughts. May your friend and band mate, Hilly Boy, rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n There were plenty more comments like that, and you can see them all as well as the band\u2019s post on Instagram here. <\/p>\n Michaels had quite the career. <\/p>\n Prior to joining Sparks he was in a band, alongside Michael Bolton, called Joy. <\/p>\n The Mirror noted that his music made it into such films as \u201cCaddyshack\u201d and \u201cDie Laughing,\u201d and that he worked with artist such as John Mellencamp, Ronnie Wood and Marianne Faithfull.<\/p>\n Michaels, who was a native of New Haven, Connecticut, went on to release a pair of solo albums \u2014 \u201cCalling All Girls\u201d in 1980 and \u201cLumia\u201d in 1981 \u2014 after his time in Sparks. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n