Iron Butterfly frontman Doug Ingle dies aged 78

Doug Ingle, singer, organist and founding member of American rock band Iron Butterfly has died aged 78.

His son, Doug Ingle Jr announced the death via social media.“It’s with a heavy heart & great sadness to announce the passing of my Father Doug Ingle,” he posted.

“Dad passed away peacefully this evening in the presence of family. Thank You Dad for being a father, teacher and friend. Cherished loving memories I will carry the rest of my days moving forward in this journey of life. Love you Dad.”

A cause of death is yet to be revealed.

Ingle was the last surviving member from the original Iron Butterfly lineup. They formed in San Diego in 1966, releasing their most well-known hit ‘In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida’ two years later.

Ingle was the last surviving member from the original Iron Butterfly lineup. They formed in San Diego in 1966, releasing their most well-known hit ‘In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida’ two years later. The song is credited with helping pave the way for the birth of the hard rock and heavy metal, influencing the Beatles' Ringo Starr, who took inspiration from the song's drum solo during 'The End' from the Beatle's 1969 album, Abbey Road.

Rumoured to have been originally titled 'The Garden of Eden', it is said that the name changed after Ingle became intoxicated and slurred the words. The song is famously 17 minutes long, taking up almost half of the album of the same name.

The track was edited down to under three minutes and became a chart success, landing at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Ingle remained with the group for another two studio albums, including 1969's Ball, which charted at No. 3 in the US. He left the band in 1971, returning for various tours until the mid '90s.  He was the last of the original band members to pass, after the deaths of drummer Ron Bushy, bassist Lee Dorman and guitarist Eric Brann between 2003-2021.