Songwriter Alan Merrill, best known for the hit I Love Rock N' Roll, has died after contracting coronavirus, his daughter has said.
Announcing the sad news on Facebook Laura Merrill said her 69-year-old dad seemed 'peaceful' before he passed away in New York.
She wrote: "The coronavirus took my father this morning. I was given two minutes to say my goodbyes before I was rushed out.
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"He seemed peaceful and as I left was still a glimmer of hope that he wouldn't be a ticker on the right-hand side of the CNN/Fox news screen.
"I walked 50 blocks home still with hope in my heart. The city that I knew was empty. I felt I was the only person here and perhaps in many ways I was. By the time I got in the doors to my apartment I received the news that he was gone.
"How could this be? I was just at his show a couple of weeks ago. I had just photographed his portrait for his new album. Texted with him earlier. He played down the 'cold' he thought he had."
She went on to urge others to stay inside while the outbreak continues, adding: "People are dying. You don't think It'll happen to you or your strong family. It has. Stay home if not for you... for others. For my dad. This thing is real. We probably won't be able to mourn him properly with a funeral.
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"I just lost the greatest love of my life and won't be able to hug anyone because I've been exposed and need to self-quarantine for two weeks... alone."
Fellow musician Joan Jett, who had a number one hit with I Love Rock 'N Roll in 1982, shared a heartfelt tribute to Merrill, posting on Twitter: "I've just learned of the awful news that Alan Merrill has passed. My thoughts and love go to his family, friends and music community as a whole.
"I can still remember watching the Arrows on TV in London and being blown away by the song that screamed hit to me. With deep gratitude and sadness, wishing him a safe journey to the other side."
Featured Image Credit: YouTubeTopics: Music, Coronavirus
