Tony Wilson, the Trinidadian-born bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the British soul band Hot Chocolate, has died at the age of 89. His family confirmed that he passed away at his home in Trinidad on April 24, 2026.
Wilson was best known for helping shape the sound of Hot Chocolate, one of the most successful soul-pop groups of the 1970s. Alongside bandmate Errol Brown, he co-wrote several of the group’s biggest hits, including the global smash “You Sexy Thing,” which became a defining track of the era and later gained renewed popularity after being featured in the film The Full Monty.
Born in Trinidad, Wilson moved to London where he met Brown in the late 1960s. The pair began writing music together and eventually formed Hot Chocolate, blending elements of soul, funk, pop, and disco into a distinctive sound that earned them international success. Their early work even caught the attention of John Lennon, who approved their version of “Give Peace a Chance,” helping launch their career.
Initially serving as a lead vocalist, Wilson later transitioned to bass guitar due to contractual complications, allowing Brown to take center stage. Despite his crucial role in the band’s success, Wilson eventually left Hot Chocolate in the mid-1970s following disputes over royalties, including those tied to “You Sexy Thing.”
Beyond his work with the band, Wilson was also an accomplished songwriter, penning tracks for artists such as Herman’s Hermits and Mary Hopkin. He later pursued a solo career, releasing two albums before stepping away from the music industry in the 1980s.
Wilson’s death was announced by his son, who paid tribute to his father’s dedication and perseverance in the music industry, noting the lasting impact of his work. Fans and fellow musicians have since shared tributes online, celebrating a legacy that helped define a generation of British soul music.
No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
