Joe Murphy, the bassist, vocalist, and producer of the rock band Koopa, has died at the age of 46. His devastated sister announced his death on Facebook, writing: "For those who knew him, it breaks my heart to say that my big brother, Joe Murphy has passed away. Love you big bro."
Koopa's Historic Chart Success
Murphy co-founded Koopa in the early 2000s with brothers Stu and Ollie Cooper. He was widely regarded as the heart of the trio's sound. In 2007, Koopa made history by becoming the first ever band to reach the UK Top 40 through digital sales alone, and the first group to have a charting single without being signed to a record label.
Between 2004 and 2007, Koopa toured across the UK and released two singles through Mad Cow Records: No Trend, which reached No. 71 on the UK Singles Chart, and Stand Up 4 England, a World Cup-inspired song that featured on the 2006 re-release of England (The Album).
Breaking Barriers as Unsigned Artists
In 2007, their single Blag, Steal & Borrow debuted at number 31, making them the first unsigned act to reach the charts. That same year, the band opened the Isle of Wight Festival and won two honours at the Glasswerk New Music Awards.
Horror Car Crash in 2021
In June 2021, Murphy was involved in a horror car accident after suffering a cardiac arrest while driving. He crashed on Mersea Road in Colchester and was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition, spending time in intensive care. He died five years later, aged 46.
Tributes from the Music Community
Tributes have flooded in for Murphy. Essex band The Broken Johnny's said: "Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of local legend Joe Murphy from the band Koopa. Grew up with these guys and saw them supporting Special Duties at Colchester Arts Centre before they went off to America. May Joe Rest In Peace now."
Essex Rocks Creative CIC added: "We've left it for a few days so everyone can digest the sad information that our friend Joe Murphy has passed on. Joe and his band Koopa were a massive part of our formative years as promoters in the mid 2000s and we feel privileged to have known him on a personal level and worked with him as a musician. Keep playing those riffs Joe. We love you."
