Alan Merrill, the composer of the hit single “I Love Rock’n’Roll” passed away on Sunday, March 29, falling victim to coronavirus. His daughter, Laura, posted the news of the death on social media, complaining about his hospitalization in New York as you can see in her post on Facebook below.
Merrill composed the song in 1975 with his band Arrows. Seven years later Joan Jett’s cover went to America’s No.1 and stayed there for seven consecutive weeks. In the news of his death, Jett commented: “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.”
