The Troggs’ founding members were Reg Presley (lead vocals), Ronnie Bond (drums), Pete Staples (bass) and Chris Britton (guitar). The English rock band, originally called the Troglodytes, formed in Andover, Hampshire, in May 1964 and is still active. As of January 2026 the line-up is Chris Britton, Chris Allen, Stu Clark, Martin Shorrock and Dave Peters, with Britton playing selected dates only.
Presley and Bond were childhood friends who had an R&B band in Andover before Staples and Britton joined in 1964. That quartet recorded “Wild Thing,” which reached number 2 in the UK and number 1 in the United States in July 1966. Here is every official member, with roles and years as the band’s history lists them.
Reg Presley (1964–2012)
Founding lead vocalist, who also played the ocarina heard on “Wild Thing.” He wrote “From Home,” the B-side of that single, and stayed with the band until 2012. He died in 2013.
Ronnie Bond (1964–1988)
Founding drummer and Presley’s childhood friend. He played with the band until 1988 and died in 1992.
Pete Staples (1964–1969)
Founding bassist and backing vocalist, part of the “Wild Thing” line-up. He left in 1969.
Chris Britton (1964–1972, 1979–present)
Founding lead guitarist and backing vocalist. He left in 1972 and came back in 1979. Since 2017 he has played selected gigs only, and he has taken a sabbatical with Stu Clark covering for him.
Tony Murray (1969–1977, 1979–1984)
Replaced Staples on bass and backing vocals in 1969. He had two spells with the band.
Richard Moore (1972–1979)
Lead guitarist from 1972, filling Britton’s place, and also rhythm guitarist from 1976 to 1979.
David Wright (1972–1974)
Rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist in the early 1970s line-up.
Colin Fletcher (1974–1976)
Took over rhythm guitar and backing vocals from Wright.
Jo Burt (1977–1979)
Bassist between Tony Murray’s two spells in the band.
Pete Lucas (1984–2022)
Bassist and backing vocalist for 38 years, the longest-serving bass player in the band’s history. He died in 2023.
Dave Maggs (1988–2018)
Took over the drums after Ronnie Bond and held the seat for three decades.
Chris Allen (2012–present)
Became lead vocalist in 2012, the year Reg Presley stopped, and has also played bass since 2022.
John W Doyle (2017–2024)
Guitarist from 2017 to 2024, the period when Britton began playing selected dates only.
Darren Bond (2018–2023)
Drummer after Dave Maggs, from 2018 to 2023.
Martin Shorrock (2023–present)
The band’s current drummer, since 2023.
Stu Clark (2024–present)
Guitarist and backing vocalist since 2024, brought in while Britton takes time out.
Dave Peters (2024–present)
Current bassist and backing vocalist, since 2024.
The Troggs Line-Ups at a Glance
- Original line-up (1964): Reg Presley, Ronnie Bond, Pete Staples, Chris Britton
- Current line-up (as of January 2026): Chris Britton (selected dates), Chris Allen, Stu Clark, Martin Shorrock, Dave Peters
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who sang “Wild Thing” by the Troggs? Reg Presley, the band’s original lead vocalist.
- Which original Troggs member is still in the band? Guitarist Chris Britton, though he now plays selected gigs only.
- What were the Troggs’ biggest songs? “Wild Thing,” “With a Girl Like You” and “Love Is All Around,” each of which sold over 1 million copies.
- Where are the Troggs from? Andover, Hampshire, England.
For other 1960s British bands, see the complete lists of Kinks band members, Zombies band members and Searchers band members.
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