Founding Troggs frontman Reg Presley died Monday in Andover, England, after a battle with lung cancer.  He was 71.  Kevin Lewin of World Entertainment News Network confirms to ABC News Radio that he spoke with the singer's daughter Karen , and she told him that Presley "passed away peacefully at home and myself, my brother and our mother were with him."  According to Lewin, she added, "We're absolutely heartbroken."

In January of 2012, Presley revealed in a message posted on The Troggs' official website that he had been diagnosed with cancer and announced his immediate retirement from the band.

The Troggs formed in Andover in 1964, and are best known for the garage-rock classic "Wild Thing," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966.  The band's single "With a Girl Like You" reached the top 30 hit that same year, while their hit "Love Is All Around" peaked at #7 in 1968.

Veteran music journalist Keith Altham penned a tribute to his "dear old pal" Presley that he posted on his Facebook page .  "He was one very real person in a sometimes very unreal world," wrote Altham.  "Our thoughts are with his wife Brenda and the family and those legion of fans who loved his music and his band.  I will miss him hugely."

The writer also revealed that, while fighting cancer, Presley had suffered "a succession of recent strokes."

After Presley's retirement, The Troggs brought hired Chris Allen as their new lead singer.  He previously had worked with The Denny Laine Band , The Commitments and The Animals .

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